AIRF RCEVol. 61, No. 5, April 4, 2019 The official newspaper of the Royal Australian Air Force

RAPID RESCUE

FLTLT Yolande Fogarty assists residents to evacuate from Groote Eylandt, Northern Territory, as Tropical

Cyclone Trevor advances. Photo: CPL Tristan Kennedy

CAF ANNOUNCEMENTAIRMSHL Mel Hupfeld

lands top job Page 2

ADF’s agile cyclone response

Pages 4-5

SPECIALLIFT-OUT

INSIDEExercise Cope

North

EDITORIALDirectorDavid EdlingtonManaging EditorMyles Morgan

EditorLawrence Dutrieux: (02) 6266 7612Deputy EditorJessica Deotto

ReportersSGT Max BreeSGT Mark DoranCPL Sebastian BeurichCPL Veronica O’HaraLS Jake Badior

raafnews@defencenews.gov.auThe Editor, Air Force News, R1-GF-C037, PO Box 7909, Department of Defence, ACT 2600

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2 April 4, 2019RCEAIR FNews

CJOPS AIRMSHL Mel Hupfeld will fly back into the Air Force fold as CAF on July 4, following a Federal Government announcement on March 28 at Russell Offices in Canberra.

Apart from his time at HQJOC, AIRMSHL Hupfeld will also bring experience as Air Commander Australia, Director Combined Air Operations Centre and Head Force Design.

Defence Minister Christopher Pyne said AIRMSHL Hupfeld would easily fit into the new job.

“His experience in these roles makes him ideally suited to continue the development of the Air Force as a modern and effective force capable of undertaking regional and global operations,” he said.

Current CAF, AIRMSHL Leo Davies, will hand over command of Air Force on July 3 after more than 40 years of exemplary service.

“The government extends its sincere gratitude to AIRMSHL Davies, who has been relentless in embedding a culture of innovation and integration that will continue to shape the Air Force for generations to come,” Mr Pyne said.

MAJGEN Greg Bilton will take control of the joint space as CJOPS on June 28 and be promoted to LTGEN.

“MAJGEN Bilton is currently serving as the Commander Forces Command within Army and is a highly experienced officer with extensive leadership and operations experience through senior positions including Deputy Chief of Joint Operations, and Commander 7th Brigade,” Mr Pyne said.

“He has also served as Deputy Commanding General United States Army Pacific.”

AIRMSHL Hupfeld to be next CAF

CJOPS AIRMSHL Mel Hupfeld will take over command from CAF AIRMSHL Leo Davies on July 4.

CJOPS designate MAJGEN Greg Bilton, VCDF RADM David Johnston, Defence Minister Christopher Pyne and CAF designate CJOPS AIRMSHL Mel Hupfeld at Russell Offices, Canberra, during the announcement of the next Chief of Air Force. Photos: Jayson Tufrey

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SGT Max Bree

ADF personnel found guilty by courts martial and Defence Force Magistrate hearings will have their names made public from March 31, to make the military justice system more transparent and consistent with civilian law.

Details of upcoming service tribunal hearings will also be publicly listed and outcomes published afterwards.

Names of witnesses, victims or complainants will not be published.

Publication of trial details will take effect for new matters referred to the registrar of mili-tary justice from March 31.

There is no change to unit-level summary hearings or the discipline officer scheme.

Defence’s Chief Judge Advocate BRIG Michae l Cowen, QC, said extra report-ing would help underpin gen-eral deterrence, one of a mag-istrate’s main sentencing prin-ciples.

“Our ADF members should be able to see greater detail about what other members have been doing, as well as the con-sequences for serious offences,” he said.

“It will also help under-standing on why different sen-tences are sometimes given for the same offence.

“These changes will help ADF members and the public alike have confidence in our discipline system.”

Registrar of Military Justice GPCAPT Ian Henderson said an open and transparent mili-tary justice system would ben-efit victims.

“Victims and complainants need to see that their complaints are treated with the utmost seri-ousness,” GPCAPT Henderson said.

“About 45 court martial and Defence Force Magistrate hear-ings occurred last year.

“Of those, members of the public were only aware of selected hearings – around two or three.

“With the new system we expect to see an increase in interest, which will lead to greater visibility of military jus-tice activities.

Courting cultural change

SUPPORT AVAILABLEHelp for members affected by court proceedings is available through: The Defence Community Organisation, 24 hours a

day via the Defence Family Helpline on 1800 624 608 or email defencefamilyhelpline@defence.gov.au

ADF Chaplains Open Arms Veterans and Families Counselling ser-

vice, 24 hours a day on 1800 011 046 Joint Health Command All Hours Support Line on

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“It also means organisations such as the media will have access to consistent facts to use in public reporting.

“We’re not just reporting the factual allegation but, on con-viction, the sentence and main reasons for it.

“There’s nothing to hide; I think that’s been the perception

previously. We’re also looking to be consistent with civilian practice.”

Commanders may apply for names not to be published in certain circumstances.

Commanders and supporting staff are advised to understand these changes and how they will affect their personnel, along

with how to support their mem-bers and their families during proceedings.

More information is available on the Judge Advocate General’s websites at Internet: defence.gov.au/jag or DRN: http://drnet.defence.gov.au/AssociateSecretary/JAG/Pages/default.aspx

Photo: SGT Max Bree

3April 4, 2019RCEAIR F News

‘These changes will help ADF members and the public alike have confidence in our discipline system.– Chief Judge Advocate

BRIG Michael Cowen

SGT Max Bree

THE multi-coloured Safebase signs that greet you on entering a Defence base changed to a new system on March 25.

The old alert levels of ‘alpha’ to ‘echo’, that were in effect since 2001, will be replaced with a three-tiered structure of ‘aware’, ‘alert’ and ‘act’.

Director Security Improvement Program Faye Murray said base Senior ADF Officers (SADFOs) will be able to adjust local security measures in response to local condi-tions.

Chief Security Officer Celia Perkins will set the national Safebase alert level from intelli-gence and advice of ASIO and the Australian Federal Police.

SADFOs can use local informa-

Changes to securitySAFEBASE alert level is

AWARE

AWARESecurity aware

Normal business

ALERTIncreased security

Restricted business

ACTFollow emergency

procedures

tion to change their base’s alert level.

“The current system is cumber-some to apply if we change alert levels, which could mean an insuffi-cient response,” Ms Murray said.

SADFOs who change their Safebase level must notify HQJOC, who pass the information to senior leaders and other bases.

The changes follow reviews in 2016 and 2017 that found inconsist-ent use, unclear roles and authori-ties.

