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FORCEAIRVol. 50, No. 15, August 21, 2008 The official newspaper of the Royal Australian Air Force

ORION LIFTOn the radar:Air traffic in focus – centre

6SQN success:Ex Northern Challenge – P5

$68 million AP-3C upgrade gets the thumbs up Page 2

TOP GRADE CAPABILITY: The AP-3C fleet will be fitted with

new technologically-advanced sensor systems as part of a $68

million facelift just announced by the government (see Page 2). Pictured is 10SQN aircraft

technician LAC Kingsley “Punky” Brewster giving the all clear to an

Orion crew as they prepare for take-off during Exercise RIMPAC

in Hawaii (see 6). Photo: CPL Ricky Fuller

2 News AIR FORCE August 21, 2008

Advertising managerGeoff Howard: (02) 6266 76050405 310 [email protected]

Advertising RepresentativeTim Asher: (07) 3332 76510414 552 [email protected]

Postal address:R8–LG–048, Russell OfficesCanberra, ACT 2600

DisclaimerAIR FORCE News is published fortnightly by the Directorate of Defence Newspapers. Printed by Capital Fine Print. The publisher reserves the right to refuse advertising if it is deemed inappropriate and to change the size of the ad, print type or other specifications if material is not compatible with our system. The fact an ad is accepted for publication does not mean that the product or service has the endorsement of Defence or AIR FORCE News.

FORCEAIRDirectorRod Horan: (02) 6265 [email protected] Liebelt: (02) 6265 [email protected] Editor/Sports EditorBarry Rollings: (02) 6265 [email protected]

Senior ReporterAndrew Stackpool: (02) 6266 [email protected]

Reporter/PhotographerLAC Aaron Curran: (02) 6265 [email protected]

Website: http://www.defence.gov.au/news/raafnews

Email: [email protected] (Put [sec=unclassified] after title in subject line)

SubscriptionsTrish Dillon: (02) 6266 [email protected]

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Commendation winners

It’s all good for our Air ForceAir Mail Warrant Officer of the Air Force

WOFF-AF Ray Woolnough, AM

Greetings Airmen of the Air Force.

The work schedule is again hectic, and, to be honest, I am quite pleased that it is busy. There is no time to sit back and contemplate life after being the Warrant Officer of the Air Force, but I am aware of taking breaks. Having attended an important meeting with the Defence Force Remuneration Tribunal, visited RAAF Base Amberley with the new CAF, and represented the Air Force at the recently held 2008 3WG Australian Air Force Cadets (AAFC) drill competition, my faith in our Air Force’s future was well and truly cemented. The future is looking bright.

On July 28, I attended the initial meeting of the Airmen Aircrew pay case at RAAF Glenbrook. There was a good representation of aircrew mem-bers, and as expected, the camaraderie was fantastic.

The following day, I travelled to HMAS Kuttabul to attend the Graded Other Ranks Pay Structure focus group. Besides the three constant members of the Remuneration Cell, namely Mr Carl Snelling, Mr Murray Smith and WOFF Lex ‘Lexatius’ Roberts, I can put my hand on my heart and say that

Commendation winnersCAF Commendation – Gold� WGCDR David Thiele – for his

exceptional performance as the Deputy Director Combat Support within AFHQ.

� WGCDR Kenneth Henderson – for his outstanding perform-ance as Staff Offi cer – Safety and Airworthiness at Headquarters Air Force Training Group.

� WOFF Kerry Mann – for his outstanding performance as the Maintenance FSGT at 37SQN.

� FSGT Scott Biddell – for his outstanding service as the SNCO in charge of the Quality Management Cell and Maintenance Quality Management System Administrator at 36SQN.

ACAUST Commendation – Silver� Mr John Ames – for his

outstanding professionalism as the Staff Offi cer Capability Management – Information Warfare at Headquarters, Aerospace Operational Support Group (AOSG).

� Mr Robert Harvey – for his out-standing professionalism, dedica-tion to service and loyalty to the Air Force and AOSG since 1989, and more recently as the Staff Offi cer Capability Management Development and Test at AOSG.

ACAUST Commendation – Bronze� CPL Troy Asquith – for his

outstanding professional compe-tence and team contribution to 36SQN.

the enlisted force of our great Air Force was well and truly represented by the following members – FSGTs Andrew Braun, David Campbell, Steve Cobb, Pete Gwyther, Brian Holdcroft, Raylee Scott, Bill Shimmin, Michelle Smith, Craig Sharp and SGTs Spike Cheney, Sean O’Dowd, Adam Poultney and Stu Williams.

To those members, a personal thank you from me for the professional and mature manner in which you conducted yourselves. Representing the enlisted force was not an easy task, but you all contributed to the discussions well beyond what was expected – well done.

Our Chief and I travelled to RAAF Base Amberley to attend the Military Working Dog Handlers’ graduation at the Security and Fire School on July 31 (see story page 4).

The graduating handlers and their dogs were justifiably proud of not only graduating but for putting on a magnifi-cent show. My best wishes are extend-ed to the following graduates (and their dogs) – LACW Belinda Walters (Yandi), ACWs Tegan Blaby (Electra), Sarah Deverell (Kirra), Bianca McLean (Kai), Peita-Michelle Toms (Sye); and ACs Nathan Briggs (Fax), Patrick Hanley (Flynn), Ryan Harris (Tommy),

Vladimir Lalovic (Chizel), Harry Lazarou (Ethan), Sam Makins (Victor), David Marsh (Candy), Andrew Smith (Thunder) and Jack Treloar (E-dog).

While we were visiting the base, the Chief and I were put through our paces to qualify for our annual pistol handling test and shoot. I have nothing but admi-ration for the members of the RAAF Base Amberley Defence Section, well led by FSGT Brett Rogers. The manner in which they conducted the testing and the shoot was nothing short of utter-ly professional. To the FSGT’s team – SGTs Pete Delaney and Sean Seery, CPL Jamie Marchant and LACs Shaun Hayward and Leith Walsh – thank you, gentlemen.

If the visits and events of last week were not enough of an inspiration for me, attending the 2008 3WG AAFC drill competition as head judge was certainly the ‘icing on the cake’.

This competition was held at RAAF Base Richmond on August 2, and was attended by all NSW AAFC squad-rons. The enthusiasm and effort put into this event was second to none. The cadets not only did foot drill, but had teams competing in other events such as shooting, abseiling, field craft and service knowledge. The overall win-

ning AAFC squadron was No. 322 (City of Ryde) Squadron. Well done to the cadets of the winning squadron. To all those cadets who competed from around NSW – a big thank you for a great day. What I witnessed during the day’s proceedings left me in no doubt that the future of the Defence Force, and more specifically our Air Force, will be bright should these cadets join our great organisation. To WOFF (AAFC) Gregg Odlum, the 3WG AAFC WOFF – a personal thank you for being my host.

I would like to congratulate the Air Force personnel listed at right, for recently being presented their well-deserved commendations.

’Till next time, please keep on smil-ing.

By FLTLT Jaimie Abbott

IT’S a $68 million facelift which will provide a whole new capability for the AP-3C Orion fleet.

All of the Edinburgh-based Orion aircraft are set to be fitted with new, technologically-advanced sensor sys-tems as part of the AIR 5276 Capability Assurance Program 1 (CAP 1).

The fleet will be equipped with new electro optic/infra red sensors, a high data-rate communications system (Tactical Common Data Link), and a replacement video recorder system.

Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon MP made the announcement at RAAF Base Edinburgh on August 15.

“This valuable real-time informa-tion and high-speed streaming of data will further allow us to support a wide range of allied and coalition armed service partners, as well as Air Force units, the Australian Army and Navy, Australian Federal Police and Coast Watch,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.

“The information gained from this technology will help protect coalition forces by warning them of hostile or suspicious activity.”

Joining him at the announcement was Minister for Defence Science and Personnel Warren Snowdon MP and Federal Member for Wakefield Nick Champion.

CAP 1 has been developed in partnership with Australian industry through the P3 Accord, which is an alliance between the Defence Materiel Organisation, BAE Systems Australia Defence and Australian Aerospace Ltd.

The news was welcomed by 92WG as the technology upgrade will enable Orion crews to obtain high-quality tac-tical situation data and, just as impor-tantly, pass this information on to other friendly units in real-time.

OC 92WG GPCAPT Stephen Osborne said the AP-3C is already among the world’s most capable mari-time patrol and response aircraft and this upgrade will enhance its effective-ness.

“It is an extremely versatile air-craft that provides important informa-tion to coalition forces in the Middle East Area of Operations (MEAO),” GPCAPT Osborne said.

“The Orions have been deployed to the MEAO since early 2003 to conduct

surveillance operations in support of the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Iraq (Op Catalyst) and the fight against terror (Op Slipper).

“Most of the aircraft currently being used in the MEAO have already been fitted with many of the systems that will be fitted to the whole AP-3C fleet through CAP 1,” he said.

Commander of Surveillance and

Response Group AIRCDRE Warren Ludwig said the CAP 1 program was part of a number of upgrades planned for the AP-3C prior to its planned with-drawal from service around 2018.

“The new sensor systems will enable us to provide both higher-qual-ity and faster support to the Army and Navy, and to other agencies such as the Federal Police and Coast Watch,”

AIRCDRE Ludwig said. “It will be a major step towards further improv-ing the effectiveness and utility of the Orions.”

Aircrew training and engineering support will also be provided to rein-force this modern technology.

The CAP 1 Program is expected to be rolled out across the fleet by November 2011.

BIG NEWS: Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon MP announces the Orion upgrade project to media at RAAF Base Edinburgh, flanked by Minister for Defence Science and Personnel Warren Snowdon MP (left) and Federal Member for Wakefield Nick Champion. Right, the Minister is joined by OC Maritime Patrol Systems Program Office GPCAPT Tim Pedley (left) and OC 92WG GPCAPT Stephen Osborne. Photos: LAC Glen McCarthy

Maritime Maritime upgradeupgrade

3 NewsAIR FORCE August 21, 2008

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By Andrew Stackpool

“WOULDN’T it be great if I had nev-er had to write the book?” was the ques-tion posed by SQNLDR Kay Ellis.

She was speaking at the launch of the ADF Commanders Guide (Looking after families following a Service death) at Russell Offices on August 6.

CDF ACM Angus Houston launched the book in front of the three Service Chiefs or their representatives and other Service personnel.

“The reality is that I did have to write it and there will be people who have to use it. So, I hope it helps,” she said.

In 2002, the then FLTLT Ellis wrote a comprehensive report for Air Force on the management of bereaved families follow-ing the death of a Service member. She had lost her husband, FLTLT Tim Ellis, in a B707 accident in 1991.

She examined the practices of the RAF and US Air Force and discovered that they had complete sets of orders on how to look after families following a death.

“This was important,” she said. “Firstly, the ADF had no such orders and, secondly, it did not acknowledge that people would die and therefore would have families to whom it would have an ongoing commit-ment.”

Subsequently, her report was produced as a 30-page guide for Air Force com-manders by the then CAF, AIRMSHL Houston. Its worth was proved in 2005 when it was used in the aftermath of the Sea King crash tragedy in Indonesia in which nine members died.

After Nias, CDF directed that a tri-Service guide be written to reflect the joint nature of Defence activities. The guide, which is divided into five main themes,

New guide to help families

Comprises 96 pages in an easy-to-read format. Includes options for assisting other unit members to cope. Includes ‘how to’ and ’how not to’ advice on managing aspects. Is aimed at command at all lev-els. Commanders are directed to become familiar with the guide.

Guide at a glance

covers a wide range of topics ranging from immediate action after the death through to the use of supporting organisations, and long-term support for families as part of the wider Defence ‘family’.

