Flood relief for hard-hit SA – Page 15Newest balloon takes off – Page 5

AIRF RCEVol. 58, No. 19, October 20, 2016 The official newspaper of the Royal Australian Air Force

Making an impact during Operation

Render Safe

CENTRE

INSAFE HANDS

CPL Timothy Bassett, of 65SQN, carries a 155mm

explosive projectile to a disposal area

for destruction at the Solomon Islands.

Photo: CPL Mark Doran

2 October 20, 2016RCEAIR FNews

DirectorDavid Edlington: (02) 6265 4650

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ReportersWO2 Andrew Hetherington: (02) 6266 7614SGT Dave Morley: (02) 6266 7613CPL Bill Solomou: (02) 6265 1355CPL Max Bree: (02) 6266 7608 CPL Mark Doran: (02) 6265 1304LS Jayson Tufrey: (02) 6266 7606CPL Sebastian Beurich: (02) 6265 4140

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RCEAIR F

Living the Air Force Values: RESPECT – EXCELLENCE – AGILITY – DEDICATION – INTEGRITY – TEAMWORK

LS Jayson Tufrey

MORE than 300 people took time out of their busy day to unite in ris-ing up against the “black dog” dur-ing a bridge-to-bridge walk around Canberra’s Lake Burley Griffin on October 7.

CDF ACM Mark Binskin led members from all walks of life (including from the ADF, APS, AFP and NSW police, fire and ambu-lance services) in the walk to raise awareness for mental health ahead of World Mental Health Day on October 10.

CDF said looking after Defence personnel and their families was an ongoing priority and one of personal importance.

“I appreciate everyone taking the opportunity to participate in this walk because exercise is an incred-ibly important factor for good mental health,” he said.

“Mental heal th affects not only members of the ADF – it’s a far broader issue in the com-munity. So I’d like to acknowl-edge the members of our pro-tective services, the emergency services and the civilians who have joined us for this event.

“I encourage people to look at this from a community perspective as there are a lot of first responders here who see traumatic things every day, and they need our support every bit as much as we need theirs.”

FLTLT Julie Higgs said she

enjoyed the chance to get out of the office and support the cause.

FLTLT Higgs said it was “great to mix with everybody and take the opportunity to have a chat in some fresh air”, which was an appropriate way to support the cause.

“We all work really hard and, in some cases, we work in high-pressure jobs, which don’t afford a lot of time out or respite.

“So it’s important to get together like this, take some time and look at the bigger picture,” she said.

“I think it’s important to recognise the need for good mental health. Just talking about things can bring issues to the surface.

“You can then become aware of somebody in need of help and ask

‘Are you okay?’ It’s reassuring to know the help is there if you need it, too.”

Various activities have been held during October to focus on mental health and wellbeing.

These have encouraged open and honest discussion about mental health issues, promoted awareness of the range of support services available to Defence personnel and their families, and urged individuals to seek help early.

The theme for ADF Mental Health Day 2016 was Let’s Talk. This theme focused on the skills required to ini-tiate a conversation about mental health and wellbeing with work col-leagues, how to provide support to others and how to seek support.

CPL Max Bree

BEFORE LACW Alicia Bannerman’s grandmother passed away, she saw many nursing home residents who never received visitors.

Not content with leaving elderly resi-dents lonely, she organised regular visits by airmen from RAAF Base Tindal.

“They get very excited when they see us arriving in our uniforms because they know we are there to see them,” she said.

“I get a list of people’s names who get no visitors and what they enjoy doing, then match them up with Defence members.

“The elderly get to decide if they want to play games or just hang out and chat.”

This was part of the reason LACW Bannerman, from No. 17 Squadron, became the 2016 Combat Support Group Airman of the Year.

She was also credited for her out-standing dedication, work ethic and pro-fessionalism.

Along with absorbing extra tasks, she also volunteered for additional roles, shifts and exercises.

LACW Bannerman was in New Zealand on Operation Antarctica when she received the award.

“I felt extremely emotional and over-whelmed. It felt like my heart was pump-ing out of my chest,” she said.

“When I saw the Australian Air Force

and Army officer at the front of the room, I didn’t think anything of it and thought they were there to talk about Operation Antarctica.

“Then they said they were there for other reasons, then mentioned my name.”

Before starting the visits program with Anglicare in Katherine, LACW Bannerman canvassed personnel at RAAF Tindal and tailored a visits pro-gram suited to work schedules.

“I was nervous and still not sure if it would work,” she said.

“I had great support from my chain of command, including my CO. I wasn’t sure how many people would like to get involved in this program, but I currently have 12 people inducted and others inter-ested in helping out.”

Before joining the Air Force, LACW Bannerman was also awarded the National Emergency Medal for service with the Queensland SES in 2010-11.

She now hoped the visits program would keep expanding.

“I would love the program to go fur-ther into more nursing homes and maybe even into the local hospital,” she said.

“I think it is a great opportunity for Defence to widen its community engage-ment programs and for other bases to get involved.

“It would be great for this program to go further than the Katherine com-munity.”

Bridging the gap

Let’s talk: personnel take the fight against the ‘black dog’ in their stride

Fitting reward for a friend of the elderly

CSG’s Airman of Year LACW Alicia

Bannerman

The All-hours Support Line is a confidential telephone service for ADF members and their families that is available 24/7 by calling 1800 628 036.

More than 300 people, including FLTLT Julie Higgs, above, join CDF, far left with CAF AIRMSHL “Leo” Davies, for the ADF’s mental health walk around Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra.Photos: LS Jayson Tufrey

Flood relief for hard-hit SA – Page 15Newest balloon takes off – Page 5

AIRF RCEVol. 58, No. 19, October 20, 2016 The official newspaper of the Royal Australian Air Force

Making an impact during Operation

Render Safe

CENTRE

INSAFE HANDS

CPL Timothy Bassett, of 65SQN, carries a 155mm

explosive projectile to a disposal area

for destruction at the Solomon Islands.

Photo: CPL Mark Doran

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3October 20, 2016RCEAIR F News

SQNLDR Bruce Chalmers

FORMED at Kantar, Egypt, on September 20, 1916, No. 2 Squadron was again airborne on a mission in the Middle East on its 100th birthday, operating only a few hundred kilome-tres from its birthplace.

In 1916 the aircraft of choice was an Airco DH.5 fighter. Today it is an E-7A Wedgetail.

Commander Task Element 630.1.2 SQNLDR F said 2SQN “flies the world’s most advanced command, con-trol and surveillance platform in the form of the E-7A Wedgetail”.

“It’s an amazing quirk of history that we are flying on an Operation Okra mission just a few hundred kilometres from our birthplace 100 years later.

“While more substantial celebra-tions will be held in Australia to com-memorate the 100th anniversary, we felt it would be fitting to hold a small morning tea to observe the significant moment in our history.”

He said 2SQN Operation Okra Rotation 8 members were honoured to be on operation on such a significant date.

“As it is one of the original Air Force squadrons it was an occasion that, even in the busy tempo of opera-tions, needed to be observed,” he said.

“With a cake provided by the 2SQN Association, attendance by our senior theatre leaders and squadron members, the morning tea allowed me to tell the gathering of the distin-guished history of 2SQN in both world wars and global operations in the inter-vening periods.”