“We consulted multiple agen-cies and international partner armed forces who were mainly concerned about terrorism,” Ms Murray said.

“In the UK, where they’ve had a number of terrorist attacks in the past five years, the bases have never used their highest alert level.”

The change is a first for a system that was launched about 18 years ago.

According to Ms Murray, it allows bases to communicate the threat of violence immediately and to respond appropriately.

The new Safebase levels will also appear on Defence computer networks within Australia.

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4 April 4, 2019RCEAIR FNews

See footage at: http://video.defence.gov.au/play/6095#

FLTLT Chloe Stevenson

THOUSANDS of feet in the air with up to 200 displaced evacuees on board a cramped C-130J Hercules is the last place you would want to face a life-threatening medical emergency.

That’s why the ADF deployed No. 3 Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron (3AMES) personnel to oversee the wellbeing of evacuees fleeing from the advance of Cyclone Trevor from March 21-22.

FLTLT Yolande Fogarty, an Aviation Medical Officer, said her team cared for the passengers by providing general aviation medical support, primary care and emergency

resuscitative management in the case of clinical deterioration.

“The team consisted of myself, an aviation nursing officer and an advanced medical assistant. We pro-vided clinical care to evacuees, par-ticularly those conditions brought on by the stress of the emergency flight,” FLTLT Fogarty said.

“As the OIC and Medical Officer, I determined the passengers’ fitness to fly and provided any warranted clinical oversight.”

FLTLT Fogarty said the task was challenging with up to 200 evacuees on board each flight.

“Determining people’s fitness to fly can be challenging on a crowded

aircraft – we relied on our clinical judgement and objective experience to aid in the initial triaging and staging process,” she said.

FLTLT Fogarty believed what set 3AMES medical capability apart was its expertise in dealing with airlift sce-narios, such as cyclone evacuations.

“3AMES brings experienced avia-tion medical knowledge and teams that have expertise in civil-community assistance on RAAF airframes,” she said.

“The squadron regularly trains for mass casualty movement with a focus on stabilisation and treatment of patients during flight.”

Unit’s watchful eye

Lightning strikes in the skies surrounding Katherine showground as Army soldiers from the 5th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, and RAAF Base Tindal personnel set up emergency shelter tents.Photos: CPL Tristan Kennedy

As Cyclone Trevor threatens northern Australia, Air Force personnel assist the evacuees from Groote Eylandt onto a C-130J Hercules in the Northern Territory.

Evacuated residents of Groote Eylandt disembark a C-130J Hercules following a repatriation flight home from RAAF Base Darwin.

Northern Territory Police Officer Senior Constable Chris Carter on

board a C-130J Hercules on its way to McArthur River Mine airfield during

evacuation flights, in anticipation of Tropical Cyclone Trevor.

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5April 4, 2019RCEAIR F News

Quick as a flash

ADF proves its agility with a rapid response to a cyclone threat in the Top End, writes FLTLT Chloe Stevenson

An Air Force nursing officer helps a resident of McArthur River into the Darwin Airport terminal after an evacuation flight on a C-130J Hercules.

TROPICAL Cyclone Trevor, packing winds of up to 250km/h, made history when it sparked the Northern Territory’s largest evacu-ation ever to take place ahead of a storm system.

J o i n t Ta s k F o r c e 6 3 1 Commander BRIG Matt Pearse said the ADF response from March 22 to 24 was extremely quick.

“When Tropical Cyclone Trevor formed, the Northern Territory Government requested our support,” BRIG Pearse said.

“We based our headquarters in Darwin, with Army and Air Force personnel working together as part of JTF631 for Operation Northern Territory Assist.”

Defence provided three C-130J Hercules aircraft and a range of Army capabilities including infan-try and combat engineers who could potentially be tasked with debris clearance and water purifica-tion.

BRIG Pearse said the diverse

mix of capabilities ensured an agile JTF.

“We knew that our support could take many forms, so we had a bit of flexibility with our structure and available capabilities,” BRIG Pearse said.

“We also had personnel focused on providing emergency accommo-dation, tent and camping stores to the emergency evacuation centres in Katherine and Darwin.”

With assistance from the ADF, the NT Government evacuated about 2500 people from remote communities across East Arnhem Land, ahead of TC Trevor making landfall on March 23.

While many self-evacuated by car, or left on NT Government char-tered flights, the C-130J Hercules were used to evacuate more than 950 people.

“We played a critical role in the movement of people from remote communities in Groote Eylandt and the McArthur River Mine, and

brought them back to the safety of Darwin,” BRIG Pearse said.

Once the threat from TC Trevor passed, Operation Northern Territory Assist shifted its focus to the repatriation of displaced people back to their local communities.

Over three days, the ADF returned 451 residents to their homes.

BRIG Pearse said he was proud of the JTF personnel deployed on Operation Northern Territory Assist.

“The way in which Army and Air Force have worked together on this short notice task has shown great teamwork and strength,” he said.

“It has been our privilege to work side-by-side with the NT Police, emergency services and other agencies to support our Top End community.”

Operation Northern Territory Assist was the ADF contribution to the evacuation effort upon request from the NT Government.

Soldiers from 5th Battalion, Royal Australian

Regiment and RAAF Base Tindal personnel construct emergency

shelter tents at the Katherine showground.

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7April 4, 2019 RCEAIR F News

Eamon Hamilton

TRAINING in Papua New Guinea has allowed a RAAF C-130J Hercules crew to engage our clos-est regional neighbour and meet the country’s Prime Minister.

In February, No. 37 Squadron crew moved 150 PNG Defence Force members between Vanimo and Wewak, and met PNG Prime Minister Mr Peter O’Neill.

The squadron often provides local air mobility support during week-long ‘PNG trainers’ intended to develop the flying skills of junior Hercules aircrew.

Located on the north coast of PNG, Vanimo and Wewak are only 280km apart, but the only means of transport between them are by air or sea.

FLTLT Steve Rothenbuhler, a 37SQN Qualified Flying Instructor, said the mission provided crews with valuable experience in plan-ning and coordinating a task in sup-port of the PNG Defence Force.

“The tasking involved movement of personnel and equipment in sup-port of PNGDF 2nd Royal Pacific Island Regiment (2RPIR),” FLTLT Rothenbuhler said.

“The support consisted of deploying about 75 PNGDF mem-bers and their equipment from Wewak to Vanimo, and redeploy-ing about 75 from Vanimo back to Wewak.”

This was achieved over the course of four flights within PNG.

“On arrival of the last leg to

Wewak, the PNG Prime Minister Mr Peter O’Neill met the rede-ployed 2RPIR troops to thank them and welcome them back,” FLTLT Rothenbuhler said.