It is supported by a range of more per-sonal aspects, including illustrations, case studies and comments from people who have suffered the grief of loss.

“I wanted it laid out so that, like a novel, once a person picked it up they wouldn’t put it down,” she said.

The new guide also stressed that com-manders must consider the members of their units and provide them support and keep them informed.

Launching the guide, ACM Houston said that as the CO of 9SQN, he had lost a member in a flying accident.

“More recently, there have been a number of deaths on active service in Afghanistan, Iraq, East Timor and the Solomon Islands,” ACM Houston said.

“I had to deal with this [9SQN mem-ber’s death] with nothing to rely on other than good judgement and my experiences from about 20 years in the Service. I think commanders now are much better placed with a guide like this,” he said.

To SQNLDR Ellis, he said: “Thank you. This guide does everything you set it out to do and the Services will find it useful in the years ahead. Like you, I’d like to see no deaths at all, but it is a part and parcel of what we do in the ADF. We need to deal with it in a professional and compassionate way.”

It is imperative that commanders read and understood the guide.

“I expect every commander in the ADF to read this so they can handle the chal-lenge of a death on their watch. It will assist everybody in dealing with a set of very difficult and challenging circum-stances,” he said.

“I am thrilled that this [launch] has finally happened,” SQNLDR Ellis said. “I feel that it has had a long gestation.”

BE PREPARED: Above, CDF ACM Angus Houston speaks at the launch of the ADF Commanders Guide, a new tool to assist commanders in dealing with the death of a serving member. BE GUIDED: Left, SQNLDR Kay Ellis wrote the guide after many years researching and compiling information. SQNLDR Ellis lost her husband in an aircraft accident in 1991. Photos: CPL Raymond VanceBE HELPED: Bottom left, the family of a deployed member awaits their return. In future, there are clear guides for the ADF to assist them in the event of their loved one’s death. Photo: LAC Aaron Curran

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By FLGOFF Anita Green

THE Air Force celebrated 50 years of Military Working Dog (MWD) training with a special guest in CAF AIRMSHL Mark Binskin, when he attended the graduation of the newest MWDs and their handlers at RAAF Base Amberley on July 31.

MWDs have played an essential role in the security of air bases since their formal introduction in 1958. They have served in Australia, Butterworth Malaysia, Singapore, and East Timor.

AIRMSHL Binskin, who reviewed the parade, was a foster carer of an MWD and was reunited with his dog ‘Mig’ on the day. As thanks for his con-tinued support of the Air Force dogs and the Puppy Foster Program, AIRMSHL Binskin was presented with a keepsake MWD coat.

“This parade is significant for a number of reasons,” CO of the RAAF Security and Fire School (RAAFSFS), WGCDR Simon Sauer, said.

“Firstly, we welcome the newest

MWD teams to Air Force, and will see these teams move out to a number of Air Force bases as a key part of our security capability.

“Secondly, we recognise the history and experience associated with MWD operations in the Air Force.”

After the parade, puppies from the Puppy Foster Program and fully-trained MWDs entertained the crowd with an impressive display of their skills.

Present and former security police and MWD handlers were on-hand to celebrate this important milestone.

The anniversary was also celebrated with a special dinner on August 1.

The Puppy Foster Program gives the opportunity for individuals or families to ‘adopt’ a puppy before it is trained as a MWD.

This gives the puppy the love and attention that is essential for its early development. For more information about the Puppy Foster program, contact FSGT Alan Grossman from RAAFSFS at email: [email protected]

Fifty for doggiesHalf a century of training for MWDs

PRIZED UP: CAF AIRMSHL Mark Binskin congratulates AC Jack Treloar, accompanied by his MWD ‘E-Dog’, for winning the J. B. Teirnan Police Qualities Award and Dux of the course after the graduation parade. POOCH PARADE: Right, the graduating MWD handler parade marches past AIRMSHL Binskin during the 50th anniversary celebrations, watched by present and former security police and MWD handlers. Photos: AC Dan Pinhorn

AIR Force has joined an ADF Joint Task Force in the small Pacific Island nation of Kiribati for Opera-tion Kiribati Assist.

The deployment, due to finish on August 26, is the ADF’s contribution to Australia’s response to a request from the Government of Kiribati to help dispose of WWII unexploded ordnance

(UXO) within Kiribati. The task force, being ferried by a 37SQN C-130, are disposing of UXO identified during a 2007 reconnaissance of the islands and scoping any future UXO disposal requirements.

The JTF comprises approximately 22 people, including a Navy Clearance Diving Team, Army and Air Force EOD teams and a medical team.

Op Kiribati Assist underway

5NewsAIR FORCE August 21, 2008

By FLGOFF Bettina Mears

EXERCISE Northern Challenge conducted from RAAF Base Towns-ville from June 30 to July 18 marked one of the last official duties of 6SQN as a separate entity.

It is in the process of amalgamating with 1SQN to form the one squadron.

Approximately six 6SQN F-111 aircraft from RAAF Base Amberley deployed to Townsville, along with more than 150 support personnel.

The exercise represented the final phase of the Operational Conversion Course for the training of F-111 aircrew.

The new aircrew are FLTLT Shannon Kennedy, FLGOFFs Andrew Kloeden and Conrad Stalling, and PLTOFFs Adele Merriman and Scott Merrick.

With activities involving the release of live and inert weapons into the Shoalwater Bay Training Area near Rockhampton, Northern Challenge pro-vided comprehensive instruction in all aspects of F-111 operations by day and

by night, as well as providing the squad-ron’s ‘gunnies’ with an important oppor-tunity for training.

“Northern Challenge 2008 was a great success; we achieved all the aims we set out to achieve and graduated five opera-tional conversion students,” CO 6SQN WGCDR Stephen Meredith said.

“1SQN now has three new F-111 C-category aircrew. Due to the opportunity to practise live and inert weapon training, a whole lot of really valuable training for our ‘gunnies’ was completed, which is really fantastic.

“An important milestone was also reached because this was the last exer-cise that 6SQN will complete before the amalgamation of 1 and 6SQNs.”

WGCDR Meredith also expressed his gratitude to Townsville residents for their understanding during the exercise.

“On behalf of my squadron, I would like to thank the local Townsville com-munity for their support with our training requirements,” he said.

Era nearing an endEx Northern Challenge the climax of 6SQN’s F-111 conversion duties

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WE MADE IT: From left, PLTOFF Adele Merriman, FLTLT Shannon Kennedy, PLTOFF Scott Merrick, FLGOFF Andrew Kloeden and FLGOFF Conrad Stalling are all smiles after graduating from the F-111 Operational Conversion Course at the end of exercise Northern Challenge, held at Townsville.

AFTER-FLIGHT AFTER BURN: Above, a 6SQN F-111 conducts an engine run in the ordnance loading area at RAAF Base Townsville after routine post-flight maintenance following a day’s mission during exercise Northern Challenge.HANDS-ON: Left, 6SQN aircraft technician LAC Lee Masterton performs maintenance on an F-111 to prepare the aircraft for another mission. Photos: LAC Scott Woodward

PIGS ON THE PROWL: A flight of four 6SQN F-111C conduct pre-exercise training near their home base at RAAF Base Amberley before deploying for Exercise Northern Challenge.

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By LAC Aaron Curran

KATHERINE in the Northern Ter-ritory rolled out the welcome mat to the personnel of RAAF Base Tindal on August 1.

In celebration of the 20th anniver-sary of its ‘modern’ era, Tindal was invited to exercise its right to Freedom of Entry to Katherine with a parade down the main street. A family day also was held at the base for all Service members and their families.

A young base in comparison with other RAAF bases around the country, the history of Tindal still dates back to World War II, when it was original-ly constructed to house a squadron of B-24 Liberator bombers.

The airfield, or Carson’s Field as it was originally known, was construct-ed by the American 43rd Engineer Regiment in April, 1942.

By the time construction was complete, the war in the Pacific had changed as the Japanese began with-drawing from the region, so subse-quently no squadron was ever deployed to operate from Tindal.

After WWII, the airfield was renamed Tindal after WGCDR Archie Tindal, who was the first RAAF casu-alty on mainland Australia during the initial raid by the Japanese on Darwin in 1942.

Twenty years after its initial con-struction as an airfield, restoration of

Katherine’s welcomeTindal freedom of entry marks 20 years as a modern Air Force base

Tindal as a ‘bare base’ began in 1963 and was completed in 1970. This allowed jet aircraft to operate from Tindal and act as a back-up base for Darwin, which was becoming congest-ed through local housing development and an increase in civil aviation, which was beginning to restrict airspace.

In 1984, Tindal began further rede-velopment to allow for a squadron of F/A-18s to be permanently based there.

On October 1, 1988, Tindal became an operational base as part of the defence-in-depth policy and became the new home to 75SQN.

Granted Freedom of Entry in March 1990, the last time it was exercised by the base was in 2005.

This year, about 260 base personnel from No. 322 Expeditionary Combat Support Squadron, 75SQN, No. 3 Control and Reporting Unit, 44WG, No. 1 Airfield Operations Support Squadron and No. 2 Air Transportable Health Squadron took part in the march up Giles St in Katherine.

“CO 322ECSS WGCDR Rohan Gaskill led the parade,” Base WOD WOFF Scott Chenery said.

“There were several hundred people along the route and children from the local schools to watch the challenge by Police Inspector Michael Stevens.

“The Mayor of Katherine, Anne Shepherd, took the salute from WGCDR Gaskill.”

The next day, more than 600 people attended the family day. There were static displays of weapons, the US Talon IED robot, fire and ambulance vehicles, Australian and US Hornet

PASS, FRIENDS: Above, the Mayor of Katherine Anne Shepherd reviews the Freedom of Entry parade. Photo: CPL Steve DuncanGRANDSTAND VIEW: Right, CPL Andrew Smit watches the F/A-18 during the aerobatic display at Tindal’s open day. Photo: LAC Casey Smith

aircraft, and a US KC-130. Entertaining the crowd were the Air Force Band, Military Working Dogs, firefighters and a flying display. Lunch was provided by RAAF Tindal welfare.


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By Barry Rollings

BEING a member of an award-winning team – and the first foreign national to do so – will be one of the highlights SGT Brad Edwardes will bring home from his three-year American posting.

He was attached to the 2nd Space Warning Squadron (2SWS) at Buckley Air Force Base, Colorado, as part of the Multi-National Satellite Based Infrared Systems (SBIRS) detachment.

The 2SWS provides missile warn-ing for the US and its allies around the world.

He arrived in May, 2005 and is due to return to No. 3 Control and Reporting Unit at RAAF Base Williamtown this month.

Recently, SGT Edwardes was a member of the 460th Operations Group (OG) awarded ‘Best Space Operations Crew’ for the prestigious US Air Force Space Command (AFSPC) Guardian Challenge 2008. After three weeks’ training, the challenge pitted about 200

space professionals in space communi-cations, missile maintenance, spacelift launch, security forces and space operations against each other in com-petitions around various bases during March-April.

In his role as Mission Crew Chief, SGT Edwardes – an air surveillance operator – was identified for his supe-rior operator skills and selected for the challenge.

As part of the 460th OG Space Operations crew, SGT Edwardes was required to undergo extremely rigor-ous training and an evaluation.

The 460th OG Space Operations crew had a starting score of 900 points. After an evaluation conducted by 14th Air Force, SGT Edwardes and his crew finished with 866 points with no critical errors assessed; an achieve-ment unheard of during a Guardian Challenge evaluation in the Space Operations category.