During its century of operations 2SQN has operated Avro Lincolns, Hudsons and Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation Canberra Bombers.

But, like the original four squad-rons, it has earned its share of recogni-tion for distinguished service. It was presented with The US Presidential Unit Citation, (President Franklin D. Roosevelt) for its work during 1942.

Jaimie Abbott and FLTLT Jack Marshall

NO. 2 SQUADRON members have returned from Alaska, where they participated in the most advanced international air combat training activities in the world.

Exercise Red Flag Alaska, from August 9 to 14, saw more than 50 participants from Williamtown-based 42 Wing and 2SQN, and an E-7A Wedgetail, deploy to US Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage for two weeks.

The large-force employment

exercise was led by the US Pacific Air Forces Command and replicated a high-end combat environment.

It was the fifth time the E-7A Wedgetail had participated in Red Flag, which is one of the biggest activities it contributes to each year.

This time it involved a series of air combat and surveillance sce-narios that tested operational air and ground crews to the highest level.

“It was very pleasing to see the team achieve a 100 per cent sortie success rate over the few weeks in such a challenging environment,” Detachment Commander SQNLDR Lee-Anne Stanway said.

With one E-7A Wedgetail per-forming regular sorties, the ground support elements were also tested.

2SQN deployed 44 members, including pilots, air combat offic-ers, airborne electronic analysts, maintenance, administration and intelligence officers. 42WG and Joint Electronic Warfare Operational Support Unit deployed 10 members for operational test and evaluation.

CO 2SQN WGCDR Chris Martin said the lessons learned from Red Flag exercises “influence and shape the Wedgetail capability road-map and future upgrade programs”.

Back to where it all beganOn its 100th birthday, 2SQN finds itself on operations close to its birthplace

100% success 100 years on

Jaimie Abbott

AS RAAF Base Williamtown prepares to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Nos 1,2,3 and 4 Squadrons with a parade at the base, 2SQN has already commenced commemorations.

These include an unveiling of new nose art (at left), Last Post Ceremony at the Australian War Memorial, Freedom of Entry to the City of Maitland, a family day, a commemorative church service and a Centenary Gala have been among the activities.

CO 2SQN WGCDR Christian Martin said the squadron’s E-7A Wedgetail has had no markings since its introduction, except for a temporary nose art design in the Middle East to mark a rotation.

He called for submissions for a tail art design, attracting 15 entries from current and former members of 2SQN, 42 Wing and the 2SQN Association.

The winner of that design was

SQNLDR David “Doc” Martin, an air combat officer and former squadron member.

SQNLDR Martin said it was difficult to tell the squadron’s entire history in one picture. “But I managed to come up with the design which incorporated a Magpie, in recognition of the squadron’s emblem and call sign in Vietnam.”

The tail art turned into nose art for financial reasons, and three of the six Wedgetails now feature the design.

Former and current members also attended a commemoration ceremony at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.

The Last Post ceremony paid tribute to past and present members and XO SQNLDR Glen Chettle presented the commemorative address and recited the 199 names of members lost during WWII and the Vietnam War.

On September 16, the squadron held an open day for hundreds of current and former members and their families.

A nose for celebrations

2SQN and the Royal Air Force’s 47th Squadron celebrate each other’s centenaries during Exercise Red Flag in Alaska. The E-7A Wedgetail in the background features the celebratory nose art.Inset: 68SQN (later 2SQN) in Lincolnshire, England, with an Airco DH.5 in September 1917. Photos: A1C Christopher R. Morales (US Air Force) and AWM

2SQN members reflect at the Last Post Ceremony and commemoration of the squadron’s centenary at the

Australian War Memorial.Photo: LACW Katharine Pearson

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4 October 20, 2016RCEAIR FNews

LS Jayson Tufrey

FOR half a century, the RSL has been sending care packages to ADF mem-bers on operations around the world.

That’s a grand total of 250,000 boxes containing little pieces of Australia that have been gratefully received by deployed airmen, soldiers and sailors.

Packed to the brim with tastes of home, such as Anzac biscuits, Jaffas, Minties, peanuts and Fruit Bon Bons, RSL care packs were first sent in the 1960s to boost the morale of Aussie troops serving in Vietnam.

To mark the 50th anniversary of the care-pack service on October 6, 2500 boxes were assembled at Randwick Barracks, home of the 39th Operational Support Battalion (39OSB). The packs will reach Defence members on overseas opera-tions in time for Christmas.

Australian sports and entertain-ment stars, including Australian crick-eter Josh Hazelwood, country singer Amber Lawrence and actor Rupert Raineri, joined 39OSB members in Sydney for the RSL-led milestone.

CO 39OSB LTCOL Kimberlea Juchniewicz said it was wonderful to host the anniversary celebration.

“As the CO, it is a fabulous feeling to be able to support the troops in this manner,” she said.

“We literally see the deploying sol-diers, sailors and airmen from go to whoa. We force prepare them, we get

them overseas, and now we are able to sustain them with these care packs.

“The feedback we receive is great. We have now changed what we are packing for them based on what the troops are telling us.

“We’ve gone to a two-pack Anzac biscuit as opposed to the larger pack, which they tell us goes stale if not eaten right away.”

Helping prepare the care packs was FLTLT Brett Brown, one of the 39OSB force preparation team leaders. He was happy to have received one while deployed last Christmas.

“It was a welcome surprise and also very well appreciated by everyone else who got one,” he said.

“This is such an important service because when you’re over there and deployed you are cut off from the rest of Australia, so this is actually a physi-cal representation of how everyday Australians are supporting us.

“When you receive anything from home it is always a welcome surprise and a great boost to morale. Sharing certain things, such as Anzac biscuits, with your colleagues from different countries means you can share a little bit of Australia with them as well.”

RSL national deputy president Robert Dick said he felt honoured to hold a position that allowed him to take part in such days.

“The RSL Australian Forces Overseas Fund (AFOF) parcel wrap-ping and sending service began 50 years ago today and it’s a tradition the

RSL, in conjunction with volunteers, have kept up over the years,” he said.

“I also feel humbled to meet volun-teers who have been doing this for 10 to 15 years, and all the service people and celebrities who offer their time.”

CO Forces Entertainment LTCOL Ian Robinson said the AFOF coordi-nated the preparation and delivery of about 5000 care packs, as well as sev-eral morale-boosting services, thanks to community support.

“We do this twice a year, usually around October and March,” he said.

There were enough packs for every deployed member to receive one.

“We encourage people to donate money to the RSL AFOF as that is the best way to get what the troops want. We aren’t constrained by 2kg limits and other logistics issues.

“For our serving men and women, this taste of home means so much, and continues to put smiles on the faces of our troops, particularly around Christmas.”

The care packs have collected a few passport stamps over the years, travelling to Iraq, Afghanistan, East Timor, Cambodia, China, the Cook Islands, Kiribati, Fiji, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, Cyprus, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Mozambique, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, the Solomon Islands, South Korea, Thailand, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu and Western Samoa – to name a few.

Little parcels of homeCare packs have been sent to deployed personnel for 50 years

FLTLT Brett Brown works on the care pack production line at Randwick Barracks. Inset: a mock-up of an original care pack. Photo: LS Jayson Tufrey

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5October 20, 2016RCEAIR F News

SQNLDR Sean Watson

THE newest Air Force balloon is ready for service, having lifted off over Ayr in Queensland for its first official flight on October 10.