When 37SQN plans each PNG trainer, the Air Mobility Control Centre will advise the Australian High Commission in Port Moresby of its scope to provide in-country airlift.

This can lead RAAF air mobil-ity crews training in PNG to carry cargo and personnel, including vehi-cles and heavy equipment, medical aid and health supplies.

At the same time, the terrain, weather and environment tested the planning and flying skills of Hercules crews like few other coun-tries can.

“PNG is a designated moun-tainous area due to the rugged ter-rain of the highlands area,” FLTLT Rothenbuhler said.

“A combination of the high mountains and hot temperatures can make ensuring safe aircraft perfor-mance and terrain clearance chal-lenging.

“This is especially the case in an area that is susceptible to frequent cloud and thunderstorms.”

RAAF airlift crews first faced the challenges of this environment in Dakotas during WWII.

With the Dakota’s modest per-formance, crews weaved through valleys under enemy fire to drop supplies to the Kokoda Trail and bring the wounded home.

In the peacetime years since,

PNG has remained a proving ground for RAAF crews flying the Caribou, four generations of the Hercules, and the Spartan.

“PNG highlands training is essential for C-130J aircrew as it provides familiarity and experi-ence,” FLTLT Rothenbuhler said.

“This translates directly to oper-ations conducted by 37SQN during humanitarian assistance and disaster relief tasks.”

RAAF Hercules have provided support to PNG during the 2018 APEC Summit; a 7.5-magnitude earthquake that struck in February 2018; and the PNG Federal Election in 2017.

One unique challenge is success-fully landing on ‘one way’ airfields, so named because the surrounding terrain and runway characteristics mean they can only be approached from one direction.

“This sometimes requires the pilot to be ‘committed to landing’ from early final approach, reduc-ing the margin for error,” FLTLT Rothenbuhler said.

Weighing up to 70 tonnes, the four-engine Hercules is one of the larger aircraft capable of flying into some of these airfields.

“The C-130J has excellent short airfield performance even in ‘hot and high’ conditions like in PNG,” FLTLT Rothenbuhler said.

“Combined with the ability to deliver payloads by airdrop as well as landing makes C-130J the pre-mier platform for PNG Highland operations in the ADF fleet.”

Terrain tests Herc team ‘The C-130J has excellent

short airfield performance even in ‘hot and high’ conditions like in PNG.

– FLTLT Steve Rothenbuhler, 37SQN Qualified Flying Instructor

Aircrew from 37SQN engage with members from the PNG Defence Force and the PNG Prime Minister (centre with thumbs up), in front of a RAAF C-130J Hercules.

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8 April 4, 2019 RCEAIR FNews

LIFE IN THE RAAF

LAC Jasper Coulembier’s role as an aircraft life support fitter with No. 35 Squadron is help-ing him satisfy his passion for

travelling the world.Born in Belgium, LAC Coulembier

moved to Australia when he was 12 years old, completing his high school years in Harvey Bay, Queensland, before joining Air Force in 2014.

Working on the C-27J Spartan aircraft, his role as an Aircraft Life Support Fitter involves maintaining the equipment that might be needed in an emergency. This includes aeronautical life support such as breathing appara-tus and life jackets.

“Straight out of recruits I was happy to be posted to 35SQN at RAAF Base Richmond,” LAC Coulembier said.

“In my time at 35SQN I have been

lucky to witness the growth in the squadron from no aircraft to 10 air-craft. This was an exciting time and a big learning curve for everyone.

“I was then able to be involved in the move of the squadron from RAAF Base Richmond to Amberley.

“I was happy to try a new loca-tion and opted to extend my posting to stay with the Spartans at their new Amberley home.”

LAC Coulembier said he enjoyed working for Air Force as it allowed him to fulfil his interests in the out-doors and camping, and in particular, travelling to new places.

In March, 35SQN deployed for Exercise Cope North at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. LAC Coulembier was part of the deployed team, working alongside the Japanese and United States militaries supporting

the Spartan to conduct air-lift support during humanitarian assistance and disaster-relief scenarios.

“In my career I’ve been able to experience multiple domestic exer-cises and events, a deployment to

the Middle East, an air show in New Zealand and now I’ve been on an exer-cise to Guam,” LAC Coulembier said.

“During Cope North I was work-ing in the same building as the United States Air Force. One of my highlights

was touring a B-52 Bomber aircraft and having a little bit of time off to explore Guam.”

LAC Coulembier said he was keen to further his career and hoped to travel to new places in the future.

Taking in the sights

FLGOFF Kat Trimble speaks to an aircraft life support fitter about the appeal of travelling on the job with Air Force

LAC Jasper Coulembier waits to assist with the unloading of a 35SQN C-27J Spartan at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, for Exercise Cope North. Photo: SGT Kirk Peacock

RCEAIRF April 4, 2019 Exercise Cope North 1

RAAF Ground Defence Officer, SQNLDR William Drewitt-Smith, shows a Japan Air Self-Defense Force security force member the workings of an Australian EF88 Austeyr as part of Exercise Cope North at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam.Photo: SGT Kirk Peacock

Our personnel hit the mark when it comes to working with our friends from the US and Japan during Exercise Cope North, FLGOFF Kat Trimble writes

SPECIAL LIFT-OUT

HOW WE CLICKED

A typhoon added an unexpected training dimension to Exercise Cope North, which was hailed as an overall success by Australian Com-

mander GPCAPT Nicholas Hogan.GPCAPT Hogan said personnel from Air

Force, United States military and Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) proved their agility, despite Typhoon Wutip forcing a pause in the exercise on February 22.

“The agility of RAAF, US and JASDF personnel was shown when they worked

quickly together and enacted weather contin-gencies,” he said.

GPCAPT Hogan said Cope North, held at Andersen Air Force Base from February 18 to March 8, provided Air Force personnel invaluable training opportunities by rehears-ing real-world scenarios with the US and Japan.

He said the integrated training programs helped improve Air Force’s relationship with regional partners to maintain peace and sta-bility in the Asia-Pacific region.

He said the large trilateral force com-pleted hundreds of sorties.

“The RAAF successfully demonstrated our multi-lateral interoperability and coali-tion procedures through humanitarian assis-tance and disaster relief training, and large force employment missions, with our aircraft completing 207 sorties,” GPCAPT Hogan said.

“Cope North offered unique opportunities to rehearse real-world scenarios in a con-trolled exercise environment.”

Air Force deployed 11 F/A-18A/B Hornets, an E-7A Wedgetail, a C-27J Spartan and a KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport.

A combat support element and an aero-medical evacuation team were deployed and integrated with United States and Japanese counterparts.