The 460th OG crew was award-ed Best Space Operations Crew for Guardian Challenge, making SGT

Edwardes the first foreign national to win this category in the history of the challenge dating back to 1994.

“To be able to represent the RAAF and Australia in Guardian Challenge 2008 was the crowning moment of my three-year posting in the US,” SGT Edwardes said.

“It was a great honour to be given the opportunity to represent the 460th Space Wing and repay the faith that the squadron leadership showed in my ability. It is the first time the 460th Space Wing has won any cat-egory at Guardian Challenge, so all the participants and the 460th leader-ship were very excited when the scores were posted and our team won the ‘Best Space Operations’ category.

“Being the first Australian to com-pete and win at Guardian Challenge reminds me what former CAF AIRMSHL Geoff Shepherd often said (‘The RAAF may be little but we’re not little league’. We can mix it with the best in the world, and win).”

ADF personnel who served on Opera-tion Pakistan Assist can now apply for the Humanitarian Overseas Service Medal.

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Service must have been in the affect-ed area of Pakistan in the districts of Pakistan-administered Kashmir – Bagh, Muzzaffarabad, Neelum and Poonch – or the administrative districts of the north west frontier province – Abbottabad,

Batagram, Kohistan, Mansehra and Shangla.

Acting Director of Honours and Awards, Pat Clarke, said to apply for the award, personnel are to submit their applications to the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C). “Application processing involves PM&C, the Governor-General and the Department of Defence, so a firm estimate of the time taken to approve awards for successful applications cannot be given,” he said. Application forms can be found at: www.itsanhonour.gov.au/honours/nominating or for inquiries, contact Peter Maher on (02) 6266 1314.

Pakistan Assist medal

Historic win for our Brad

OUT OF THIS WORLD: The then CPL Brad Edwardes from 3CRU was the first foreign national to be part of a winning team during the US space exercise Guardian Challenge. Photo: SGT Edwardes

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By Barry Rollings

NO. 2 SQUADRON at RAAF Base Williamtown will begin train-ing mid next year in preparation for the delivery of six Wedgetail Air-borne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft from Boeing. The first is due to arrive at Williamtown in July next year.

“This will be possible through the delivery of an aircraft on which the squadron’s maintainers and aircrew will be able to familiarise themselves with this brand-new capability,” OC 42WG WGCDR Nathan Christie said.

“The objective was to deliver the first cutting-edge aircraft to 2SQN in March 2009, however, this has been extended to January 2010 primarily because of integration challenges.”

“But this is a great step forward because it allows the Air Force to begin training on an aircraft earlier than would otherwise be possible if we had waited for delivery of a fully mis-sion-capable aircraft.”

The Wedgetail is an extremely complex program that merges a multi-tude of disparate systems and technol-ogies, he said. As the first customer to purchase a ‘first of type’ aircraft, there has been significant challenges.

“The men and women who are ‘Team Wedgetail’, including Boeing, Boeing subcontractors, the Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) and the Air Force, are some of the most highly qualified and respected professionals in their chosen fields.

“Despite the Boeing announcement late last month of an additional delay to Australia’s first aircraft under project Air 5077, the close and professional working relationship between Boeing, DMO and the Air Force will result in an initial capability on the 2SQN hard-stand in July 2009.

“Although we wait for Wedgetail, when seen as a force multiplier in the Australian Defence context, an addi-tional 10 months will not affect our ability to project air power, nor the ADF’s to protect Australia,” WGCDR Christie said.

“Wedgetail is a key node in the net-working of new-age Defence acquisi-tions like the Super Hornet, Joint Strike Fighter, Multi-Role Tanker Transport and the Air Warfare Destroyer, making it critical in the realisation of a joint force in the defence of Australia.”

WGCDR Christie said that the future is bright for Wedgetail.

“CAF AIRMSHL Binskin has issued his commander’s intent that

highlights the Future Air and Space Operating Concept. Wedgetail is key to ensuring the Air Force, as a force, can meet CAFs direction and end state,” he said.

“Fortunately for the Air Force, Wedgetail has an outstandingly tal-ented and dedicated team whose sole focus is meeting the challenges of delivering this world-class AEW&C platform and then successfully operat-ing it on the world stage.

“Wedgetail is the future of Airborne Command and Control, one that the ADF will be proud to have in its inven-tory of highly-sophisticated and syn-chronised war-fighting assets.”

Future is bright Future is brightfor Wedgetailfor Wedgetail

Six aircraft are to be obtained. They were ordered in 2000. Construction began in 2002. The first flew in May, 2004. The first arrived here in March,

2005. 2SQN moved to Wiliamtown in 2004. Delivery is scheduled from July,

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WE’RE HOME: 2SQN’s first Wedgetail overflies Sydney on its maiden flight on March 15, 2005. Photo: CPL Euan Grant

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By FLGOFF Anita Green

THIRTY-THREE Air Force per-sonnel have recently returned from the Kimberley region of Western Australia where they refurbished to C-130 standard a disused cross-run-way from a WWII airfield.

The works are part of the Army Aboriginal Community Assistance Program 2008 (AACAP 08), which includes: demolition of Kalumburu’s existing health clinic and construction of a new one; barge landing and access road upgrade; upgrading the existing airstrip and access road; and sealing some internal community roads.

The main body for AACAP deployed to Kalumburu during June. This was possible only after members from the Airfield Engineering and Maintenance Flight from No. 1 Air Operations Support Squadron from RAAF Base Townsville reconstructed an airfield that was originally built by hand by local community members. They had been supervised by members of the airfield construction squadrons, the predecessor to the airfield engi-neers, during WWII.

“It was a great opportunity to

Runway reborn

return to this historic area and bring it back into service,” detachment com-mander FLGOFF Simon West said.

The original airstrip was used extensively by RAAF aircraft in WWII before they moved to Truscott Airfield nearby.

Later, the main runway was used by the local community with an upgrade in 2000. The cross-runway was allowed to deteriorate, becoming unusable by all aircraft types.

The airstrip is the critical means of access for all forms of emergency assistance in this remote part of north Western Australia. Consequently, the works completed by the team were pri-ority tasks to allow the main runway works to begin without interrupting air traffic.

The work included upgrading the cross-runway, parking apron and turn-ing pad, which will be used while the main airfield is surfaced with asphalt.

It will cater for 10-15 movements a day and will ensure Kalumburu’s air supply throughout AACAP 08 activi-ties.

Hercules will also use the airstrip for the movement of Army personnel into Kalumburu, supply flights and

aeromedical evacuations, if required, during AACAP 08.

The team also constructed a 150-person capacity field camp, which the Army component will use for the rest of the project. This included substan-tial ring roads, heavy vehicle parking areas and supporting services.

“The airfield construction was a great follow-on task from other projects such as the Joint Rapid Airfield Construction 2007 (JRAC), which was completed during Exercise Talisman Saber last year,” FLGOFF West said. “Working closely with the

community of Kalumburu has given us a much greater appreciation for the difficulties of living in such a remote area of Australia. I expect that AACAP will give Kalumburu a great hand in becoming a better place to live,” he said.

Despite the challenges that a very remote location brought daily, all members pushed together and finished the works on time and to a very high standard.

Although firefighting was not in their original job description, the team unexpectedly helped to save the town-

ship of Kalumburu after one fire threat-ened the local mission and another threatened the town.

The skills consolidated during projects like AACAP and JRAC pro-vide important stepping stones to a specialised airfield capability for the Air Force and will be an essential capability in future projects and emer-gencies similar to the 2004 tsunami. The Air Force will be able to react quickly to provide airfield engineering services to move quickly to clear the area and construct airfield assets when and where needed.

HELPING HANDS: Above, the team gathers for an historic photo with their equipment after completing the cross-runway. Below, team members survey the old runway during the refurbishment operations. Photos: FLGOFF Anita Green

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11FeatureAIR FORCE August 21, 2008

By CAPT Joe Nyhan

FLIGHT engineer WOFF Chris Sinfield said he never became com-placent in the Middle East Area of Operations (MEAO), where he was called on to fly 37SQN’s C-130Hs deep inside Iraq and Afghanistan.

“We always reviewed our proce-dures before going ‘over the fence’,” he said, referring to the borders of Iraq and Afghanistan.

“We never knew if it was the day someone was going to try to shoot us down.”

Three H model Hercules and their associated 37SQN workforce recently returned home after a 10-month rota-tion in the MEAO. AIR FORCE News takes a look at a day in the life of an H model crew during their deployment.

In the two hours before take-off, the crew discussed the day’s mission and received information about the air-craft, payload, weather, intermediary destinations and an intelligence brief about the types of threats they could encounter.

Most of the crew flew approximate-ly 100 missions during their deploy-ment.

A day in the A day in the life of an life of an H crewH crew

As the aircraft entered Iraqi air-space, the mood in the cockpit and cargo area became more serious.

The crew spent a lot of time togeth-er and got along well but it was strict-ly business once they were ‘over the fence’.

Passengers put on their helmets, crew members donned body armour and checked the pistols strapped to their legs; eyes focused outside, scan-ning for the flash of a rocket launch or a smoke trail.

For decades, the C-130H has been the heavy lift workhorse of the Air Force. Most 37SQN crews have done multiple rotations to the MEAO and understand the vital role they play transporting troops and equipment to and from the front line operating bases.

“We were faced with challenges over there that you don’t get at home,” aircraft captain FLTLT Daniel Kehoe said.

“During the deployment, I went from landing in dust storms in Baghdad to landing in a snow storm in Kabul. The environmental conditions were tough on the aircraft and we got the best and worst of both worlds.”

WOFF Sinfield believes the two-and-a-half decades and 8000 flying hours he’s spent on the Hercules were invaluable in preparing him to deal with the unexpected problems that sometimes occur during a mission.

“The flight engineer needs to be resourceful,” he said. “We draw on our experience to solve problems that could otherwise ground an aircraft away from base.”

The types of maintenance a flight engineer might be called upon to effect away from base could range from changing a tyre to swapping over a starter motor.

“We carry a range of spares on

board. We’re operating the aircraft in harsh conditions and sometimes weather or operational requirements force unexpected overnight stays away from base,” he said.

The Hercules approached the top of descent point for a landing in Baghdad, but there was nothing routine about landing in the Iraqi capital.

Sometimes the descent took place at night but normally at that time of year, operations in and out of Baghdad occurred in the midst of sand storms that greatly reduced visibility.

No time was wasted offloading passengers and pallets of cargo – often the engines weren’t shut down. With

more troops and equipment loaded, the C-130H was airborne again, a process that could be repeated half a dozen times on any given day at any of a number of airfields throughout the MEAO.

Each afternoon as the C-130Hs taxied back on to the flightline at their home bases, 37SQN maintainers stood ready to work through the night to ensure the Hercs were ready for their next mission.

The flight crews de-briefed and headed back to their accommodation area to clean-up, eat and sleep before doing it all again.

Each day presented its own set of challenges for the H crews but also brought enormous satisfaction for ensuring the intra-theatre airlift in sup-port of almost 2000 ADF men and women.

FLIGHT OPS : Above, loadmaster WOFF Andrew Greer gives a pre-flight briefing to troops prior to a C-130H flight into Baghdad.Left, clockwise, SGT Errol Taylor, FLTLT Billy Trotter, WOFF Andrew Greer, FLTLT Daniel Kehoe, PLTOFF Ben Griffin and WOFF Chris Sinfield conduct a pre-flight brief. Right, WOFF Greer scans for ground fire over Iraq. Photos: CAPT Joe Nyhan

THAT WAY: SGT Errol Taylor (left) and WOFF Andrew Greer usher troops off the C-130H after their

arrival in Baghdad. Photo: CAPT Joe Nyhan

20 years of serving the Australian Defence Forces

A lot has changed in 20 years.