Designated VH-OUP, the balloon features the Air Force crest, an image of the joint strike fighter (JSF) and the Our Place, Our Skies theme.

Balloon Flight Commander SQNLDR Damian Gilchrist said the crest was “a fitting symbol to represent Air Force”.

“The JSF highlights Air Force innovation and the evolution of air power, and the Our Place, Our Skies theme reiterates our connec-tion with indigenous people and our country,” he said.

Guests of honour during the flight includ-

ed Air Force Indigenous Elder Uncle Harry Allie and Senior Indigenous Adviser to CAF GPCAPT Lisa Jackson Pulver.

GPCAPT Jackson Pulver said it was an honour to be invited to participate in the inau-gural flight of VH-OUP and to see Our Place, Our Skies become a feature in Australian skies.

“Our Place, Our Skies envisions an Air Force proud of its culture and that of the country it serves with a vibrant, sustainable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander work-force,” she said.

“To have this vision featured on our new-est balloon and seen across Australia is sig-nificant and will help raise awareness of this important strategy.”

Inspired by and complementing the Air Force crest, the Our Place, Our Skies theme

depicts a maliyan (Wiradjuri Aboriginal word for eagle) moving through place and time with knowledge, wisdom and authority. The design also incorporates the Southern Cross, representing the Australian sky.

SQNLDR Gilchrist said the envelope of the new Our Place, Our Skies balloon, with a less complicated profile than the helmet design of its sister Next Generation balloon, would enable more efficient flight operations.

“A complex balloon design increases maintenance and handling considerations,” he said.

“This simpler envelope is more efficient and easier to launch and recover.”

The flying schedule for the new balloon can be found at www.airforce.gov.au

Indigenous military personnel have a proud histo-ry of service with Air Force. Today our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander servicemen and women continue to serve with distinction in all areas of Air Force. Why is it important that our personnel self-identify?

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service in Air Force can be traced back to the early days of WWII. Regrettably, many of these stories are lost to our documented Air Force history. Our serving indigenous servicemen and women have an opportunity, through self-identification, to ensure their stories are not lost, and instead celebrated and shared. Is self-identification more than a means to record Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service?

Absolutely. Self-identification is part of the Air Force Our Place, Our Skies strategy, which aims to broaden the partici-pation of indigenous Australians in Air Force. Every person who self-identifies will not only be serving as a role model to others, but will also help us understand how best to further this strategy. How will self-identification progress the Our Place, Our Skies strategy?

By self-identifying, you are not just ticking a box. It is important that every person who stands up to be counted – who is proud of their service and heritage – understands that they will also be helping Air Force understand the unique cir-cumstances of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and how best to develop the right initiatives to close the gap between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians. You will be contributing to an initiative that will allow your voice to be heard. Are there any prerequisites to self-identify as an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander?

A relationship with your community is not essential for you to self-identify. People who identify themselves as indig-enous, both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, can be dark-skinned and broad-nosed through to blonde-haired and blue-eyed. Indigenous people define themselves by their rela-tionships, not by their skin colour. Light-skinned indigenous people often face challenges of their identity, because of stereotyping. Regardless, you know who you are. Be proud of who you are.How does someone self-identify?

It is an easy process. Current serving Air Force service-men and women can self-identify via PMKeyS Self Service. Thank you for your time. Is there anything you would like to add, in closing, to our current ser-vicemen and women?

To those of you who are serving today, whether you iden-tify as indigenous or not, may I offer you my very best wish-es in your service career. I hope that in the future, when you too can look back on your career, that you feel proud to have served your country like all those before us and after us.

Air Force Elder Uncle Harry Allie, who took part in the maiden flight of the Our Place, Our Skies balloon, answers SQNLDR Sean Watson’s questions on the importance of indigenous self-identification

‘You know who you are, be proud’

Our newest balloon takes off with a simple but important message

A PLACE IN OUR SKIES

A childhood admirer of Charles Kingsford-Smith and Amy Johnson, Leonard Waters joined the Air Force in 1942. After lengthy and competi-tive training he was selected as a pilot and assigned to No. 78 Squadron in Dutch New Guinea and later in Borneo. Waters named his Kittyhawk “Black Magic” and flew 95 operational sorties. WOFF Waters was the only Aboriginal fighter pilot of WWII. After the war he hoped to find a career in civilian flying but bureaucratic delays and lack of financial backing forced him to return to shearing.

Indigenous service with the Air Force dates from the early days of WWII to now, including operations throughout Australia and the world. Here are just two of their stories …

Born in North Sydney in 1920, David Paul enlisted in the Air Force in January 1941 and embarked from Fremantle for training in Rhodesia. In December 1941 he was made pilot sergeant and posted to No. 454 Squadron in the Aegean Sea. He was commis-sioned pilot officer in April 1943. On December 4 that year, while flying his 30th and final sortie, his Baltimore Bomber was shot down over the Aegean Sea. Paul was picked up by a German float plane and sent to Stalag Luft 3 then Stalag IVb in October 1944, where he remained until lib-erated in 1945. During his internship, in 1944, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his “outstanding leadership, initiative and determination”. He went on to a distinguished career in the NSW Police Force.

SQNLDR David Paul WOFF Leonard Waters

SERVICE WITH DISTINCTION

Our latest balloon launches on its maiden flight over Ayr, Queensland. Inset: Air Force Indigenous Elder Uncle Harry Allie and Senior Indigenous Adviser to CAF GPCAPT Lisa Jackson Pulver board the basket.Photos: CPL Oliver Carter

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6 October 20, 2016RCEAIR FNews

Boeing 707 serviceFAMILY, friends and past Air Force members are invited to a memorial service marking the 25th anniversary of the loss of five Air Force members in a Boeing 707 crash. The service will be held at RAAF Base Richmond Chapel on Saturday, October 29, at 11am. It will commemorate the loss of SQNLDR Mark Lewin, FLTLTs Tim Ellis and Mark Duncan, and WOFFs Jon Fawcett and Al Gwynne, who were tragically killed when their Boeing 707 crashed off the coast of RAAF Base East Sale on October 29, 1991. Those who wish to attend the memorial can contact 707.commemoration@defence.gov.au.

Spirit Lives expeditionTHE Spirit Lives Antarctic Expedition is an adventurous training activity that will mark the Anzac Centenary by skiing across Antarctica via the Geographic South Pole in Summer 2018-19. The objective is to raise money for the Gallipoli Medical Research Foundation. Expressions of interest are being sought from ADF and NZDF members who would like to participate. At this early stage, team building and training activities are scheduled for two-three week periods during December, January-February 2017, August 2017, January-February 2018 and August 2018 prior to the expedition being conducting at a time between November 2018 and January 19. For more details, check the AAA DRN website and look for the expedition details under the activities tab. EOIs need to be submitted to: thespiritlives_expedition@hotmail.com by October 31.

IN BRIEF

SQNLDR Bruce Chalmers

AIR refuelling operator WOFF Colin “Choppy” Lubbock undertook his 100th Operation Okra refuelling operation to support No. 3 Squadron, which was on a strike mission on its 100th anniversary.