“More than 2900 military personnel and about 100 aircraft from the RAAF, US mili-tary and JASDF participated in the exercise,” GPCAPT Hogan said.

c

RCEAIRFApril 4, 20192 Exercise Cope North

Joint warfare exercises test the mettle of Australian, United States and Japanese air forces. FLGOFF Kat Trimble reports

Flying as one

The skies above Guam were roar-ing with coalition airpower as Australia, Japan and the United States exercised a large force

employment element for Exercise Cope North 19.

Air combat tactics and large force employment training were the focus of the third week of Cope North and involved the conduct of air combat and surveillance operations in a simulated threat environment.

Air Force worked with the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) and the United States Air Force (USAF) taking part in realistic scenarios.

LTCOL Chris Moeller, F-16 Pilot from USAF 13th Fighter Squadron, said the best way to describe a large force employment was controlled chaos.

“You’ll take off and there are 30 to 40 aircraft all getting into the airspace at the one time,” LTCOL Moeller said.

“After a day of planning, the fight starts. The radios are busy, there are adversaries and the USAF, RAAF and JASDF aircraft are all integrating together.”

LTCOL Moeller said one of the first tasks was refuelling his F-16CM using Air Force’s KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport.

“As soon as that was done, I checked into the airspace and was controlled by

the RAAF E-7A Wedgetail and became part of an initial push, fighting right alongside RAAF F/A-18A/B Hornets,” LTCOL Moeller said.

“We had been practising tactics against a pure adversary and had the unique opportunity to fight against a professional ‘enemy’ – the USAF 18th Aggressor Squadron.

“I personally took away an improved knowledge of the force multipliers that the RAAF brings to the fight.”

Air Battle Manager FLGOFF Jordan O’Rourke, of No. 2 Squadron, said his team was exposed to a complex bat-tlespace environment in which they had to monitor and control different aircraft types.

“An E-7A Wedgetail was deployed from 2SQN for the exercise and rotated with USAF and JASDF airborne early warning and control aircraft to provide battlespace surveillance of the exer-cise area during missions,” FLGOFF O’Rourke said.

“It was helpful to provide coalition partners with a greater understanding of the Wedgetail’s capability.

“By working closely with USAF and JASDF counterparts we made sure we know how to operate together so we can work together in the future.”

JASDF Commander Air Defense Command LTGEN Shigeki Muto, USAF Commander, US Forces Japan, and Commander 5th Air Force, Pacific Air Forces LTGEN Kevin Schneider, RAAF Commander Air Combat Group AIRCDRE Michael Kitcher and JASDF Air Support Commander MAJGEN Koichi Nishitani about to enter a 2SQN E-7A Wedgetail.

RAAF Air Battle Manager FLGOFF Jordan O’Rourke, from 2SQN, stands in front of the E-7A Wedgetail he’s been operating as part of Exercise Cope North, Andersen Air Force Base, Guam.

c

Exercise Cope North 3RCEAIRF April 4, 2019

Sharing the cockpit

Aircraft from RAAF, USAF and JASDF fly over Andersen Air Force Base to

demonstrate a large force employment of aircraft as part of Exercise Cope North 19.

Photos: SGT Kirk Peacock

RAAF 75SQN Air Life Support Fitter CPL Darren Burns watches as JASDF Pilot 1st LT Shohei Taguchi tests the helmet visor.

Japanese and Aus t r a l i an pilots were treated to a rare experience by taking part in exchange flights during

Exercise Cope North.The flights at Andersen Air Force

Base in Guam provided a unique opportunity to learn about United States and Japanese aircraft capabili-ties and strengthen relationships.

The flight exchange involved Air Force’s F/A-18A/B Hornets from No. 75 Squadron and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force Mitsubishi F-15J Eagle.

Eleven F/A-18A/B Hornets from 75SQN were deployed – the sixth time the aircraft have participated in Cope North – as part of Australia’s contribution of 460 people and 16 air-craft to the trilateral exercise.

75SQN Pilot FLTLT Sam said being in the inside of the cockpit of a F-15J Eagle was the best way to gain a deeper understanding of how it operates.

“During Cope North it was great to fly alongside each other in the large force employment scenarios and learn the differences in how we operate and then combine this to work success-fully as a coalition,” he said.

“But by far there is no better way to experience the power and manoeu-

vrability of each other’s aircraft than by sharing a flight.”

He said the F-15J Eagle and Hornet were quite different aircraft.

“The F-15J is a lot larger with much more thrust and the F/A-18A/B is a lot better at slow-speed manoeu-vrability,” he said.

“I took JASDF pilot Shouhei Taguchi for a flight in our Hornet and focused on low speed manoeuvrabil-ity and general max performance handling.

“I wanted to show him the Hornet’s strength in the low speed arena.

“During my flight in the F-15J, I was able to experience an air-to-air refuel from the JASDF KC-767, which was an awesome experience as the refuelling procedures are com-pletely different to the Hornet.

“While the Hornet refuels from a flexible hose within a pod, the F-15J refuels from a rigid boom. It was great to not only see but also feel the differ-ence.”

LT Taguchi said he thoroughly enjoyed his flight in the Hornet and acknowledged that it became a great learning experience.

“I was able to feel manoeuvres that I cannot do in the F-15J. It was very invigorating,” LT Taguchi said.

4 Exercise Cope North RCEAIR F April 4, 2019 5

Warrior force

Eyes and ears on the ground

No. 4 Squadron Combat Con-trol Team had the important job of being the first on the ground to assess the viability

for aircraft and personnel arrival dur-ing Exercise Cope North.

4SQN personnel worked with United States Air Force (USAF) and Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JAS-DF) to enhance the air and ground crew’s ability to work together.

The RAAF Combat Control Team (CCT) was comprised of combat con-trollers who have specialist skills in reconnaissance, assault zone control and clearance of an airfield.

Combat controllers provided a range of capabilities, such as declar-ing a landing zone safe for aircraft to land, meteorology observation and controlling air strikes from the ground.

The RAAF CCT practised two types of airfield insertions into Baker Airfield at Tinian Island in the Mari-ana Islands.

The team conducted tactical air-land operations by ground via a JASDF KC-130H Hercules and prac-tised parachuting from USAF C-130J Hercules aircraft.

4SQN Detachment Commander

SQNLDR J said the CCT played a critical role in securing the ground for advanced force arrival.

“Our role was to be the command-er’s first eyes and ears on the ground and exercises such as Cope North al-lowed us to sharpen our skills in rapid airfield clearance,” SQNLDR J said.

“One of our most valuable experiences was parachuting into a simulated disaster zone from a USAF C-130J Hercules.