In 1988, we were watching ‘The Cosby Show’, Bob Hawke was Prime Minister, Kylie Minogue won a Gold Logie, Allan Border was the Australian cricket captain, the SLR L1A1 was the standard rifle for the Army and kids were playing with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle action figures. Now, it’s ‘Gordon Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares’ on TV, Kevin Rudd is the Prime Minister, Kate Ritchie won a Gold Logie, Ricky Ponting is our cricket captain, the Steyr rifle is the weapon of choice and Kung Fu Panda collectibles are all the rage!

‘We are here to help by providing high quality and well maintained housing for Defence families.’ he says. DHA does this by providing face-to-face service in the vicinity of most major military establishments around the country, and have approximately 700 staff positioned in our HMCs and offices across Australia. Many DHA staff are Defence spouses and understand the pressures and issues faced by ADF members and their families.

DHA has also improved its systems to make it easier for members to access information. In 1988, the Commodore 64 was the world’s favourite PC and the Internet was still the stuff of sci-fi movies. In 2008, members can communicate with their Relocation and Housing Consultants by email from many miles away, complete their relocation paperwork online and even search for their next home using DHA’s ‘HomeFind’ online search tool.

The past 20 years has been a learning and growing journey for DHA and its staff, and we look forward to continuing to provide the very highest levels of service

to ADF members and their families.

DHA arranges approximately 24,500 relocations for ADF members and their families each year. This presents a number of challenges to DHA’s Housing Management Centre (HMC) staff.

For example, Bob Haylett and his team at the Townsville HMC have been providing high quality support to Defence members deployed on active duty overseas and their families. ‘Some of our members have been on deployment in places like Iraq, Timor Leste, the Solomon Islands or Bougainville’ says Bob.

‘We understand that with their loved ones away overseas this can be a particularly stressful time for Defence families. We try to do everything we can to make sure things are hassle-free on the home front.’ Bob believes that peace of mind and faith in DHA is of great importance. ‘Members who are on deployment overseas want to know that their families back home are being well supported.’

What hasn’t changed over the years is DHA’s commitment to providing Australian Defence Force (ADF) members with a diverse range of housing solutions to suit their lifestyles, and quality service in arranging the smooth relocation of members and their families. DHA manages 17,000 residences across Australia, in every state and territory, close to major defence sites. These consist of a mix of freestanding family homes, townhouses, units and apartments. Twenty years ago, some Defence homes were unheated and uninsulated, and it was not uncommon for members to have to carry curtains, pieces of carpet and other fittings from one posting to the next.

Today, DHA’s homes are modern, meet the standard of quality, amenity, and location required by the Department of Defence and most importantly, are of community standard – the same standard enjoyed by members’ friends and families. Our houses now quite commonly have lounge, dining and family rooms, ensuites, double lock-up garages with internal access, and covered outdoor patio areas. DHA regularly upgrades housing stock each year and replaces some of the older homes with newly constructed ones. In the acquisition and development of property, we use local materials, suppliers and contractors wherever possible.

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THE Family and Friends Day at RAAF Base Amberley on August 2 attracted about 600 visitors as 1 and 6SQNs celebrated yet another step along the road to their merger.

The end of 1SQN’s 25 years of squadron-based maintenance was cel-ebrated with the special day to mark the amalgamation of 200 maintenance personnel of 1SQN with 6SQN.

“The merging of the maintenance workforces is an exciting milestone in the eventual transition to the Super Hornet at 1SQN and ultimately 6SQN,” CO 1SQN WGCDR Michael Gray said.

“1SQN, 6SQN and 82WG person-nel and their family and friends were invited to celebrate the merger of the maintenance sections and to thank everyone for their ongoing support to 82WG capability.”

The day was held at the squad-rons’ hangars where participants were encouraged to purchase a ticket for an F-111 taxi ride for $1. The winner was Brad Butler, who enjoyed a high-speed ride with 1SQN pilot FLTLT Shannon Hudson. The raffle raised more than $750 for Legacy.

Family fun at at Amberley


1 and 6SQN personnel operating 10 barbecues catered for the visitors. 1SQN social club funded activities to keep children entertained, including a Spiderman jumping castle and face painting. Both social clubs also sold a wide range of squadron merchandise.

Visitors witnessed a right engine change on an F-111 by 6SQN main-tenance personnel. In the 1SQN hangar, another F-111 was set up on jacks and the maintenance person-nel conducted undercarriage retrac-tions throughout the day. Other static displays included an F-111 and the F-111 capsule.

The Amberley Museum provided a Mirage and a Canberra bomber. The RAAF Amberley Scale Model Aircraft Club provided several volun-teers with their models. They includ-ed F-111s in varying scales and a large-scale Army Black Hawk heli-copter with rotating blades.

Visitors also inspected two fire trucks from 382 Expeditionary Combat Support Squadron and a Bushmaster from No. 2 Airfield Defence Squadron.

Two personnel from the National

Welfare Coordination Centre flew in from Sydney and brought along a range of giveaway items to educate all personnel and families about their support services.

The squadrons’ administrative per-sonnel also provided several items including Air Force stickers, wrist bands, posters and DCO leaflets.

The final event of the program was a breathtaking F-111 flying display which included high and low-speed manoeuvres and a ‘dump and burn’. 1SQN Executive Officer SQNLDR Neville O’Donnell and 1SQN Air Combat Officer FLGOFF Grant Leader flew the display.

WGCDR Gray thanked everyone for making the day a success and also for the ongoing dedicated service of all the maintainers. It was a great opportunity for everyone to mix with their new and old colleagues.

“It was a way of thanking the fam-ilies and friends who provide so much support to our hardworking people who regularly work long hours and are frequently away from home,” WGCDR Gray said.

HAPPY SNAP: Above, LACW Lauren Graham from 1SQN escorts her husband Brian and daughter Kaylee around the displays at the 1 and 6SQN’s family day.ME ’N’ DAD: Below left, WGCDR Michael Gray shows his face-painted five- year-old daughter Tara inside the cockpit of an F-111. Photos: AC Craig Barrett

BIG BOYS’ TOYS: 1SQN’s SGT Dan Wales shows his two year-old son Angus the ‘toys’ he plays with at the family and friends day.

14 AIR FORCE August 21, 2008 15 Centrepiece

As aircraft passengers relax and enjoy their flights across Australia, behind the scenes it’s a demanding environment. Air traffic control officers (ATCOs) make quick and precise decisions about aircraft positions to

safely manage the airspace in and around airports and on mainland and oceanic routes.

44WG comprises a team of Air Force and Australian Public Service (APS) ATCOs and techni-cians who deliver the ADF contribution to National air traffic control (ATC) from detachments across the country.

DarwinIn the city that doesn’t sleep, Air Force controllers

and a mixed team of Air Force and APS technicians provide 24/7 coverage for more than 300 daily aircraft movements at the joint RAAF base and international airport.

During Exercise Pitch Black 2008, the unit con-trolled an extra 200 daily fast-jet movements, inte-grated with normal airport users.

“It is the constant tempo and varied traffic which makes the Darwin DET a challenging but enjoyable place to work,” DETCDR WGCDR Barbara Courtney said.

TownsvilleTownsville is no walk in the park – up to 6000

civil and military aircraft movements are managed each month in this joint user aerodrome.

Thirty military ATCOs and 23 technicians work together to accommodate Black Hawk, Chinook and (in future) MRH90 helicopters. 38SQN, which oper-ates Caribou aircraft, is also based at Townsville.

DETCDR WGCDR Robert Morris commented that the variety of aircraft types, terrain and tropical weather ensured that Townsville was a challenging ATC environment.

OakeyIn a high-risk Army training environment, Oakey

provides a safety umbrella for students carrying out complex helicopter manoeuvres such as practice engine out auto-rotations and low-level night opera-tions using night vision goggles.

The pilot training ranges from initial helicopter flights on Kiowa all the way through to conversion on the Black Hawk and ARH Tiger.

“With 36,000 movements a year, Oakey is a small but significant cog in the operations and capability of the Australian Army,” DETCDR SQNLDR Shawn Fitz-Gerald said.

EdinburghMaking use of a lifestyle famous for its festivals,

wineries, and Mediterranean climate is something staff savour in Adelaide.

The predominantly Defence APS workforce at Edinburgh supports maritime operations involving AP-3Cs and the testing and evaluation of Black Hawk, ARH Tiger, F/A-18 and PC-9 aircraft by the Aircraft Research and Development Unit.

DETCDR SQNLDR Carlton Sargeant said the future was exciting.

“44WG DET Edinburgh will assist in enabling the introduction of new aircraft platforms such as P8s, which are set to replace the AP-3C and the maritime unmanned aerial vehicle capability,” he said.

East SaleThere is much to look forward to with a major base

redevelopment in full swing. Servicing the require-ments of Central Flying School and 32SQN keeps the controllers on their toes in this vital training environ-ment.

Melbourne is only two hours away for cultural, sporting and shopping expeditions.

“44WG DET East Sale offers an opportunity to experience unique and exciting sporting, cultural and leisure activities. It is a great work-life balance,” DETCDR SQNLDR St. John Morris said.

RichmondBreathtaking views from the control tower of the

mountains and rural surrounds are a bonus for those working at Richmond.

The detachment plays an integral role in enabling Air Lift Group (ALG) meet the air mobility require-ments of the ADF with 37SQN, operating C130-J and H aircraft.

“Apart from Sydney, Richmond is the only aero-drome within the Sydney Basin equipped with an Instrument Landing System, so we provide valuable air traffic services to the entire aviation community,” DETCDR SQNLDR Greg Jervis said.

TindalWith Katherine Gorge, Kakadu and Litchfield just

up the road, Tindal is a fabulous posting location. This year’s high-intensity exercises like Pitch Black and Aces North provide added complexity to the control-ling task.

SQNLDR Russell Smart, who has recently returned from the Middle East, said that “successfully negotiating an arrival push of exercise traffic at Tindal provided a huge amount of job satisfaction”.

In conjunction with Darwin, the technical work-force enables the pivotal provision of radar data to the civil ATC agency that assists in the control of air traf-fic in the Top End.

AmberleyIt’s one of Australia’s largest military bases and it’s

only going to get busier – with multiple construction projects underway, including a major airfield upgrade.

Flat panel LCD monitors have been introduced in both the tower and approach cells to further enhance capabilities.

“The Amberley air show is the next big event for everyone here, with 44WG personnel providing essential services in the Air Force’s premier showcase event,” DETCDR SQNLDR Paul Howard said.

Williamtown‘Willytown’ is unique to any airport in Australia,

with a continual mix of fast jets, medium and light commercial and private aircraft.

Extended control services have been introduced to cater for the increasing military and civilian requirements at the Williamtown base that hosts the Newcastle airport.

“The 44WG team also provides on-going support to ADF deployments overseas with several members of this unit deployed in support of coalition opera-tions,” DETCDR SQNLDR Ruth Elsley said.

PearceNo two days are the same at Pearce, with a mixed

bag of aircraft types at the ADF’s busiest training base.

Pearce is spread over three control locations. Tower air traffic services are provided at both Pearce

and Gingin while approach air traffic services are pro-vided from Perth Airport, all by 44WG members.

“The ground electronic technicians not only ser-vice the towers and associated radio and airfield navi-gation aids at Pearce and Gingin, they also maintain remote navigation aid training sites up to 70km north of Pearce,” DETCDR SQNLDR Stuart Jones said.

Nowra Set upon the pristine South Coast of NSW, this

DET is located at HMAS Albatross and supports Fleet training in Nowra airspace and the Eastern Australian Exercise Area.