This double century was celebrated on September 19 while airborne over Iraq with a quick presentation of an ad-hoc morning tea in between refuelling multiple coa-lition aircraft, and unloading close to 116,000 pounds of aviation fuel.

“It was the largest refuelling operation we have undertaken for four or five months and it was a very busy day,” WOFF Lubbock said.

“I am very proud to have achieved my 100th Operation Okra refuelling on the same day that 3SQN was on operation on its 100th anniversary.

“It was an extra special privilege to have Director-General Air Command Operations (DGACOPS) on board as well to observe our operation as I feel we are doing our part in combating terrorism and he could see how we contribute to the Air Task Group’s role.”

WOFF Lubbock said the DGACOPS was very inter-ested in how they refuelled coalition aircraft and he accompanied them as part of his regular and routine visits to ATG.

“I was happy to offer my congratulations to 3SQN on its achievement while on operations and I know DGACOPS was quietly chuffed that his visit coin-cided with the 3SQN anniversary because he is a former Commanding Officer of the squadron,” he said.

WOFF Lubbock is only the second air refuelling officer to reach 100 refuelling operations in a KC-30A during Operation Okra.

Based with No. 33 Squadron at RAAF Base Amberley, WOFF Lubbock’s Air Force career spans 21 years.

Why 100 matters 100th refuelling milestone during Operation Okra achieved during 3SQN’s centenary

WOFF Colin Lubbock, of 33SQN, recently completed his 100th refuelling operation during Operation Okra in the Middle East. Photo: FSGT Mark Eaton

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7October 20, 2016RCEAIR F News

Eamon Hamilton

CPL Alexandria McNally is the first crew atten-dant to receive the Pathfinder Aircrew Member of the Year Award.

She was recognised for her work as course supervisor in No. 34 Squadron’s Crew Attendant Training Cell.

One of the driving pressures of her work is the high tempo of 34SQN’s operations during an election year.

“The newest graduates had a particularly busy training schedule as they went straight into election flying,” CPL McNally said.

“Seeing the students awarded their crew attendant brevets was a professional highlight.

“It brings great satisfaction as an instructor to see the students progress through their train-ing and develop as aircrew.”

CPL McNally’s award also recognised her efforts in reviewing and developing the crew attendant course curriculum, as well as a review and optimisation of workplace journals.

It acknowledged CPL McNally’s exemplary performance throughout this year’s federal elec-tion, during which she was the operations and

duty crew attendant and helping to manage VIP tasking seven days a week.

“It was a challenge to support an eight-week election campaign, ensuring we managed the crew attendants’ program for flying and crew rest across all five jets,” CPL McNally said.

“With short-notice tasking, we had to be adaptable and think outside the box at times in regards to catering and dealing with changes at the last minute.”

For many politicians and leaders, flying with 34SQN is perhaps the most consistent exposure they have to an Air Force flying squadron

This in turn requires 34SQN to deliver a high standard of reliable service, for which crew attendants are often at the leading edge.

CPL McNally thanked the 68-strong work-force at 34SQN for its support of crew attend-ants at the squadron.

“It’s not only in the aircrew world, but our ground support crew work very hard in sup-porting the mission,” CPL McNally said.

“They are always willing to jump in and give us a hand when we are minimum manned due to tasking. Our executive team is also very sup-portive in allowing us to use our creativity.”

Eamon Hamilton

THE BEST of Air Mobility Group (AMG) has been recognised during the Annual Pathfinder Dining-In Night on September 9.

Held at RAAF Base Richmond Officers Mess, the occasion included the presentation of awards for the best aircrew member to crew attendant CPL Alexandria McNally, best ground support member to CPL Hayley Geisler, and best squad-ron to No. 34 Squadron.

AIRCDRE Richard Lennon, Commander AMG, congratulated members who had been nominated for this year’s awards.

“It’s a challenge to compare the relative merits of people from different squadrons who bring such a diverse array of skills and enthusiasm to our workplace,” AIRCDRE Lennon said.

“The Pathfinder Awards are our opportunity to recognise the people whose efforts might other-wise go unrecognised outside of their section or squadron.”

The flawless performance of 34SQN dur-ing this year’s federal election earned it the Pathfinder Squadron of the Year Award.

The unit’s high-standard VIP transport service during the eight-week campaign was cited in the award win, along with its commitment to improv-ing business practices.

Squadron XO SQNLDR Matt Noblet said balancing the need for change with a high opera-tional tempo was difficult but necessary.

“This is a workforce of 65 personnel, of which 56 are aircrew, in a highly dynamic flying environment. The nature of 34SQN’s work means we must maintain some of the highest standards in Defence. Change management requires energy and, in a well-established workforce model, that change has taken considerable effort,” he said.

The small and busy workforce is one of the few Defence flying squadrons with two differ-ent aircraft types – the Boeing Business Jet and CL-604 Challenger.

In the past 18 months, 34SQN has established a Training Flight Commander position to improve governance and efficiency of the unit’s training system.

“The Training Flight Commander position is allowing us to assess and improve events in our training syllabus, taking input from other Defence agencies,” SQNLDR Noblet

The 34SQN workforce was also benefitting from greater exposure to industry standards and experiences.

“Crew attendants have established improved communication with industry through forums with the Asia Pacific Cabin Safety Working Group and Qantas,” SQNLDR Noblet said.

“Pilots are now being reviewed with the Line Orientated Safety Audit program, using reservist pilots with industry experience to monitor and report on missions.

“The previous 12 months also saw the unit’s ongoing commitment to leadership development, with forums held for all personnel as a means to develop individual leadership skills.”

For the small team of logistics and administra-tion personnel at 34SQN, business improvements have also been realised in the past year.

“The streamlining of Logistics Section has improved the traditional role of stocktake man-agement and facilities oversight,” SQNLDR Noblet said.

“Process improvements have also occurred in the Administration Section, which have included moving portions of budget management to flight commanders, resulting in improved operational efficiency and accountability.”

Members of the Pathfinder Association joined the AMG community for the dining-in night.

During WWII, the Pathfinder Force was the arm of the Royal Air Force’s Bomber Command tasked with designating targets in Occupied Europe. The NSW branch of the Pathfinders Association has forged a close connection with the AMG community.

Eamon Hamilton

KEEPING the No. 33 Squadron workforce staffed with reservists has earned CPL Hayley Geisler the Ground Support Officer of the Year in the 2016 Pathfinder Awards.

A reservist herself, CPL Geisler is the 33SQN Reserve Liaison Officer and said the shared sense

of purpose with her permanent Air Force peers was extremely fulfilling.

“I have been able to walk back into Air Force [as a reservist] and establish strong and productive working relationships with key members across the squadron and 86 Wing,” she said.

“I’m still able to remain in a

high-tempo squadron and watch firsthand the output of the KC-30A.”

Ground Support Officer of the Year is a recently established Pathfinder Award, intended to rec-ognise professional efforts of Air Mobility Group members work-ing in maintenance, personnel and operational support.

CPL Geisler’s citation for the award described her as an exemplar for reservists who provide support to operational capability.

33SQN has a workforce of about 290, of whom 40 are reservists.

The permanent and reservist workforces are both committed around the clock to exercises and routine flying, not to mention a con-tinuous deployment to the Middle East region for Operation Okra.