“We worked with a USAF jump master, conducting jumps at both 6000 and 10,000ft.”

He said it was important for per-

sonnel to continue to integrate their skills with the USAF and JASDF “so that we can effectively work together in the Asia-Pacific region”.

“In a disaster situation we want to be able to get our forces in as soon as practicable. Training with multi- national crews expands our contin-gency options, allowing us to success-fully work with each other’s aircraft and personnel,” he said.

“Exercise Cope North helps cultivate common bonds and foster goodwill between regional nations by conducting multi-lateral humanitarian and civil assistance operations.”

Security forces share tactics, training and weapons systems at Exercise Cope North, FLGOFF Kat Trimble writes

A joint team effort enhances air and ground crew support

Security forces from Japan, Australia and the United States shared their tactics, training and procedures and

determined how to best integrate their capabilities as a joint team dur-ing Exercise Cope North.

Air Force, United States Air Force (USAF) and Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) Secu-rity Forces (SECFOR) conducted combined training at the Commando Warrior facility at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam.

The seven-day activity was part of a Commander Pacific Air Forces subject matter expert exchange and culminated in a field training exercise where multinational teams worked together to defend an air base.

No. 1 Security Forces Squadron Defensive Operations SNCOIC FSGT Scott Robertson said the train-ing involved sharing weapons sys-

tems, military working dog security and urban and jungle warfare tactics.

“It was a good opportunity to test the interoperability of our capabili-ties,” FSGT Robertson said.

“We learnt three nations’ weap-ons systems, including the effects and how the weapons systems are used in the battlespace.

“We overcame language barriers in weapons drills by using hand signals and clear body language.”

FSGT Robertson said each na-tion’s security forces teams provided their subject matter knowledge on how they provide security.

“The lessons learnt from previous exercises between the RAAF aircraft security operations team and the USAF Raven team were also shared with the JASDF,” he said.

“We become comfortable with how each other operates and built confidence in our abilities to seam-lessly integrate as a joint task force.”

‘We overcame language barriers in weapons drills by using hand signals and clear body language.

– FSGT Scott Robertson, 1SECFOR Defensive

Operations

Members from 4SQN Combat Control Team and USAF Jump Master jump at 10,000 feet from a USAF C-130J Hercules over Baker Airfield, Tinian Island. Photos: SGT Kirk Peacock

4SQN Combat Control Team conduct final checks prior to arriving at the

jump zone over Baker Airfield.

A 4SQN Combat Control Team member conducts a final radio check prior to boarding a JASDF KC-130H Hercules.

LAC Andrew Lawson, left, provides advice and guidance to a JASDF security force member on how to fire a sniper rifle as part of Exercise Cope North, Andersen Air Force Base, Guam.

Airfield Defence Guard LAC Thomas Lavender, right, fires a US military pistol

under guidance from USAF Staff Sergeant Kelly Jordan at Andersen Air Force Base.

c

RCEAIRFApril 4, 20196 Exercise Cope North

RAAF and United States Air Force (USAF) have com-pleted the first activity of this year’s Enhanced Air Coopera-

tion program during an aeromedical evacuation serial at Exercise Cope North.

No. 3 Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron (3AMES) trained on board a 36th Airlift Squadron C-130J Hercules from Yokota Air Base, Japan.

The training scenario focused on an aeromedical evacuation after a natural disaster, with the 3AMES team transporting a critically ill patient on a USAF C-130J Hercules from Tinian Island to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam.

Nursing Officer FLTLT Scott Glading said the activities allowed the aeromedical evacuation team to become familiar and comfortable operating within different aircraft.

“The 3AMES team brought all our own medical equipment, and scenarios such as these helped our team learn the configuration of USAF aircraft and learn the operating procedures of USAF crew,” FLTLT Glading said.

“While we operate in a similar way to the United States, there are small

differences. Just as it is important to test that our aircraft and equipment can work together, it is equally impor-tant that our crews feel comfortable providing patient-centred care.

“Working aboard a USAF aircraft pushes us outside our comfort zone and allows us to strengthen relation-ships with our USAF counterparts.

“We need to be prepared to go anywhere in the world – to bring back sick and injured personnel.”

FLTLT Glading said being able to interchange “our aeromedical evacua-tion teams and utilise each other’s air-craft greatly extends our capabilities”.

EAC, part of the United States Force Posture Initiatives, aims to increase the interoperability between the ADF and US force elements.

RAAF and USAF aeromedical evacuation teams have previously conducted integrated training in 2018 on both a USAF and a RAAF C-17A Globemaster III.

EAC will continue throughout this year, providing RAAF forces with val-uable training and greater engagement with United States force elements.

Dose of EAC training

RAAF aeromedical evacuation team prepare to move a medical evacuee onto a USAF C-130J Hercules at Baker Airfield, Tinian Island.

3AMES personnel move a stretcher in the back of a USAF C-130J Hercules during an aeromedical evacuation as part of Exercise Cope North. Photos: SGT Kirk Peacock

c

Exercise Cope North 7RCEAIRF April 4, 2019

Triple the support

Trilateral humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) train-ing scenarios tested the mettle of contingency response personnel

at Exercise Cope North. Air Force integrated with Japanese

Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) and United States military partners to form a multi-role contingency response team for the HADR training.

The scenario was based out of Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, with expeditionary elements operating from the Commonwealth of Northern Marianas Island of Tinian.

CO RAAF No. 381 Contingency Response Squadron WGCDR Melissa Neilson said combat support personnel and their US and Japanese counterparts took part in a complex exercise scenario.

“Our combat support contingent comprised about 80 personnel,” WGCDR Neilson said.

“They had varying specialisations: medical, air-load teams, communica-tions, security forces, logistics and administration, as well as a number of multi-role staff planners.

“Due to the continual demand for HADR support in the Asia-Pacific region, these joint exercises are increas-ingly important in understanding com-plementary capabilities of participating nations.”

The scenario was designed to enable the conduct of HADR missions in per-missive through to hostile environments.

It focused on managing an airfield, from which medical support could be provided and humanitarian aid could be distributed, as well as allowing the air

evacuation of serious casualties and the search for remaining survivors.

“While all three nations have contin-gency response capability, there are small differences,” WGCDR Neilson said.

“Through activities such as airfield security operations and operating an evacuation handling centre we built relationships and overcame cultural and language differences.

“The relationships built and sustained with our multinational partners in the Asia-Pacific region through exercises like Cope North, civil military operations and military exchanges help tremendous-ly in humanitarian efforts and in preserv-ing peace and stability in the region.”

LEFT: Members from USAF and JASDF watch the arrival of a JASDF KC-130H Hercules at Baker Airfield.