Nowra assists continuation and conversion train-ing by locally-based flying squadrons and Parachute Training School operations.

“The civilian controllers along with our small Air Force ATC contingent and civilian technical and maintenance staff are vital in ensuring continuation of the Naval Air Station Nowra’s operational tempo,” DETCDR SQNLDR John Beazley said.

School of Air Traffic ControlThousands of students have come through the

doors at the School of Air Traffic Control (SATC) in East Sale, which not only conducts ATC training but provides 44WG with critical operational support.

SATC remains the premier training institution for air traffic controllers in Australia.

Courses range from two-day Notice to Airman (NOTAM) courses for Army and Navy personnel, to 42-week ATCO courses, which give students tower and approach radar skills.

Tactical OperationsAirbase support is only the beginning for military

ATCOs. Would you associate a man with a parachute on his back, or a woman embedded in a deployed Army Brigade headquarters to be military ATCOs? Welcome to the world of tactical ATC.

Military ATCOs are trained to operate in all envi-ronmental conditions and will use any facilities avail-able to get the job done. From remnant towers, mobile facilities, stacked shipping containers, to a tent in the middle of nowhere with as little as a map, a couple of radios and a clock.

The world of TACOPS is diverse, involving battle-field support to Army, amphibious capability to Navy, combat airspace control and airfield management for the Air Force. Additionally, ATCOs extend these skills to assist with other capabilities. Since 2006, 44WG ATCOs have filled the operations officer and team leader roles at Joint Terminal Attack Control. They have a thorough understanding of the synchronisa-tion process involving joint fires and other airspace users and have proven their skills in recent successful deployments with Army.

JACC/ CAOCThe Joint Airspace Control Cell (JACC) com-

prises five controllers who are responsible for provid-ing airspace solutions for all national ADF airspace activities, including events like APEC Leaders’ Week 2007 in Sydney. ATCOs are also on deployment in the Combined Air Operations Centre (CAOC) in the Middle East, as part of the A3 cell, primarily main-taining and developing civilian operating procedures within Iraq and Afghanistan. For more information on becoming an air traffic con-trol officer, visit: www.defencejobs.gov.au/airforce/jobs/airtrafficcontrolofficer

Take a look behind the scenes of 44WG air traffic control as FLTLT Jaimie Abbott profiles the Air

Force’s detachments around the country.

Our eyes in Our eyes in the skiesthe skies

LIGHTING THE WAY: Above from left, RAAF Base Tindal ATCOs PLTOFF Tim Moore and FLTLTs Andrew Parkinson and Aaron Betts use an emergency beacon landing light to assist a pilot safely land his aircraft due to loss of communication with the control tower. Photo: LAC Casey SmithEARTHED: Below right, 44WG technician CPL Lee Wilson checks the earth on the microwave link for the Terminal Airfield Surveillance Radar at RAAF Base Darwin. Photo: AB Bradley Darvill.

FIELD OPS: Above left, FLTLT Dave Riley, an ATCO posted to the Army’s Joint Terminal Attack Control Troop, provides tactical support while on exercise at Singleton Range. Photo: CPL Veronica McKennaNEW VIEW: Below, RAAF Base Richmond’s newest ATCO, PLTOFF Simone Marks, on the job at the base tower. Photo: LAC Christopher Dickson

SA CONTROL: Above, FLTLT Tim Sadler controls aircraft movements from the RAAF Base Edinburgh ATC tower. Photo: LAC Leigh CameronON TARGET: Left, FLTLT Joel Adelstein provides the Airspace Control Element to the UAVs of No. 20 Surveillance and Target Acquisition Regiment in East Timor during Operation Astute. Photo: 44WG

NORTHERN EXPOSURE: Above, Darwin ATCOs FLTLTs Aaron Doherty and Andrea Armstrong watch the airspace on screen during operations in the Top End. Photo: AB Bradley DarvillCIVVIE COLLEAGUES: Left, 44WG’s APS technical officers Stephen Allan and Brett Rothery calibrate the Instrument Landing System at RAAF Base Williamtown. Photo: AC Mark Friend

PRAC TIME: ATCO FLTLT Stephen Parker

works through his tasks during the Battlefield Airspace Operations

course. Photo: 44WG

NIGHT DUTY: Richmond technicians LAC Yi Ren (left) and CPL Mark Sharpe with the Tactical Air Navigation System. Photo: LAC Christopher Dickson

WILLYTOWN TECHS: LACs Nathan Abberton and Jordan Blackeby, communication electronic technicians from RAAF Base Williamtown, calibrate the aerials on top of the ATC tower on base. Photo: LAC David Gibbs

AIRWAVES: APS technician Walter Euzqueda works on a radio frequency receiver assembly. Photo: AC Mark Friend

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16 Photo feature AIR FORCE August 21, 2008

RIMPAC revisit

Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) is the world’s largest maritime exer-cise. Two 10SQN Orions were deployed along with two mainte-nance shifts and support person-nel from 92WG. Six submarines, 35 ships, 150 aircraft and more than 20,000 per-sonnel from 10 nations partici-pated. RIMPAC has been held in Hawaii since 1971.

Facts and fi gures

FULL SERVICE: Above, 10SQN’s LAC Chris Godden checks the engine bay of an Orion in an after-flight service during Exercise RIMPAC (Rim of the Pacific) in Hawaii. GETTING IT RIGHT: Left, FLTLT Brett Armitstead makes preparations at his station on a 10SQN Orion for the next mission during the simulated war phase of the exercise. QUIETLY WAITING: Below right, a stormy sky forms a dramatic backdrop as a 10SQN AP-3C sits ready and waiting on the tarmac at Kaneohe Marine Base for the next mission. Photos: CPL Ricky Fuller

PROPER JOB: Above, aircraft technician CPL Brad Kay checks an AP-3C propeller after a flight. Photo: CPL Ricky Fuller HELPING OUT: Left, C-17 loadmaster FSGT Colin Moore from 36SQN straps down a spare AP-3C propeller to be delivered to 10SQN in Hawaii. Photo: AC Glen McCarthy

By FLTLT Jaimie Abbott

AIR Force has used a great recruitment tool to lure future air-crew to the Orion – a flight on the AP-3C for some of the Gap Year students at RAAF Base William-town.

The 47 Gap Year students were given a tour of the Orion recently and a select few were treated to a 90-minute flight.

11SQN flew the Orion in from RAAF Base Edinburgh to show the students everything from the aircraft’s equipment to how it is employed.

OFFCDT Darren Just already knew he wanted to be pilot but after the flight he had his sights set on the Orion.

“I now know more about what they do and it’s so exciting; there is so much interaction between the aircrew onboard,” OFFCDT Just said.

“If I don’t end up flying the Orions, I would love to fly the Wedgetail aircraft.”

The 19-year-old from Mackay plans to head to ADFA to study

By LAC Aaron Curran

SALE was ‘invaded’ recently by Air Force trainee photographers, and not for the first time.

Each year students from the Photographic Training Flight (PTF), School of Air Warfare, head into the main street of Sale on a scavenger hunt. They have to seek out people and objects in a given timeframe to photograph.

The nine Air Force and three Navy stu-dents were let loose on the town for their hunt on July 16, with many stores and shop-pers in the street welcoming and assisting the new students to meet their objectives.

“The scavenger hunt is used as an exer-cise to have the trainee photographers interact with complete strangers to further develop their interpersonal skills,” PTF OIC WOFF Ray Bennell said.

“They need to develop communication skills that will allow them to be comfortable

talking to any rank, of any Service in the ADF.

“Having a list of items to photograph, ranging from a hairdresser and client to the contents of a ladies handbag, would appear to be a difficult task, but not in Sale.”

WOFF Bennell and his instructors were quite surprised to hear that when the 12 stu-dents fronted in their finest dress uniforms ready to barter and haggle for their photos, shop owners responded with lines such as, “Oh, you’re back again on your scavenger hunt” and promptly collected the items from under the counter that last year’s students had photographed.

“The staff at PTF, formerly the RAAF School of Photography, would like to take the opportunity to thank the Sale commu-nity for their many years of assistance in supporting photographic trainees that have passed through Sale. It is really appreciated,” WOFF Bennell said.

PhoPhots go scavenging


ON SHOW: Above, 11SQN AEAFSGT David Vreugdenburgshows Gap Year studentOFFCDT Michael Rayner anOrion station during a tour of theaircraft. Left, student OFFCDTTrent Davidson joins 11SQNpilot FLTLT Matt Lunnay in theaircraft’s cockpit. Photos: ACW Casey Gaul

science before applying for pilots’ course.

The appeal of the Orions is not limited to those who hope to fly them. OFFCDT Katie Fenton, 20, from Narrabri, dreams of being a radiographer in the Air Force and even she was impressed with the importance of the AP-3C, particu-larly its role in search and rescue operations.

“We’ve also been to Amberley and everyone has seen the F-111’s and F/A-18s, but the contribution the AP-3C makes is really signifi-cant,” OFFCDT Fenton said.

The cadets had the opportunity to chat to 11SQN captain FLTLT Matt Lunnay, who took time to show them the cockpit.

Commander Surve i l lance and Response Group AIRCDRE Warren Ludwig said the AP-3C static display and familiarisation flight was an opportunity to show-case the airborne capability, with a focus on the Orion’s multi-role capability.

“We are taking every possible measure to expose the Gap Year students to a variety of occupations

across Air Force, including 92WG elements,” AIRCDRE Ludwig said.

As the students move through their Gap Year, the interest in Air Force careers is becoming diverse, with many now wanting to branch off into education, intelligence, medical, engineering, administra-tion, logistics and flying.

Cadets get get onboardonboard

FRAMED: LACW Katherine Pearson shoots a Lego model during the Sale photographic scavenger hunt. Photo: AC Terry Hartin

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By LAC Aaron Curran

A SAD chapter in Air Force his-tory was remembered recently with a presentation in Canberra.

A moving ceremony was held for the family of FLGOFF Graham Scutt, who along with his then student OCDT Evan Davey, died in an aircraft training accident at Point Cook on June 28, 1961.

Present were FLGOFF Scutt’s widow, Janne Blunden, daughter CMDR Jennifer Wittwer, grandchil-dren Taylah and Chaeleigh Wittwer and Kellie and Grace Armour. FLGOFF Scutt’s other daughter, Louise, was unable to attend. They were all presented with the Air Force Bereaved Family lapel pin by the Chief of Staff, Air Force Personnel Branch GPCAPT Fiona Dowse, in an afternoon ceremony at Russell Offices.

Since 2005, the Bereaved Family Liaison Office has issued Bereaved Family lapel pins to the families of members who have died while in service or, as in Mrs Blunden’s case,

when family members of personnel who died prior to this date can be identified and located.

Pins provided retrospectively are normally mailed to the family mem-bers, but noting that 2FTS still awards a prize in memory of FLGOFF Scutt and OCDT Davey, Air Force agreed to have the pins presented personally to the family.

“A s D i r e c t o r o f N a v y Organisational Culture, I was aware of the pin,” CMDR Wittwer said. “However, it was only through dis-cussions in June with SQNLDR Peter Greenacre, in our capacity as group equity coordinators, that we enter-tained the idea of a presentation to my mother.

“Actually, i t was SQNLDR Greenacre’s idea, particularly because my family resided here in Canberra and as it might also lift the profile of the Bereavement Pin.

“I have separately organised for Air Force to send out by mail a pin to Graham’s surviving siblings. I thought it would be a nice thing to happen

for my mother, although she is still very raw and emotional about losing Graham, even after all this time.”