The squadron’s scope of work will only increase as two more KC-30As are acquired, and more aircraft are cleared to receive fuel from the aircraft’s boom.

The sustained tempo means reservists are an essential part of the unit’s workforce.

“I have enjoyed the challenge of working in an active flying squadron and watching my part directly con-tribute to the exercise and operations that we take part in,” CPL Geisler said. She served nine years with the permanent Air Force before joining the reserves in 2013.

“I work with a wonderful group of members who share a ‘can do’ attitude.”

Awards recognise flawless performances

Standing on their merits

Attending to the next generation

Exemplar for reservists

CPL Alexandria McNally with her Aircrew Member

of the Year award.Photo: LACW Katharine Pearson

CPL Hayley Geisler at work with 33SQN at

RAAF Base Amberley.Photo: CPL Casey Gaul

8 October 20, 2016RCEAIR FNews

SQNLDR Roger Buddrige

MORE than 75 years of community service by Air Force Cadets has been acknowledged with the presentation of national banner during an “extraordinar-ily prestigious” ceremony at ADFA on October 1.

AVM Peter Yates, on behalf of Governor-General Peter Cosgrove, hon-oured the milestone by presenting the Governor-General’s National Banner.

“This honour is bestowed upon an ADF unit which has provided long and dedicated service to the nation through-out the past 75 years,” AVM Yates said.

“I routinely see Air Force Cadets as honour guards and flag bearers at com-memorations around the country.

“At these and other events, I am reas-sured that such fine young people are willing to honour the past and be part of the traditions that are so important to all Australians.”

Commander of the Australian Air Force Cadets (AAFC) Group Captain Paul Gregory said the event was extraor-dinarily prestigious.

“More than 8000 male and female teenage Australian Air Force Cadets and adult staff currently wear the Queen’s uniform and our national badge bears her crown,” GPCAPT Gregory said.

“Australian Air Force Cadets and staff are bound together by shared values of loyalty, teamwork, respect, courage and honour, and the Governor-General’s Banner therefore becomes of great moral and sentimental importance, both as a

rallying point and a visible expression of our unity.”

The Air Force Cadets story began in 1941 to address the needs of war, but in peacetime has triumphed as the nation’s preeminent aviation-focused youth development organisation – exerting positive influence over the lives of more than 150,000 youth in its 75-year history.

“Cadets benefit from opportunities and experiences that are truly unique, such as skills in leadership and strat-egy, and how to perform under pressure and keep a clear head when it counts the most,” AVM Yates said.

“Cadets also learn life skills from weapons to bushcraft, and where else do you learn to fly an aircraft solo before being old enough to drive a car?”

AVM Yates said many skills gained by cadets could be used as credits for qualifications achievable at an age younger than most in the community, including a TAFE Certificate III in Business while still at high school, fol-lowing completion of their Cadet WO or Cadet Under Officer training.

“Cadets has evolved into a youth development organisation par excel-lence,” AVM Yates said.

On behalf of the Governor-General, AVM Yates paid tribute to Cadets’ staff who had served the nation during the past 75 years.

The banner was paraded during a dis-play of precision marching by the cadets in the presence of senior Air Force offic-ers, Cadets’ staff, aviation industry exec-utives, supporters, families and friends.

A fitting tribute

Above: AVM Peter Yates celebrates with Air Force Cadets following his presentation of a Governor-General's Banner to the organisation in recognition of 75 years of continuous community service. Inset: Banner Bearer Cadet Under Officer Felicity West of 334SQN (Tuggeranong, ACT) parades the new Governor-General’s Banner on October 1.

Air Force Cadets honoured for 75 years of dedicated community service to the nation

9October 20, 2016RCEAIR F News

A QUEEN’s Colour, Squadron Standard or Governor-General’s Banner is awarded to an Air Force unit by the Sovereign in recognition of 25 years’ loyal service or for outstanding actions that have earned the Sovereign’s appreciation.

WOFF Geoff Banning, of AFHQ Ceremonial, said in an important first step to managing and preserving these impor-tant Air Force symbols, squadron or unit warrant officers would be contacted by Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group (CASG) Clothing Systems Program Office (CLOSPO) to arrange an inspection of the unit Colour.

“There are 45 active Colours in the Air Force, each one with a dollar value of between $45,000 and $65,000 but their real value to a unit cannot be estimated,” WOFF Banning said.

Colours are manufactured by skilled labour using high quality materials.

A Colour is a significant financial out-lay but what is more important is that the Colour embodies the achievements and history of a unit.

Over time personnel, aircraft types and unit roles change but the Colour remains a constant. Even when a unit is disbanded, the Colour is laid up and continues as a demonstration of the unit’s traditions.

“For these reasons a Colour can be described as the soul of a unit, some-thing a dollar value cannot be placed on,” WOFF Banning said

Units holding Colours are required to submit an annual colour custodian’s report, which will give an indication of

the serviceability of a unit’s colour. To gain an improved understanding of the ongoing liability for the Colours, AFHQ will coordinate with units for their Colour to be despatched to CASG CLOSPO in Melbourne for a detailed technical inspection.

The inspection report will describe any damage or maintenance required, the anticipated remaining life the Colour and a plan for repair and replacement.

FLTLT Simon Hall, AFHQ’s Staff Officer Honours and Awards, is working with WOFF Banning to establish the sys-tem to enable forward planning. This will replace the ad hoc notification by a unit that its Colour needs repair or replacing.

In a recent example, a unit con-tacted AFHQ with concerns about their Squadron Standard that was presented in 1971. A technical inspection declared the Colours irreparable and a replacement Squadron Standard will now be manufac-tured. As Colours are hand-embroidered, this process can take more than a year.

“The expected life of a Colour is 20 to 25 years and many of the Colours in use were presented in the ’80s and ’90s, so they are now approaching the end of life,” FLTLT Simon Hall said.

“The Air Force’s most senior Colour, the Queen’s Colour for the Air Force, was presented by Queen Elizabeth in 1986 and, unfortunately, it is now showing signs of wear and tear.”

For any questions about colours please contact WOFF Geoff Banning, Ceremonial 1 AFHQ.

WOFF Geoff Banning and FLTLT Simon Hall inspect the Queen’s Colour of Air Force for damage after its return from Paris for the French National Day parade. Photo: LACW Katharine Pearson

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11October 20, 2016RCEAIR F News

NAIDOC achievers hailed

SGT Dave Morley

THE Australian Institute of Professional Photography (AIPP) is encouraging peo-ple to view the photos of more than 6000 WWII veterans taken by the institute’s members during 2015 and 2016.

The project, ‘Reflections’, has been running since April 2015, with AIPP members giving their time at no cost to the veterans.

AIPP completed taking registra-tions from veterans and their families on November 11 last year and have since been busy photographing the balance of almost 6600 veterans.

There are only about 300 people left to photograph and most are in rural and remote areas of Australia.

Each veteran was presented with a complimentary 5”x7” professional print in a presentation folder, while the entire collection will be gifted to the Australian War Memorial archives later this year.

All proceeds from the sale of imag-es from the Reflections project will be donated by the AIPP to Legacy and the RSL Foundation to support ex-service personnel and their families.

Depending on the success of Reflections and the capacity of the vol-unteer photographers, this type of project may be conducted again in the future to honour veterans from post-WWII con-flicts.