Nursing Officer SQNLDR Anna Hernan, left, and medical officers from JASDF,

work together in providing medical assistance to an injured evacuee as part of Exercise Cope North at Baker Airfield.

ABOVE: RAAF and USAF security forces members discuss exit tactics with the loadmaster of a JASDF KC-130H Hercules at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam.

Three-pronged approach to boosting contingency reponse training, FLGOFF Kat Trimble writes

RCEAIRF April 4, 2019 Exercise Cope North8

The adaptability of our personnel shines despite Typhoon Wutip, FLGOFF Kat Trimble writes

Whirlwind response

A specialist gender adviser took part in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief training during Exer-

cise Cope North.Deployed specialist gender

adviser FSGT Dean Maher provided advice and guidance on the gender considerations applicable to the local culture and community.

FSGT Maher also advised on gender considerations throughout the planning and execution of simulated evacuation operations.

He said history had shown that men, women, boys and girls expe-rienced conflict differently and that gender-based and sexual violence increased during times of disaster.

“While it is important for all military personnel working in these environments to understand

implications of gender in military operations, experience has shown the necessity of subject-matter experts for the practical application of a gen-der perspective,” FSGT Maher said.

“Scenarios at Cope North involved an evacuation handling cen-tre in a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief scenario.

“As the gender adviser I ensured there was gender balance in the search and processing teams and ensured we were postured to appro-priately respond to the needs of the evacuees.

“This includes having female participation in the key engagement areas of the centre and making sure there were separate and private search tents as well as separate hold-ing spaces to accommodate both women and children if necessary.”

Balancing the scales

The threat of hazardous conditions from Typhoon Wutip in Guam tested adaptability and agility

of Air Force personnel during a forced pause to Exercise Cope North on February 22.

To ensure the safety and security of assets and personnel, aircraft from Australia, Japan and the United States were relocated to other countries or moved into aircraft hangars at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam.

Cope North Australian Commander GPCAPT Nicholas Hogan said the typhoon’s impact actually presented the task group with a unique and real-time opportunity to strengthen relation-ships.

GPCAPT Hogan said moving aircraft and personnel to safety provided further challenges.

“The RAAF’s F/A-18A/B Hornets were able to bed down in a local hangar, demonstrating that interoperability stretches further than being able to fly together,” GPCAPT Hogan said.

“The agility of Australians and our United States partners to quickly work together and enact weather contingencies reinforces our ability to be flexible, adapta-ble and competent risk managers.”

Maintenance teams from No. 75 Squadron ‘Magpies’ and the United States Marine Corps All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 242 (VMFA(AW)-242) ‘Bats’ skilfully worked together to park the Hornets by folding the wing tips and manoeuvring them in the hangar to shelter from Typhoon Wutip.

SQNLDR Darwin Natano, Senior Engineering Officer from

75SQN, said an established rela-tionship between the Magpies and the Bats had made it easier to implement weather contingency plans.

“The Magpies aircrew and maintenance teams worked with the Bats when they came to RAAF Base Tindal during Exercise Pitch Black 2018,” he said.

“Established relationships allowed for seamless arrange-ments to be made when coordinat-ing the logistics to protect our jets in the hangar space at Andersen Air Force Base.”

Commanding Officer VMFA(AW)-242 LTCOL James Compton said it was great to be working with his Aussie mates again and recognised that Typhoon Wutip reinforced the ability of both squadrons to solve problems together.

‘Hornets were able to bed down in a local hangar, demonstrating that interoperability stretches further than being able to fly together.

– GPCAPT Nicholas Hogan Cope North Australian

Commander

He said he provided advice in the evacuation handling centre design and facilities, based on lessons iden-tified during real-world operations.

FSGT Maher was a gender adviser for Operation Indonesia Assist 2018 where he was able to highlight the considerations that applied to the transit of displaced persons on ADF aircraft.

Air Force is committed to inte-grating the role of the gender adviser and gender considerations into exer-cises at all levels.

Training at Cope North helped personnel understand that inclusion of a gender perspective contributes to enduring peace and stability in disaster affected areas.

ABOVE: Gender Adviser FSGT Dean Maher provides guidance and advice to SGT Rebecca Hass on gender in

military operations as part of Exercise Cope North, Baker

Airfield, Tinian Island.

75SQN members, SQNLDR Darwin Natano, second right, and WOFF Craig Pinkney, left, discuss the movement and placement of the 75SQN F/A-18A/B Hornets with members from the Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 242.

Aircraft maintainers from 75SQN position one of the F/A-18A Hornets back onto the flight line at Andersen Air Force Base as the weather cleared after Typhoon Wutip.Photos: SGT Kirk Peacock

Key role provides gender support on the ground

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18 April 4, 2019RCEAIR FPersonnel

Alisha Welch

DESCRIBED as a stalwart leader with sharp mission focus, SQNLDR Kevin Le Poidevin played a critical role in helping to establish the F-35A capabil-ity in Australia and has been rewarded for his efforts with a US Meritorious Service Medal.

SQNLDR Le Poidevin, of the Surveillance and Control Systems Program Office (S&CSPO), served as the Australian site activation and intro-duction to service lead in the US F-35 Joint Program Office from December 2014 until December 2017. He con-tributed significantly to the establish-ment of Australian training and opera-tional sites, as well as the Asia-Pacific depot-level repair capability for the global F-35 fleet.

In presenting the award on behalf of the US Government, Head Aerospace Systems Division AVM Catherine Roberts said SQNLDR Le Poidevin’s exemplary leadership con-tributed greatly to the establishment of the F-35A in Australia.

“SQNLDR Le Poidevin’s mentor-ship to junior and less experienced US Government and partner nation per-sonnel on the roles and responsibilities of the site activation and introduction to service team was critical in quickly acclimatising new personnel and mini-mising gaps in performance,” AVM Roberts said.

SQNLDR Le Poidevin served as the lead for the activation of the $1.4 billion effort to establish pilot and maintenance training and oper-ational capability at RAAF Base Williamtown; operational capability at RAAF Base Tindal; and airframe and Pratt & Whitney F135 propulsion depot-level capabilities at Williamtown and Amberley respectively.

“I am honoured, proud and thank-ful to have been presented with this medal on behalf of the US President. Having previously been honoured with a Medal of the Order of Australia from

the Queen in 2001, maybe it is time to retire,” SQNLDR Le Poidevin said.

“It was a career highlight to see the realisation of many years of work by many people as the F-35 operational, training and maintenance precinct rose from the sand.

“Planning and facilitating ini-tialisation of the global airframe and F135 propulsion Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul and Upgrade (MRO&U) depot capabilities in a unique global environment to a compressed timeline was challenging, but rewarding.