GPCAPT Dowse gave a speech to Mrs Blunden and the family, men-tioning that FLGOFF Scutt had up to 2400 flying hours plus operational flying in the Malayan emergency.

“We value his contribution and you will always be part of the Air Force family,” GPCAPT Dowse said.

CMDR Wittwer said the presenta-tion was very dignified, discreet and handled extremely well by SQNLDR Greenacre and GPCAPT Dowse.

“My mother was grateful for the acknowledgement by Air Force of Graham’s service, but found the event quite emotional as she has never fully recovered from Graham’s death,” she said.

“While my daughters and nieces are quite removed from dad’s history, I was pleased to be able to offer mum some form of formal recognition of Graham’s service as she always felt that it was not forthcoming after his death.”

Moving gift

By SGT Gary Ewart

TWO AIR Force members took ma-jor awards at the 1/2008 Physical Train-ing Instructors’ (PTIs) course at HMAS Cerberus recently.

The graduates paraded before digni-taries from all three Services on July 17 at the ADF Physical Training School.

The Student of Merit Award for the student deemed by staff and stu-dents to have shown leadership, along with outstanding results both academi-cally and physically, went to CPL Dale Richardson, who is posted to Defence Support Group, RAAF Base Richmond.

The Academic Excellence Award is decided by staff and students judged solely on academic results and went to CPL Rebecca Draper, who is posted to No. 1 Recruit Training

Unit. Representing the Air Force was AIRCDRE Ken Watson, who deliv-ered an opening speech and reviewed the parade before presenting the five Air Force graduates with their certificates of promotion and PTI shirts.

The course was conducted over 24 weeks with modules ranging from advanced physical training lessons, anat-omy and physiology, and motivational psychology.

Students lived on base and competed with Army and Navy personnel for the two prestigious awards.

The three other Air Force personnel who graduated were: CPLs Cassandra Fien, Luke Hamilton and Nathan Tyson. All performed exceptionally well and pushed the eventual award recipients hard.

Top shape results from our new PTIs

FIT AND READY: CPL Dale Richardson is presented with his Student of Merit award by CMDR Michael Murray at HMAS Cerberus. Photo: SGT Gary Ewart

SPECIAL TOKEN: FLGOFF Graham Scutt’s grandaughter Taylah Wittwer and widow Janne Blunden were among family members to receive an Air Force Bereaved Family lapel pin. Other family members (pictured inset) include daughter CMDR Jennifer Wittwer (back left) and grandaughters Chaeleigh Wittwer and Kellie and Grace Armour. Photos: LAC Aaron Curran

BULLETIN BOARDAir Force BandAugust 23: The Catalina Wind Quintet will provide background music for the Defence Reserves annual conference dinner at the RAAF Museum, RAAF Base Point Cook.August 27: The Ceremonial Band will support the 1RTU graduation parade at RAAF Base Wagga from 11am.August 31: The Ceremonial Band will

support Reserve Forces Day and No. 21 (City of Melbourne) Squadron. The band will march in the squadron’s Freedom of Entry parade in Melbourne, followed by the Defence Reserves Support Day march from the Queen Victoria Gardens to the Shrine of Remembrance on St Kilda Road.September 1: The Ceremonial Band will support the launch of Legacy Week at the Cenotaph at Martin Place in Sydney.

THREE Air Force officers were among the Defence personnel involved in the Northern Territory Emergency Response (NTER), which continues to rise to the chal-lenge for a “noble cause”, according to NTER opera-tional commander MAJGEN Dave Chalmers.

SQNLDR Paul Warner was staff officer to MAJGEN Chalmers, SQNLDR Fiona Harris his public affairs officer and FLTLT Sarah Scott his aide-de-camp.

MAJGEN Chalmers coordinates the various govern-ment departments to produce a permanent improvement to conditions in indigenous communities.

SQNLDR Warner managed operational data and liaised with other departments and non-government organ-isations. “To play a role in the intervention into the abuse of children and to see results was incredibly rewarding,” SQNLDR Warner said. “Every day brought a new set of challenges, but our intention was to give children an opportunity for a better life free from neglect and abuse.”

Air Force three helped make a difference in NT

SQNLDR Harris ensured MAJGEN Chalmers was briefed for media interviews and coordinated public affairs advice. “It was a busy job but extremely rewarding when you saw the difference that the NTER was making,” she said.

FLTLT Scott performed a combination of personal and logistical tasks and organised visits to remote com-munities. “It enabled me to experience a unique aspect of a military role and I have seen parts of the Northern Territory privy to few,” she said.

HAPPY TIMES: Heather Perdjert (right) and Phillipe Kauri share a laugh at the Wadeye cadet unit. Photo: CPL Neil Ruskin

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19AIR FORCE August 21, 2008 Flightline

DISTINCTION: Above, FLTLT James Hutchins is presented the Andrew Humphrey Memorial Medal by Lady Humphrey for achieving the highest overall standard on the RAF’s No. 40 Aerosystems course in Cranwell, UK. He received three of the five major prizes awarded for the course after graduating with a distinction. Photo: Mark KertonLEADER: Below, Commander Surveillance and Response Group AIRCDRE Warren Ludwig presents a Good Show award to 11SQN’s SGT Jack Kruljac for his conscientious approach to the Air Force’s accident prevention program. Photo: AC Brenton Kwaterski

HEALTHY TUCKER: Above, LAC Ryan Hawker from 321ECSS at RAAF Base Darwin prepares vegetables for the Airmen’s Mess. Photo: LAC Christopher DicksonTROUBLESHOOTING: Top left, maintenance manager FSGT Paul Edwards at work at the RAAF Control and Reporting Centre in Afghanistan. Photo: AB Paul Barry

BALLOON BOYS: Above, from left, No. 28 (City of Canberra) Squadron’s FLTLT Michael Bannerman, SGT Patrick Feary and WOFF Christopher Beazley conduct a training flight over Canberra. Photo: WOFF BeazleyHAWK EYES: Below, 79SQN’s ACs Brendan Smith (left) and Kyle Snodgrass look over a Hawk during aircraft maintenance at RAAF Base Pearce. Photo: LAC Aaron Curran

20 Personnel AIR FORCE August 21, 2008

ANOTHER Air Force medical ‘first’ occurred recently when LAC Blake Reeve, a basic medical assistant (ME-DASST) from 323ECSS Health Serv-ices Flight, successfully gained regis-tration as an Enrolled Nurse (EN).

He gained this recognition through Queensland Nursing Council (QNC) after the council recognised his Defence qualifications.

OIC 323 Health Service Flight (HSF) SQNLDR Sharon Cooper presented him with his certificate, saying she was encouraged to see her staff being recog-nised for their extensive training.

323HSF senior MEDASST SGT Libby Smith said she believed LAC Reeve was the first MEDASST to achieve the important qualification after the recent restructure of MEDASST competencies.

“MEDASSTs are broadly scoped, highly-trained members of the Air Force. Historically, however, they have had dif-ficulty attaining any sort of civilian qual-ification,” SGT Smith said.

“LAC Reeve attained his qualification through the QNC. It was a battle for the

QNC to recognise the accredited training that he has had in his MEDASST career. Fortunately, he used his Certificate IV in Health (Defence), attained through Air Force accreditation to convince the coun-cil that he had the required skills an EN needs,” she said.

Currently, MEDASSTs can only par-ticipate in ‘ride-alongs’ as observers with the Queensland Ambulance Service.

“This gives them great exposure but limited clinical practice,” she said.

“Although I don’t intend discharging and working as an EN, [this recognition] opens up doors for me to participate in clinical placements at civilian hospitals in Queensland,” LAC Reeve said about his recognition.

SGT Smith said that, as the process was possible, she was keen to see other MEDASSTs seek to gain civilian accred-itation as well.

“The process for registration is to gain from Air Force accreditation your Certificate IV (Defence), complete the QNC application package 1 form on line at http://www.qnc.gov.au, pay the fees and await the paperwork,” she said. Story provided by SGT Libby Smith.

Mental health under review

Medic’s winas first EN

A CREDIT: OIC 323ECSS HSF SQNLDR Sharon Cooper presents LAC Reeve with

his certificate. Photo: SGT Elizabeth Smith SUBMISSIONS are invited for

the review into Defence mental health care and the transition to non-military life.

Headed by Professor David Dunt, the review will provide an independent assessment of the effec-tiveness of mental health programs and support across the ADF and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

Written submissions are being sought from Defence members, vet-

erans and interested members of the public. All submissions will be con-fidential.

Defence, Science and Personnel Minister Warren Snowdon said the review “will study the mental health care needs of ADF personnel and the ex-service community and assist us in ensuring the very best care is available”.

Veterans’ Affairs Minister Alan Griffin said the review would be

particularly helpful in examining the transition from military to civil-ian life.

Submissions close on September 20. Email them to: [email protected], or post them to: Melbourne University Post Shop, PO Box 4285, Melbourne University, Victoria 3052. For more information, visit http://www.defence.gov.au/health/DMH/i-dmh.htm

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What is RSL Legal Aid?

The RSL Legal Aid Scheme is an initiative of the RSL in cooperation with National Legal Aid (NLA). It is a scheme designed to facilitate the provision of free legal information and preliminary legal advice to Australian Defence Force personnel wherever they may be serving.

Information about civilian law is available from a number of sources, including legal aid commissions and law societies in each state and territory of Australia. Sometimes an understanding of the law relating to your problem will enable you to decide how best to handle it. Sometimes you may also need legal advice. The RSL Legal Aid Scheme is designed to help you obtain information about the law and preliminary advice about your problem.

For information about how to access the scheme, visit the RSL website at:

http://www.rsl.org.au

21PersonnelAIR FORCE August 21, 2008

Air Force Departure Lounge� Who’s leaving after 20 or more years’ service

Must/SpecLOGGSEFITTSECPOLATECHSIGSOPCLKPTIADMINAFITTRADIOGATC PLTADASFITTLOADMAVTECHAVTECHAVTECHAVTECHARMTECHAVTECH

Last day August 3July 7July 20July 20July 23July 13July 27July 7July 31August 3July 24July 20July 13March 25July 18July 21August 3July 31July 20July 7

Years3130282727262525242323222121212121202020

NameWGCDR Reginald ManenSGT Douglas AmbrosiusFSGT Stephen WitheySGT Steven CrockettWOFF Rex TestoniSGT Stuart DuncalfSGT Michael CallejaFLTLT Robert ParkLAC Peter LallySQNLDR Brian MurrayWGCDR Robert WhiteFLTLT Paul CooleySGT Clayton AdamsWOFF Murray HaytonSGT Andre KratzerSGT Terrence MondonFSGT Shane StrohbenFSGT John BlinesSGT John PerkinsSGT Simon Slattery

When and where to lodge reportsRank Raise SubmitLAC/W – CPL August 1 September 1SGT – FSGT September 1 October 1FLTLT – WGCDR October 1 November 1WOFF – FLGOFF November 1 December 1

SubmissionsElectronic PARs/SRs – [email protected] copy PARs/SRs – OIC Promotions, DP-AF, R8-7-056, Russell Offices, ACT 2600PRPs and representation material – Defence Archives, Annex 1, Department of Defence, Queanbeyan, NSW 2620

IT’S THAT time of year – when Performance Appraisal Reports (PARs) need to be raised and submit-ted to the Directorate of Personnel – Air Force (DP-AF).

You’ve worked hard all year; you’ve exceeded your supervisor’s expectations and met all goals for this reporting period. Surely you must be looking good for promo-tion? Not necessarily.