The collection is not quite complete but imag-es already submitted can be seen at http://aippreflections.fotomerchant.com

In the frame

Former SGT Watson Dingwall, 98, enlisted in the RAAF in June 1940, and was stationed mainly in the Pacific during his RAAF service, discharging in November 1945. Photo: Vivian Hayles

SQNLDR Erin Rinaldi, FLTLT Alice Baxendale and AIRCDRE Steven Roberton were presented with the Air Force NAIDOC awards at AFHQ in Canberra.

CAF AIRMSHL “Leo” Davies and indigenous representative Mr Jonathan Lilley presented the award, which was introduced by CAF as part of the Air Force NAIDOC celebrations on July 7, 2014.

Award winners received an Air Force “Maliyan” Medallion, the first of which was presented to CAF by Director Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs – Air Force (GPCAPT Lisa Jackson Pulver) as part of the 93rd Air Force birthday celebrations on March 31, 2014.

The face of the medallion shows the RAAF Crest which features the imperial crown, a wedge-tailed eagle and the Latin motto “Per Ardua Ad Astra”, which means ‘Through Struggle to the Stars’. The reverse side features the Maliyan design created by GPCAPT Jackson Pulver (Maliyan is the Wiradjuri Aboriginal word for eagle).

On March 23, 2016, CAF endorsed changes to the Air Force Indigenous Awards to enable recog-nition to be given to both individuals and units for their achievements towards the Air Force Indigenous Strategy. The award was presented on September 13.

CAF AIRMSHL “Leo” Davies, indigenous representative Mr Jonathan Lilley with NAIDOC Award recipients SQNLDR Erin Rinaldi, FLTLFT Alice Baxendale and AIRCDRE Steven Roberton. Photo: LACW Katharine Pearson

12 13RCEAIR FCentrepiece October 20, 2016

AIR Force personnel normally responsible for clearing explosives from air weapons ranges found more than 200 items of unexploded ordnance, many of them near populated

areas, when they joined a multinational task force in the Solomon Islands from September 12 to October 7.

They were part of Operation Render Safe, an enduring Australian-led mission to help rid the south-west Pacific of explosive remnants of war.

Explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) specialists of No. 65 Squadron formed a six-man team to find and destroy explosive ordnance near Honiara in Guadalcanal, and on Mbanika Island, which is part of the Russell Islands.

Mbanika Island shook for three days from the explosions caused by an uncontrollable fire at the 9th Marine Ammunition Storage Area at Lever Point in October, 1945.

More than 4000 tonnes of explosives and projectiles were destroyed or flung across the island and sur-rounding waters.

Guadalcanal was the scene of heavy fighting at sea, on land, and from the air during WWII. As a result, explosive remnants still remain a danger for the locals.

SGT Adrian Cooling said the ordnance his team found at Lever Point included 75mm, 105mm and 155mm projectiles scattered through the jungle by the force of the ammunition-dump explosions.

“Most of the projectiles we found on Guadalcanal had been fired in battle but many failed to explode,” he said.

“One of the main challenges for us was to find projectiles which have been buried for 70 years in the overgrown tropical jungle. We collected all we could find and disposed of them safely.”

In Guadalcanal, explosives are either detonated on site, if it can be done safely, or taken to the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Hells Point facility, where they are destroyed or neutralised.

SGT Cooling said most of the 220 items his team had found were close to where people were living and working.

“Operation Render Safe is very important for the Solomon Islanders because if the area isn’t completely cleared of explosives the locals can accidently initiate ordnance by working in the garden or lighting a fire to burn rubbish,” he said.

“It feels good to help the islanders improve their

quality of life and allow the children to play without restrictions.”

Commander Australian Contingent CMDR Etienne Mulder said the operation had been a success thanks to help from the community.

“We fundamentally rely on the people of the Solomon Islands and also the RSIPF because without them it would take us so much longer to actually iden-tify the ordnance to ensure that it’s safe,” he said.

Twelve islanders have been killed by explosive ordnance in the past decade, either by finding items accidently or by trying to make fish bombs.

The police force deals with about 10,000 explosive remnants of war every year.

SGT Cooling said the RSIPF shared its explosive ordnance disposal techniques.

“The RSIPF x-ray projectiles to see what is inside them and have a method of remotely cutting them open to destroy the explosives by fire,” he said.

“Our team assisted the RSIPF EOD team to open 42 projectiles at their Hells Point facility. The RSIPF were also active in helping us to locate ordnance and were our link to villagers who shared their local knowledge to direct us to areas with explosives.”

CPL Brian Dick, an EOD specialist with 65SQN, said the operation had been a “fantastic mission”.

“The villagers living near Lever Point still work to produce and collect coconuts, so they uncover explo-sive projectiles every day.

“The first day we were on Mbanika Island we met some locals crab hunting, who pointed us towards about 20 unexploded artillery rounds, which we placed in a stack for our first demolition.”

Cpl Dick said stomping through the hot jungle carrying extra water and specialist equipment was a challenge.

“We helped make a dent in the amount of explo-sives in the area, which will help to make it safer for the local communities and let them use their land as they wish in the years to come,” he said.

Military personnel from Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United Kingdom took part in this year’s operation, which concentrated on Guadalcanal and around the Russell Islands and Florida Group.

In the first two weeks of the current operation, more than 2500 pieces of unexploded ordnance or 10 tonnes were recovered for disposal.

Finding unexploded ordnance in the steamy jungle is not a job for the faint-hearted, CPL Mark Doran reports

CLEARING PRESENT DANGERS

Air Force medics and communi-cations technicians supported Australian and UK explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) teams during Operation Render Safe in the Solomon Islands.

LACW Ebony Moebus, a medic from 3AMES at RAAF Base Amberley, was attached to a British Army EOD for the oper-

ation and spent two days hiking through remote jungle while the team looked for explosive rem-nants of war.

LACW Moebus said although dealing with unexploded muni-tions was dangerous, a big medical threat was the heat.

“It’s just so humid in the mid-dle of the dense jungle. The last

thing we want is someone not to drink, no one to say anything and they go down with heat ill-ness,” she said.

The jungle had also posed other dangers, such as “any kind of bites – spiders, snakes, mos-quitoes and any kind of falls”.

LAC Kurtis Simpson, commu-nications electronic technician with 1 Combat Communication Squadron, said they provided a critical link back to headquarters in case of an emergency and to provide mission updates.

“I was calling in demolitions, locations, to make sure we de-conflicted with the other teams to ensure nobody got hurt and we maintained our safe distanc-es,” he said.

LAC Simpson was part of three demolition serials involv-ing WWII munitions while attached to the British Army EOD team. They located 24 explosive items in two days with help from the Royal Solomon Island Police Force.

The heat is on for disposal teams

65SQN’s SGT Adrian Cooling (above right) and WOFF Ian Foreman, of the Canadian Armed Forces, prepare explosive munitions for destruction at Lever Point on Mbanika Island.Photos: CPL Mark Doran

65SQN members prepare to board a Royal Solomon

Islands Police Force launch from Mbanika Island.

From left, 65SQN personnel LAC Thomas Boyes and CPL Brian Dick, carry a 155mm explosive projectile to a disposal area at Lever Point on Mbanika Island.