“There were great people on both sides of the Pacific establishing the facilities, maintenance and training centres, as well as establishing and supporting multiple IT networks.”

The Australia-based security team led by Kristie Green, Director Security in JSF Division, was a critical enabler for SQNLDR Le Poidevin’s role as a trusted partner, allowing him to estab-lish relationships that offered Australia unique opportunities.

“Cyber worthiness and ICT secu-rity is core business if you want to be a fifth-generation Air Force,” SQNLDR Le Poidevin said.

“I also worked closely with Char Mahoney, the JSF Division representa-tive in the Embassy of Australia in Washington D.C., where her 17 years of F-35 industry expertise were pivotal to Australia’s successful assignment of MRO&U capabilities to Australian industry.”

Taking his wife, Narrelle, on a three-year honeymoon to thank her for 28 years of support was the personal highlight of SQNLDR Le Poidevin’s US posting. “My grandson is 10, so I would like to see his name on the F-35A cockpit one day!”

SQNLDR Le Poidevin is the Air Traffic Management System Support Manager in S&CSPO, having worked in air, space and ground projects for the past 12 years.

Striking achievementF-35A LEGWORK TO SUPPORT the arrival of the first two Australian F-35A aircraft at RAAF Base Williamtown in December 2018, SQNLDR Kevin Le Poidevin organised an inte-grated Australian and US military government team, combined with industry partners contributing from across the US and Australia.

In recommending SQNDLR Le Poidevin for the Meritorious Service Medal, US Marine COL Tony Wright, Director Logistics Capability Delivery, said these detailed planning efforts focused on cost efficiencies and identify-ing opportunities for risk reduc-tion, which resulted in a tightly planned schedule that met Air Force’s operational and training requirements.

“No less challenging was SQNLDR Le Poidevin’s efforts to lay the groundwork for the establishment of an F-35 indus-trial repair capability for the Asia-Pacific region in Australia,” COL Wright said.

“Through a series of site surveys, requests for proposal, contract negotiation and award, SQNLDR Le Poidevin took the Australian depot efforts from con-ception to implementation.”

SQNLDR Kevin Le Poidevin, of S&CSPO, with his US Meritorious Service Medal. Photo: CPL Craig Barrett

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19April 4, 2019RCEAIR F Training

SGT Jacob Clayton

FOLLOWING the introduction of the P-8A training system in 2018, No. 292 Squadron has risen to the challenge and taken the necessary steps towards maintaining its status as one of the premier training units in Air Force.

Students have been learning their craft on fifth-generation training devic-es encompassing operational flight trainers, weapons tactics trainers, vir-tual maintenance trainers and mainte-nance hardware devices since the first P-8A training course got under way mid-2018.

In cooperation with the United States Navy and Boeing Global Services staff, 292SQN personnel have developed, validated and adapted both the USN-delivered courseware and training devices to maintain the excep-tionally high standards demanded by Air Force.

292SQN’s successes and achieve-ments in its first year resulted in the completion of 33 courses in 2018.

CDR Surveillance and Response Group AIRCDRE Craig Heap com-mended the students on their efforts at a graduation ceremony held at RAAF Base Edinburgh.

“You are now part of a proud tra-dition of aircrew delivering cutting edge, decisive airpower effects for our

nation, that dates all the way back to WWI,” he said.

As part of the course curriculum, No. 58 Airborne Electronics Analyst trainees studied radar systems, electro-optics, electronic warfare, anti-subma-

rine and anti-surface warfare, ordnance and flight safety procedures to operate the sensor system and work as part of the crew on board the P-8A Poseidon.

AEA graduate SGT Madeline Reilly is following in the footsteps

of her father, WOFF Brenden Reilly, who worked as both an AEA and flight engineer on the AP-3C Orion.

WOFF Reilly said he was proud of his daughter’s achievement. “Madeline has put in the hard work to become an

Course gives P-8A Poseidon aircrew fifth-generation edge

Honing hunter skillsAEA and I look forward to watching her career on the P-8A,” he said.

SGT Reilly was awarded the ‘most improved’ trophy for her performance on course and was keen about the future in her chosen career path as an AEA.

“I’m really looking forward to the excitement and challenges of working as part of a crew,” SGT Reilly said.

Eighty-one maintenance person-nel, 13 operations officers, and 61 air-crew (including the students of 58AEA course) have graduated to date.

The 58AEA course graduation rep-resented the completion of the first six months of operational control training and transition training at the new P-8A training facility, marking a significant milestone in 292SQN’s long and proud history.

All graduates were posted to No. 11 Squadron crews and they began operational flying from January.

This year will present new oppor-tunities and challenges for 292SQN as the training system undertakes its first major update in parallel with ongoing aircrew and maintenance training.

This update is also expected to enable P-8A entry into the distribu-tive training realm and support P-8A Poseidon role expansion through air-to-air refuelling.

58AEA course graduates SGTs Vijay Yakhmi, Andrew Grant, Madeline Reilly and WOFF Paul Gregory. Photo: CPL David Cotton

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21April 4, 2019RCEAIR F News

LAC Peter CassSTEM/Jericho“I love racing cars and having the kids being very engaging with all the equipment was excellent to see and work with.”– Compiled by CPL Bill Solomou

ACW Brittney SaintySTEM Mentor“I love encouraging young women to participate in STEM (sci-ence, technology, engineering and mathematics) subjects, and encouraging them to do further study. It was good to see them get really involved and it was positive.”

AC Jackson MegawMerchandise Team“Engaging with the public and getting to hear how they feel about the Air Force.”

What they liked about the grand prix:

Defence exhibits steer Australian Grand Prix fans into our cutting-edge fast lane

FLTLT Marina Lysenko

MORE than 350,000 Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix race-goers had a chance to engage with stellar ADF displays such as static and aerial dis-plays, fly-pasts and ground activities at Albert Park, Melbourne from March 14-17.

Capta ined by FLTLT Liam Klein with Co-Pilot FLTLT Caitlin Rytenskild, a C-17A Globemaster fly-past impressed the crowd with its size, flying over the grid just before the national anthem and the start of the main race

In the Defence precinct, there were some amazing activities to promote

and provide hands-on experiences to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects to more than 35,000 school children.

Activities in the ‘Jericho’ zone of the precinct included drone racing with the Air Force and Army teams, an Air Force simulator experience, robot-ic displays and virtual reality exhibits.

PLTOFF Isabella Filmer said the grand prix was a great opportunity to showcase the simulator experience, an interactive exhibit designed to provide a realistic glimpse into officer aviation roles within Air Force.