There is one more crucial step to take. Make sure that your PAR and/or your Supplementary Report (SR) provides an accurate and compre-hensive, example-based assessment of your performance. As SRs do not have a promotion recommendation check box, assessors should provide a promotion recommendation within the narrative.

Do not make the mistake of assuming that high PAR scores are the key to promotion. The promo-tion board is looking for examples of performance that set you apart from other promotion candidates

– flowery statements and reitera-tion of the word pictures from the check box section will not assist your cause. The promotion board is also looking for a clear indication that you have the potential to per-form at the next rank.

Take ownership of your promo-tion prospects. Read DI(AF)PERS 4-29 – Performance Appraisal Reporting – Air Force to gain a good understanding of basic processes, including tips on the completion of PARs.

If you’re not happy with the con-tent of your report, then discuss the matter with your assessor before that part of the PAR is completed. Be prepared to provide examples to back-up what you are saying.

If necessary, familiarise your-self with the representation process (DI(G)PERS 10-8 – Performance Appraisal Reporting in the ADF refers) but be realistic about how well you have performed throughout the year – your PAR assessment is

based upon sustained effort over the reporting period not just a few iso-lated examples.

Working hard and performing well is a good way to make sure you are assessed well in your PAR, but when your reports are consid-ered by a promotion board, poten-tially among hundreds of others, it’s important that the board has con-fidence in the assessment. A little thought and planning, and an under-standing of how the system works, can make all the difference.

The PAR and SR are the primary tools used to formally record a mem-ber’s performance during the report-ing period, so it is essential that they are lodged on time. Failure to submit a PAR/SR on time may adversely affect your promotion prospects. Timely submission is the responsi-bility of you and your assessors. Information provided by WGCDR Brock McKinlay from the Directorate of Personnel – Air Force.

PAR time is here again

SOLID PERFORMERS: To stand out from the crowd, make sure your PAR provides an accurate report of your performance and potential to perform at higher rank. Photo: CPL Bill Louys

Members and assessors are respon-sible to ensure PARs and SRs are submitted on time. To enhance your prospects for promo-tion, ensure your PAR provides an accurate assessment of your perform-ance. Assessors should ensure they provide a promotion recommendation on any SR raised. Refer to DI (G) PERS 4-29 – Performance Appraisal Reporting

– Air Force for information and tips on completing the PAR. Take time to plan your PAR/SR before it is submitted to enhance your pro-motion prospects. Members identified for promotion are advised to have PARs or SRs raised. Members should check the Air Force People Central website regularly to confirm if their PAR and/or SR has been received.

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Former nursing sister Lorraine Sheah shows the medals of her older sister, former RAAF flight nurse Verdun Sheah, who was killed in a RAAF aircraft crash in New Guinea during WWII. She also holds a copy of the 2007 Air Force Annual, which featured the story of her sister and the crash. On November 15, 1945, Verdun Sheah boarded a 35SQN C-47 for a flight from Lae to Rabaul via Jacquinot Bay, New Britain, with 27 other people. The Dakota struck a mountain just 30 metres from its peak and crashed into the jungle. The accident occurred as the mountain’s height was incorrectly marked on the air charts by 500 feet. There were no survivors. Recently, military aviation researcher and historian Bob Piper and his wife Misako visited Sister Sheah for morning tea and presented her with the copy of the annual on behalf of Air Force. Photo: Bob Piper

By Martin James

RECENTLY, the Office of Air Force History (OAFH) launched its third book in what has been a very busy year.

Since January, the OAFH has run a very successful history conference, released three books and has three more in the pipeline.

The latest book release, Three Passions and a Lucky Penny, is the autobiography of AVM Eric Stephenson (ret’d).

Known by many in the Air Force as ‘Steve’, AVM Stephenson was a navigator in RAF Bomber Command during WWII before becoming a doc-tor in the RAAF after the war. In a life that included bombing raids over Germany and time as a prisoner of war, AVM Stephenson became one of the Air Force’s iconic figures during his 53-year Service career.

The book launch took place in

front of the Australian War Memorial’s Lancaster exhibition, which depicts a Bomber Command raid over Berlin on December 16, 1943; the same mission on which his Lancaster was shot down by a German nightfighter. He was in the same prisoner of war camp as CDF ACM Angus Houston’s father.

CDF was the keynote speaker at the launch as he recounted the adven-tures of a man he described as “an institution in the RAAF”.

The book launch was one of many noteworthy events this year. The first was the RAAF history conference which was held in Canberra in April. Its theme was ‘Air Expeditionary Operations’.

It was the venue for the first book launch, Operation Pelican – The Royal Australian Air Force in the Berlin Airlift, 1948-1949 by Air Force histo-rian, Dr Chris Clark.

The next, Song of the Beauforts,

occurred at Caboolture airfield over the Anzac Day long weekend. Author Colin King recounts the exploits of the personnel of 100SQN and Australia’s experiences with the aircraft.

The next major milestone was the simultaneous release of George Odgers’ book Mister Double Seven, and The Forgotten Few by Doug Hurst on July 23 at the Fighter World avia-tion museum at Williamtown. The first book tells the story of WGCDR Richard ‘Dick’ Cresswell, three times CO of 77SQN in WWII and the Korean War. The second book details the experiences of 77SQN in Korea.

The OAFH is planning further book launches this year and the histo-ry conference proceedings also will be published. Entitled Air Expeditionary Operations – from World War II until today, it provides an account of RAAF expeditionary operations from the last 69 years.

Books r us

IN TUNE: From left, WGCDR Kevin Brent, Colin King and AIRCDRE Stewart Cameron with the book ‘Song of the Beauforts’. Photo: Martin James

Treasured memories for Verdun Sheah’s sister

MEMORIES: GPCAPT Doug Hurst (ret’d) signs his book for CO 3SQN WGCDR Joe Iervasi. Photo: ACW Casey Gaul

22 History AIR FORCE August 21, 2008

supporting defence families...

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DFA’s New WebsiteDFA’s website provides you with a family focused portal on ADF information. It also provides DFA with the opportunity to inform and update you on our advocacy role in family related policy and entitlements.

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DFA together with the ADF Financial Services Consumer Council are pleased to offer a free recyclable shopping bag to families who register on our new look website.

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23LifestyleAIR FORCE August 21, 2008

HEALTH

All you knee-d to know

THE knee is one of the main weight-bearing joints in the body and, as a result, is susceptible to repetition inju-ries.

This is due, in part, to the structure of the tibiofemoral joint, but is largely due to the large forces produced by the biggest muscles in the body.

Training inappropriately or maintaining poor posture can cause over-development of some of these muscles, while inhibiting others, causing imbalance and inappropriate weight and force distribution through the knee.

One of the most common injuries as a result, is patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS).

What is PFPS?PFPS is the term used to

describe pain on and around the patella or knee cap.

PFPS is a chronic degenera-tive injury which results in pain

to the back of the patella due to the wearing of the smooth surface at the back of the knee cap by the rubbing of the bones underneath. It is made worse by abnormal movement of the patella during bending.

During normal movement, muscles and tendons move the patella medially or towards the inside of the leg to sit in the grove of the femur (thigh bone) allowing for fluid movement.

Problems and pain occur when the patella does not track correctly in the groove. This is common in people who do a lot of weight-bearing exercises and/or run long distances.

Common causes� Overloading: Placing large forces on the knee, which increase during bending, such as stair-climbing or running on hard surfaces;

� Gait: Gait refers to the nor-mal natural movements of the foot. A break-down in any of

these, for example flat feet, often changes the alignment of the patella, resulting in increas-es in uneven forces on the joint. Impact even during walking sends shock waves up into the knee and hip.

� Muscle imbalance: The quad-ricep muscles are responsible for moving the patella: three of the quads pull in a lateral direc-tion towards the outside of the leg, whereas the vastus media-lis oblique muscle on the lower

section of the femur or thigh pulls towards the inside of the leg in a medial direction to bal-ance the patella.

If the lateral outside muscles pull and work more than the inside muscles due to a strength imbalance, then a greater lateral pull occurs causing patella mal-tracking. Over time, this may lead to PFPS.

When the outside fibres are shorter than the inside lower fibres, then this can also cause

patella mal-tracking with time, possibly leading to PFPS.

Symptoms� Aching at front of the knee, around and under the patella.� Pain on bending or straight-ening the knee joint.� Tenderness around the knee.� Swelling especially after pro-longed activity and activity up and down hills or stairs.� Clicking or cracking when bending.� Uncomfortable sitting for long periods.� Wasting to the quad muscles, especially the vastus medialis oblique muscle on the lower inside section of the femur around the knee joint.� Tight calves, hamstrings, illiotibial band (muscle on the outside of the thigh). This band is often tight with runners and cyclists.

Exercises� Work abductor or upper outer thigh muscle to counter the nat-ural inwards turn of the thigh during walking/running.� Ensure quadriceps work through full range into control-led extension with no bouncing.� Train the endurance of mus-cles, not just strength. � Correct firing of muscles for

Knee injuries are rife among those undertaking physical activity. Vincent Kouwenhover takes a look at one of the most common.

balance and stability to ensure smooth gait during walking and running. � Work on switching on the vastus medialis oblique muscle on the lower inside section of the femur around the knee joint for heel strike to assist with impact and tracking (see your base trainers).

Examples of exercises that can be employed: static lunges; controlled full range 90-degree squats; one-legged wall squats; wobble board exercises; leg extensions; static quads holds; step ups; and stretches to increase stability, and control-led range of motion within the affected limb.

TreatmentApply RICE – rest, ice,

compression and elevation to the injured knee. This will help reduce swelling.

If you have swelling, seek medical advice.

Rest until pain has gone and resume with lower loads.

Use a knee support under guidance; these should be tem-porary if possible while you learn to control functional movement of the joint. Vincent Kouwenhover is a civil-ian corrective exercise special-ist.

DON’T WEIGHT: The knee takes a battering throughout your lifetime and should be properly looked after. Photo: CPL Andrew Hetherington

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25LifestyleAIR FORCE August 21, 2008

INCREASES in interest rates have put home loans under the spotlight – and rightly so, because for many Australians the family home is their biggest asset and their home loan is their biggest financial commitment.

When interest rates change, it is a good idea to review your home loan to make sure it is the right loan for you. An obvious way to do this is to see whether you’d be better off switching from your existing loan to one that charges a lower interest rate or has other features that will benefit you.

However, there are costs associated with switching loans and it is impor-tant that you take these into account when you are weighing up the benefits of a switch.

As part of a package of measures to make it easier for consumers to switch mortgage provider, the Federal Government recently asked ASIC to conduct a review of home loan switch-ing fees. Following that review, ASIC developed a checklist of things to think about when considering switching home loans. This checklist follows.

There is also an interactive step-by-step home loan switching checklist on ASIC’s consumer website, www.fido.gov.au to help consumers make the right choice about switching loans.

Step 1: Work out how much your loan costs

The interest rate charged on your loan is by far the biggest single factor in determining how much your loan costs you over the long term. Also con-sider the ongoing fees being charged.

When comparing loans, the ‘com-parison rate’ is a better indicator of the real cost of a loan than just the interest rate, because it includes most of the fees and charges of the loan.

However, the comparison rate doesn’t include exit fees (also known as early termination or deferred appli-cation fees). So you need to look at these separately (see Step 4).

You should also take into account your personal circumstances when working out the cost of the loan. For example, if you are planning to sell in the near term, an interest rate sav-ing might not add up to much when you take into account the fact that the loan will only last a year or two. Like anything, there is no ‘one size fits all’ answer to home loans – and sometimes your personal circumstances mean the costs will depend on you.