LAC Kurtis Simpson, from 1CCS, gets clearance for the British Army explosive ordnance disposal team to detonate WWII munitions in a remote part of the Solomon Islands. Photos: CPL Steve Duncan

Medic LACW Ebony Moebus organises medical supplies

before hiking into the jungle with the British Army explosive

ordnance disposal team..

Constable Peter Rivivere, of the Royal Solomon Islands Police

Force, examines two US M43A1 81mm mortars to be destroyed at

the force’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal Facility at Hells Point.

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A C-17A Globemaster and about 200 ADF personnel recently provided vital sup-port to flood-stricken South

Australia in early October.At the request of the South

Australian government, the ADF provided around 200 personnel and equipment from 3SECFOR, JOSS-SA, 24SQN, P&EE, AWC, 92WG, 453SQN, A Coy 7 RAR, LSE (1 CSSB), 7 CHP (8 CHC), 9 CSSB and A SQN 1 Armd Regt.

Teams of between 30 and 40 per-sonnel worked 12-hour shifts around the clock in severe weather conditions to provide Defence Aid to the Civil Community (DACC).

A/XO 3SECFOR, FLTLT Ben Parkinson, said about 200,000 sand-bags were delivered to the towns of Two Wells and Port Wakefield to help ease the overflow of the Gawler River and the flooding of local communities.

“Personnel primarily conducted sandbagging in the local community to divert floodwaters away from homes and businesses,” FLTLT Parkinson said.

“Thousands of residents received much needed support through the ADF’s efforts.”

Personnel were originally placed on four hours’ notice to move, and from the time of receiving the request from the State Emergency Service, teams were activated and achieved a response time of about two hours to get to the coordination site.

3SECFOR was formed in 2013 and has responded to operations including the search for MH370, short notice deployments to Iraq and augmentation to RMAF Butterworth.

“Since formation of the unit, the team has achieved an excellent reputa-tion for being responsive to contin-gency operations while concurrently providing security against domestic threats and supporting overseas exer-cises,” FLTLT Parkinson said.

“This is just another example of the unit being responsive to incidents in support of our local community.”

3SECFOR also helped staff the Emergency Coordination Centre at

THE township of Woomera was left isolated as South Australia experienced its biggest blackout in more than 50 years.

Home to about 25 personnel from 20SQN and the Air Warfare Centre, Woomera went without power for more than a week fol-lowing a severe weather front that affected the entire state.

CO 20SQN SQNLDR Simon Bartlett said the biggest challenge during the blackout was access to fresh food and water for the town.Without knowing for how long they might be isolated, CO 20SQN activated Camp Rapier – a secure garrison support and specialised training compound within the Woomera Prohibited Area.

Moving back-up generators and kitchen staff from the local Eldo Hotel to Camp Rapier, 20SQN set up an emergency centre for the 150 Woomera residents and outly-ing communities.

“We put the word out that we would feed anybody and every-body who turned up at camp,” SQNLDR Bartlett said.ADF personnel, APS staff and contractors based at the Woomera Test Range fed more than 100

people in the local community at Camp Rapier.

With a shipment of fresh food and water, the small team went doorknocking to make deliveries to local residents, including boiling water to heat up baby bottles.SQNLDR Bartlett said the support from RAAF Base Edinburgh per-sonnel was excellent and helped keep the staff informed during the storms.

“We were operating blind, with limited mobile coverage and no access to the DRN,” SQNLDR Bartlett said.

“We would drive about 50km out of town to receive important updates and report back to the Edinburgh Air Base Command Post each day.”

SQNLDR Bartlett said the emergency response established by the Woomera team could have sustained the town for as long as needed.

“I am extremely proud of the entire team and the spirit of out-back Australia,” he said.

“No one complained, we just hunkered down, helped anyone we could and just waited out the storm.”

Black out in the outback

FLOOD OF SUPPORT

Roseworthy and Port Wakefield, act-ing as liaison officers and operations officers.

“The training we receive as part of expeditionary operations to build field defences, including sandbagging and driver training, are directly applica-ble to DACC tasks,” FLTLT Parkinson said.

“The SNCOs and officers also train

in operations centres, which enable them to work alongside other agencies effectively.”

Virginia Country Fire Service vice-president Joel Smith said the sup-port provided by ADF personnel was important to help ease the impact of the floods and relieve State Emergency Service volunteers who remained on call to respond to emergency call outs.

“It has been a real team effort with everyone pitching in to help those in need and support the local commu-nity,” Mr Smith said.

ADF personnel provided flood relief to the community alongside the SA Country Fire Service, SA Police, SA Metropolitan Fire Service, Western Australian Fire and Emergency Services, Victoria State Emergency

Service, Emergency Management Australia, State Recovery and State Relief.

“The ADF prides itself on being able to help Australians when they need it most,” CDF ACM Mark Binskin said.

“We will continue to assist those communities affected by the extreme weather conditions.”

When South Australia was in trouble, Air Force dug deep, SQNLDR Skye Smith writes

Above: RAAF Base Edinburgh’s LAC Benjamin Kling fills sandbags in Two Wells, SA, to support local flood relief efforts. Inset: A 36SQN C-17A Globemaster arrives at RAAF Base Edinburgh with supplies of sandbags. Photos: CPL Craig Barrett

Above: Gawler Road resident Rebecca Kuss thanks LAC Daniel Merritt of RAAF Base Edinburgh for supplying sandbags to help the area around Two Wells.

Left: RAAF Base Edinburgh’s FLTLT Sarah Dowding fills sandbags to protect Two Wells from the swelling Gawler River.

FeatureRCEAIR F October 20, 2016 15

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A SPITFIRE Mk VIII LF replica A58-492 – the latest addition to the RAAF Museum at Point Cook – is bound to turn heads

after it was unveiled earlier this month.The replica, unveiled by CAF

AIRMSHL “Leo” Davies and RAAF Museum director David Gardner, was given to the museum by the Friends of the RAAF Museum.

The Spitfire, which is positioned out-side the museum, replicates a Mk VIII Spitfire operated by No. 79 Squadron in the South West Pacific Area of opera-tions during WWII.

AIRMSHL Davies thanked those who made the new display possible and he said it was a fitting tribute to an important era in military aviation.

“The display is the result of great support by the Friends of the RAAF Museum and corporate donors ,” AIRMSHL Davies said.

“It will take pride of place outside of the RAAF Museum where Air Force personnel and visitors can acknowledge the achievements by 79SQN.

“The Spitfire was flown by 79SQN between 1943 and 1945; and pilots were lost to enemy action. The Spitfire will serve as a reminder of their courage and commitment for visitors to the museum.”

Mr Gardner said it had been a large but rewarding task to get the project completed.

“We have received such amazing sup-port from the Friends of the Museum who have worked tirelessly to make this project happen,” Mr Gardner said.

“The Friends have also had donations from various sponsors, without which the project would not have been pos-sible.”

The full-size replica, weighing almost 1500 kilograms, was purpose built for the museum from fibreglass to help it endure the extreme weather that Point Cook experiences.

Manufactured in the United Kingdom by Gateguards, the replica had to be dis-mantled for shipping to Point Cook and was reassembled and placed on a 2.7 metre high pole.