“We helped to motivate young peo-ple and give them an idea of what’s it like to pilot an F/A-18F Super

Hornet,” PLTOFF Filmer said.An event highlight and a crowd

favourite was a No. 77 Squadron F/A-18A Hornet display.

Hornet Pilot FLTLT Michael Keightley, of No. 2 Operational Conversion Unit at RAAF Base Williamtown, said he was a big fan of Formula 1 and watched it religiously.

“I enjoy the battle that you see from the guys down on the track. It is a pretty big spectacle,” FLTLT Keightley said.

“We love being in Melbourne and showcasing the fast jets with the fast cars and putting the Defence force out there for the public to see as part of the displays.”

A C-17A Globemaster from 36SQN conducts a fly-past during the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix. Photos: CPL Bill Solomou

Roaring success

22 April 4, 2019RCEAIR FFlightline

Name Years

FLTLT Barry Plater 42

FSGT Denis Nielsen 41

SQNLDR Joseph Vine 40

WOFF Danny Carulli 40

WGCDR Richard Soesman 39

WGCDR John Rowe 37

SQNLDR Washington Cordova 37

WGCDR Paul Muscat 36

FSGT Paul Stewart 34

FLTLT David Strauss 33

GPCAPT Antony Martin 31

SQNLDR Peter Weaver 31

WOFF Andrew Rowley 30

FLTLT Charles Kearnan 28

WGCDR Leith Biddell 27

WOFF Dwayne Taylor 26

SQNLDR Cameron Chapman 24

SGT Tania Schiebel 24

SQNLDR Peter Archer 23

FSGT Elizabeth Espinosa 23

SQNLDR Ryan Wilson 22

FSGT Andrew Heading-Knight 22

FSGT Bradley Edwardes 22

FSGT Sean Cotter 22

DEPARTURE LOUNGEWho’s leaving after 20+ years – February 2019

ACW Brittany Sainty assists students in making aircraft models during the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix 2019 in Melbourne. Photo: CPL Bill Solomou

Loadmasters, SGTs Jay Goggin, left, and Rob McGavock, of 35SQN, secure water barrels in the cargo area of a C-27J Spartan, as part of Exercise Cope North 19, Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. Photo: SGT Kirk Peacock

CO 23SQN WGCDR Mark Thompson cuts off LACW Jeanette Porter’s ponytail as part of the 2019 World’s Greatest Shave event at the RAAF Base Amberley Fire Section on March 15. Photo: CPL Colin Dadd

As a member of the Expeditionary Airbase Operations Unit, CPL Alan Stocks is deployed as a watchkeeper within the Australian Base Command Post on Operation Accordion in the Middle East. Photo: CPL Carla Armenti

LEUT Ben Willee

DESPITE only recording one win at the inter-service 2019 ADF AFL National Championships, held in Melbourne from March 17-23, RAAF teams were still drawing positives.

Women’s captain LACW Sara Schirripa said the team played excep-tionally well.

“We were delighted to have our first ever win against Navy at an inter-ser-vice championship, especially since we had 15 new players and only a short time together to train,” she said.

Men’s coach FLTLT Paul James said he had seen a lot of ups and downs dur-ing the 19 championships that he has been coaching the team.

“It’s clear to me the competition’s professionalism is increasing and we’re increasing with it,” he said.

“It’s not just about playing sport, we’re developing people as leaders and that makes a big difference to the RAAF as a whole.”

Tony Borrillo, who has four of his five children in Defence, got to see LAC Bradley Borrillo play against twin brother SMN Lachlan Borrillo.

“We came from South Australia to watch our boys play footy and we’re immensely proud of them but it’s dif-ficult to watch them play against each other,” he said.

“It was a tough game and they were into each other a bit, more than we wanted them to be.”

The next women’s game will be the ADF All Stars playing the Richmond VFLW team at Punt Road Oval, Melbourne, on April 24.

The next men’s game will be the ADF All Stars playing the Combined Emergency Services team as the curtain raiser to Port Adelaide versus North Melbourne at Adelaide Oval on April 26.

You can follow ADF Aussie Rules on Facebook or @ADFAussieRules on Twitter.

CAPT Holly Godwin

DEFENCE won silver and bronze medals at the 2019 Australian Skydiving Championships held at Moruya, NSW, from March 9-17.

Seventeen members of the ADF Parachute Association battled it out at the event hosted by Skydive OZ, which attracted more than 100 competitors.

Red Belly Defence team mem-ber, FLTLT Ben Skuce, of No. 36 Squadron, said his team was pleased with the silver medal in the formation category.

“We entered a more difficult category this year,” he said.

“To walk away with a silver medal was a great effort from the team.”

LCPL Nathan Brown, of the Parachute Training School, helped facilitate this year’s competition and said the skill level within the association was increasing.

“This year teams competed in the advanced Vertical Formation Skydiving competition,” he said.

“It was great to see such improvement from these teams throughout the competition and the year, and extremely happy with a silver medal.”

Defence A Squad team member Army’s CPL Marco Caruso said everyone loved to watch the jumps, even the jumps that didn’t go to plan.

“Sometimes the jumps that don’t work are where we learn the most,” he said.

“Overall the championships were a successful event.”

CAPT O walked away from the competition with a silver and bronze medal and said the civilian coaches who assisted the Defence teams with dive planning and tech-nique were some of Australia’s best skydivers.

“We were so fortunate to get the level of coaching that we did this year,” he said.

“The coaches have competed for Australia on the world stage and we were lucky to use their skill and expertise.”

If you are a military skydiver or interest-ed in learning to skydive please contact sky.diving@defence.gov.au

23April 4, 2019 RCEAIR F Sp rt

CAPT Holly Godwin and FLTLT Ben Skuce from 36SQN in formation with their team as part of the 2019 Australian Skydiving Championships.

A positive end game

In flight form

Women’s RAAF 4.6.30 – Women’s Navy 3.6.24

Men’s Navy 18.15.123 – Men’s RAAF 9.10.64

Women’s Army 10.10.70 – Women’s Navy 0.1.1

Men’s Army 7.9.51 – Men’s Navy 4.6.30

2019 ADF AFL National Championships scores

ACW Kizzy Grice, of 13SQN, RAAF Base Darwin, competing

against Navy in the 2019 ADF AFL National Championships.

Photo: Steve McNeil

2019 Australian Skydiving Championships

SP RTApril 4, 2019

Teams step up their game in

inter-service ADF AFL

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ON THE MARK

ACW Melany Fisher, of RAAF Base Williamtown, competing against Navy in the 2019 ADF AFL National Championships. Photo: Steve McNeil