Step 2: Work out what features you want

Do you want a variable or fixed interest rate? Many people look at fix-

The ADF Consumer Council reminds personnel that on July 1 Defence launched a home loan subsidy scheme (Defence Home Ownership Assistance Scheme). Assess how the Scheme can benefit you by vis-iting www.dhoas.gov.au

Australian Securities and Investments Commission Chairman Tony D’Aloisio gives you the ASIC home loan checklist.

FINANCE

Make a careful choice

ing the interest rate on some or all of the loan, to give themselves certainty with their repayments. If this is some-thing you’re interested in, speak to your lender.

Other features you may want are the ability to redraw any additional repayments you have made, the ability to take your home loan with you if you move (loan portability), or the ability to set up a connected business loan. Once again, the type of loan you want will depend on your personal circum-stances.

Step 3: Shop aroundCheck out a number of loans and

lenders and create a shortlist. You can find information by searching in the news, on websites and ratings agen-cies like InfoChoice (www.infochoice.com.au) and RateCity (www.ratecity.com.au).

Talk to two or more lenders to find out the best deal they’re prepared to offer you. Often, you can get a dis-count on the advertised ‘standard’ rate or a contribution to the break fees on your old mortgage. It is a great invest-ment of time to speak to more than one lender – the potential savings will

more than compensate for the time you spend researching and bargaining.

Step 4: Work out how much it costs to switch

Before you make any decision to leave your current loan, work out how much it will cost you to switch to a new one. Include exit fees with your existing loan, and start-up and ongoing fees with the new one.

Exit fees in the early years of a loan can sometimes be thousands of dollars, and will include the legal fees of the lender in discharging your mortgage.

You will need to decide whether the lower interest rate with a new loan outweighs the costs of switching from your existing one.

The lower the exit and start-up fees, the more you stand to gain by switch-

ing. If the fees are high, you may be better off staying with your existing loan.

Step 5: Talk to your lenderBefore you switch, contact your

current lender and tell them you are planning to switch to a cheaper loan offered by another lender. They may be able to suggest an alternative loan for you at a cheaper rate, or offer to reduce the interest rate in order to keep your business.

There are a number of other things you can do to pay off your loan quick-er. For example, making additional repayments, consolidating your debts and revisiting your budget. For more information go to FIDO at www.

fido.gov.au or 1300 300 630. Email top-ics that interest you to: [email protected].

PAIN OR GAIN: Choose your lender carefully. Photo: LAC Aaron Curran

26 Sport AIR FORCE August 21, 2008

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By Michael Brooke

FEAR of being responsible for the end of a sports dynasty inspired the Air Force to a thrilling victory in the women’s open of the 2008 Sydney Metro Defence Touch NSW Inter-Service Sports (ISS) competi-tion recently.

The Air Force pipped Army 5-3 in the final at Victoria Barracks on August 1 to maintain its winning streak that dates back to 1994, when the competition began.

The unavailability of players due to deployments resulted in Air Force and Navy entering a combined team that performed extremely well together against a well-drilled Army.

LACW Dannielle Burns said that her team mates were determined to win to preserve Air Force’s sports dynasty in women’s touch.

“Victory is always sweet com-pared to the bitter pill of defeat,” she said with a chuckle.

The final was a thrilling specta-cle that featured slick passing, fast running, calculated attacking moves and desperate, diving defence, with several players treated for injuries before the final whistle.

Glory girls

DEFENCE II, one of the three Defence teams that entered, won the Pierce Cup in competit ion with local government and small business teams from the western Sydney and Hawkesbury region at Windsor Bowling Club recently.

The tournament was played in three games over 11 ends, with the winners being decided on wins and shot margins.

RAAF Base Richmond fielded three Defence teams and organised sponsor-ship by the Defence Reserves Support Council (DRSC) for lunch.

All three Defence teams won their opening games and success continued to be the name of the game for Defence II in game two, with all three teams involved in cliff-hangers. Defence I drew its second match and Defence III lost its second game by five shots.

In the final game, Defence I lost by two shots, Defence III won by six and

Lawn bowlers hit the green in inter-Service comps

Defence II clinched a thrilling victory against Blacktown Diggers II with three shots on the last end. Defence II ulti-mately went on to win the Pierce Cup with three wins and plus-20 shots.

On the horizon for Air Force bowlers is the national inter-Service lawn bowls carnival in Ipswich from October 13 to 17.

Air Force has two representatives on trial for the ACT-Southern NSW team. They were chosen after the 2008 ACT/SNSW inter-Service championships played in bitter conditions at Canberra’s West Deakin Hellenic club on June 26 and 27.

Navy had six players selected, APS five and Army one.

The ACT title went to Defence APS from Combined RAAF/Army, with Navy third. FSGT Vedette Morris was voted best RAAF/Army lead. Best bowler for the championships was Rob Swallow from the APS.

A team of at least 16 will be chosen over the next few months to represent ACT/SNSW at the nationals.

Diggers’ carnival� All current and former Service

members are invited to contest the National Diggers’ Bowls Carnival in Dubbo from September 16-18.

� The entry fee is $30 a player and the organisers are expecting to raise $10,000 for the Starlight Foundation.

� Nomination forms and inquiries should be registered through: www.dubborailwaybowlingclub.com.au

ON THE BENCH: FSGT Vedette Morris from HMAS Harman with Navy’s LCDR Steve House at the ACT/SNSW inter-Service championships.

Photo: CPO Gavin Locke

The women’s victory was even sweeter because of the narrow defeats the men suffered in the open and over-30s finals.

The Air Force went down 4-7 to the Army in the men’s open final in which they nearly snatched vic-tory from the jaws of defeat late in the second stanza when the soldiers faded.

The men’s over-30s team was

unlucky to lose 3-4 to the Navy, withtheir sole consolation being a 10-0 thumping of the Army in a round-robin match, which left the soldiers utterly demoralised by full-time.

The competition was a means to select the Combined Services teams to compete in the Australian DefenceTouch Association (ADTA) NationalChampionships at RAAF Base Williamtown from October 12-18.

WE RULE: The Air Force women’s open champions with their trophy.

IT’S MINE: Air Force captain, LACW Dannielle Burns, swoops on a

looping pass despite the attention of three Army defenders during

the Sydney Metro Defence Touch NSW Inter-Service Sports (ISS) competition. Photos: Michael Brooke

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27SportAIR FORCE August 21, 2008

CANBERRA CPLs Scott Bate-man and Owen Eastoe played ma-jor roles for Air Force at the ACT inter-Service squash champion-ships from July 31-August 1.

The champs were held at the Australian Defence Force Academy’s (ADFA’s) Indoor Sport Centre.

Their excellent winning records kept their service in the running to win right to the end of the titles at the centre.

This year the men’s and women’s teams combined to form one team to lift the standard of competition. Air Force, Navy and the APS contested the inter-Service event, with Army unable to field a team.

Air Force had won the title in the previous two years and was confident of retaining it with a similar team to last year’s.

Navy entered a team that had good depth and the skills to cause a major upset if underestimated.

The APS was the team to beat with several Premier League players and some players who don’t play competition but have a natural flair for squash.

After day one, Air Force was sev-eral points in front of the APS with Navy a close third.

Day two promised to be interest-ing, with the public service’s Premier League players to play most of their matches.

With that depth of talent, APS was too strong for the Navy and Air Force, and went on to win narrowly.

“The standard of play was excel-lent with several competitors cur-rently playing Premier League squash and putting on a great display of shots and endurance,” one of the organisers, FSGT Brett Parker, said.

“All matches were played in great spirit and with each player pro-grammed to play at least six matches (125 games in total) over the two days, enthusiasm remained high even though fatigue hit many by day two.

“The APS had great players right through its line-up but a couple of names worth mentioning who turned out to be the dark horses of the com-petition were Doug Witt and Hart McPhee,” he said. For more information on the squash titles, visit: http://intranet.defence.gov.au/dsg/sites/squash/

AIR Force’s best will take on the rest of the ADF when the HMAS Cerberus Sport and Recreation department conducts the 11th annual Navy Natural Bodybuilding and Figure Championships on September 22.

The event, in the Southern Cross Cinema from 7pm, is open to all men and women of the permanent and Reserve ADF, and APS personnel.

Competitors will be placed into categories by height and age. Novices and beginners are encouraged to enter.

The inaugural Navy com-petition was held at HMAS Cerberus in 1998.

The competition will be con-ducted under the International N a t u r a l B o d y b u i l d i n g Association (INBA) rules.

Wayne McDonald and a team of five from the INBA will judge it.

Interested competitors and spectators should con-tact POPT Joe Carroll at the HMAS Cerberus gymna-sium and aquatic centre on (03) 5950 7553 or email: [email protected]

Talent too strong

Bodies on show at champs

AIR Force is looking for ACT men and women golfers keen on representing it in the inter-Service golf competition at Mollymook Golf Club on the NSW South Coast from October 20-24. The team will consist of 11 players and one reserve.

Play will be held on the Tuesday to Thursday, after practice on the Monday.

Interested players should contact SQNLDR Mark Wilkins, e-mail [email protected] or phone (02) 6265 5083; or FLTLT Wayne Thompson,e-mail [email protected] or phone (02) 6127 2596. More ADFGA information can be found at: http://www.sportscentreoz.com/adf-gaindex.htm

Calling all ACT golfers

EYE ON THE BALL: WGCDR Paul Millett from Defence Establishment Fairbairn prepares to volley a high ball at the ACT inter-Service squash titles at ADFA.APS took out the competition. Photo: LAC Aaron Curran

SPORTRUN OF THEIR

LIVES

Inside: ■ Squash ■ Touch footballAugust 21, 2008

Air Force double tops ADF runners in the City2Surf

By Michael Brooke

OUTSTANDING track athlete FLGOFF Marnie Ponton, running in her first City2Surf, was the ADF’s top female runner, finishing sixth outright in 52min and 23sec in Sydney on August 10.

A nursing officer with No. 3 Combat Support Hospital, FLGOFF Ponton smashed the best time in this event by an ADF female runner by 3 minutes.

In the men’s category, a banana for breakfast pro-vided Air Force runner SQNLDR Richard Gardiner with the energy he needed to smash through the pain barrier ahead of 70,000 competitors and conquer the 14kms in 46min and 30sec.

SQNLDR Gardiner, of the Tactical Fighter Systems Programs Office at RAAF Base Williamtown, ran the

race of his life to finish in the top 50 runners and just 5 minutes behind the winner.

SQNLDR Gardiner, 32, said this was his fifth City2Surf race, and he struggled to overcome the biting six-degree cold when he arrived at the start line at Hyde Park for the 14km canter to Bondi.

“I spent 20 minutes just warm-ing up because it was very cold,” he said.

“It was pretty hard going against a very talented field of runners and I was hurting a bit because the race took a lot out of me.”

SQNLDR Gardiner surged up the infamous ‘heartbreak hill’ to break clear of APS triathlete Luke Grattan and Army’s SGT Mat Skate.

The president of the ADF Running and Athletics Association, CAPT Frank Kresse, said SQNLDR Gardiner was one of 42 Defence Athletics Club runners in the City2Surf, 12 of whom were female.

CAPT Kresse said the objectives of sport in the ADF were to encour-age participation, develop a com-petitive ethos and espirit-de-corps.

“Competitions, such as this race, provide the perfect opportunity to build qualities in the respective work places, units and ultimately, the ADF,” he said.

HIGH-FLYING RESULTS: SQNLDR Richard Gardiner was

first over the line for the ADF, finishing only 5 minutes behind

the overall winner in the City2Surf in Sydney. The ADF’s top female

runner was FLGOFF Marnie Ponton, finishing sixth outright.

Photos: Bill Cunneen