After disbanding at the end of WWII in 1945, 79SQN reformed in 1962 at Ubon operating Sabre aircraft, only to disband again in 1968. The squadron re-formed again in 1986 to operate Mirage Fighter aircraft and today is located at RAAF Base Pearce, Western Australia, where it operates the Hawk 127 lead-in-fighter trainer.

Spitfire spirit lives onPoint Cook now has a fitting WWII tribute to 79SQN, FLTLT Kellee Rollston writes

A fly-over during the Spitfire’s unveiling ceremony at the RAAF Museum.

CAF AIRMSHL “Leo” Davies, centre, unveils the

Spitfire Mk VIII LF replica A58-492 at the RAAF Museum, Point Cook.

Photos: FLTLT Robert Palmer

Feature RCEAIR F October 20, 201616

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17October 20, 2016RCEAIR F Personnel

A DIVERSE group of 24 Air Force personnel shared stories of experi-ences and personal growth during the Leadership Exchange in Canberra in August.

Gathering for a four-day residential program, participants had the opportu-nity to further develop their personal leadership skills and their ability to take change initiatives back to their units and squadrons.

One of the participants, SGT David Lewis, from Maritime Patrol Systems Program Office at RAAF Base Edinburgh, said he would recommend the course to others.

“The Leadership Exchange was a fantastic and inclusive course that gave me the opportunity to gain perspective into how other people think and react to issues both at work and at home,” he said.

During the exchange, participants were able to ask CAF AIRMSHL “Leo” Davies about leadership in an open and frank way.

He encouraged participants to explore leadership and communication at all rank levels.

“Leadership has to be about learn-ing skills, developing relationships and communication skills to help your section, your unit, your Air Force to make change possible. The single big-gest effect you can have as a leader is effective communication,” AIRMSHL Davies said.

“We used to think that education was about turning the spanner better, doing administration better, flying a more accurate circuit better. It’s only in the last few years that we realised that it’s more than just technical skills that make us better operators.”

AIRMSHL Davies used the chal-lenges of introducing new aircraft into service and operating them differently as an example of how to do things

differently. He said operating them dif-ferently required the thinking to be different.

Roxane Kinnane, of Air Combat Electronic Attack Systems Program Office – RAAF Base Amberley, said the forum recognised the importance of mid-level leadership.

“The Air Force Leadership Exchange capitalises on experiences and our own reflection to develop leadership skills that bring our own teams along on the journey. We need to develop our mid-level leaders to realise CAF’s intent and make cultural change in the Air Force possible,” she said.

Ms Kinnane said she identified with AIRMSHL Davies’ words about the importance of understanding the broader environment.

“Use my commander’s intent to align your tactics and strengths as leaders to deliver the outcomes required. You don’t have to agree with everything, but if we don’t give it a go we’ll never change,” he said.

“If we’re not careful, as leaders, we will do what we did yesterday because it’s the easiest thing to do.

“Plan Jericho says you don’t have to do what you did yesterday. Get with your mates and ask, ‘What if we tried it this way?’

“There will be times when, as an Air Force, you won’t agree with what I’ve directed. But if you don’t line up and have a go at a better outcome we will fail. These decisions are tough to make and I know they sometimes hurt in the field. If we don’t move, we’ll get left behind.”

Six Leadership Exchanges are conducted each year. EOIs for the 2017 exchanges will be released soon. For dates and other infor-mation, go to the Air Force Adaptive Culture intranet site at http://drnet.defence.gov.au/raaf/AFAC/LDRExchange/Pages/Blank.aspx..

Doing things differentlyCAF says give change a go as program nurtures mid-level leadership skills

THE Leadership Exchange in Can-berra was an opportunity to surprise WOFF Penny Baker with a CAF Com-mendation for her performance while posted to Air Force Adaptive Culture, within Personnel Branch – Air Force.

CAF AIRMSHL “Leo” Davies said the superior performance WOFF Baker displayed in “facilitating a number of key learning opportunities that promote, inculcate and raise awareness of Air Force values and behaviours has been outstanding”.

In presenting the award to WOFF Baker, AIRMSHL Davies said she had

“provided insightful and thought-provoking interventions” to more than 500 Air Force personnel during her time in Adaptive Culture.

“Through skilful insight and the use of superb interpersonal skills you have encouraged many Air Force teams and individuals to critically examine their work practices,” he said.

“This effort has greatly assisted the promotion of my Plan Jericho intent, particularly in challenging individuals to examine their role in modernising Air Force.”

WOFF Baker thanked AIRMSHL Davies and her colleagues for the honour.

“I am extremely passionate about what we do in the leadership and culture space and if it wasn’t for all the other wonderful people I have met along my path I may not have been able to be a positive influence,” she said.

“It is extremely humbling to not only receive a Chief of Air Force Commendation but to also be per-mitted to do something I love.”

WOFF excels at something she loves

THE First Principles Review (FPR) Implementation Committee has endorsed a new model and implementation program to better align two-star and three-star level headquarters arrangements across Defence.

Key outcomes of the Headquarters Review include an integrated functional model and accountability framework, and a range of enhancements to joint management.

The FPR team will conduct town hall meetings across Australia to update all Defence staff on implementation.

The meetings will be presented by First Assistant Secretary Governance and Reform Roxanne Kelley, Head One Defence Implementation AVM Neil Hart and Assistant Secretary Enterprise Reform Jarrod Howard.

AVM Hart encouraged everyone to attend the meetings. “The monthly all-staff emails are a regular source of updated information, as is the FPR intranet page,” he said.

“But the town halls provide Defence staff with the opportunity to ask questions about implementation and how it affects them.”

This round of town hall meetings started mid-October in Victoria and will continue across Australia into November.

Staff can still contact the FPR Implementation team through the Creating One Defence email, creatingonedefence@defence.gov.au

Visit the FPR intranet site at http://drnet.defence.gov.au/AssociateSecretary/first-principles/Pages/default.aspx; for town hall details see http://drnet.defence.gov.au/AssociateSecretary/first-principles/Resources/Pages/Town-Halls-2016.aspx.

SEPTEMBER TRIAL RESULTSNCODefence Force Magistrate1 x Act of Indecency Without Consent – DFDA s 61(3) and Crimes Act (ACT) s 60(1) 1 x Prejudicial Conduct – DFDA s 60(1) Member was accused of committing certain acts of indecency on another mem-ber. Member also accused of prejudicing discipline by mak-ing an offensive remark about member to other members. Member pleaded not guilty to the charges but was found guilty of the charges. Member was reduced in rank by two ranks and fined $1200 (fully suspended).

1 x Signing False Service Document – DFDA s 55(1)(a) Member was accused of signing a service document that was false, in that another member had completed a particular assessment task. Member pleaded guilty to the charge and was found guilty of the charge. Member was sentenced to 28 days’ deten-tion (wholly suspended).

3 x General Dishonesty (Obtaining a Gain) – DFDA s 61(3) and Criminal Code (Cth) s 135.1(1) 2 x General Dishonesty

(Attempting to Obtain a Gain) – DFDA s 61(3) and Criminal Code (Cth) ss 11.1(1) with 135.1(1) Member was accused of using a Defence Travel Card to withdraw cash, totalling $900, which the member was not entitled to receive. Member was also accused of using a Defence Travel Card in an attempt to withdraw cash, totalling $600, which the member was not entitled to receive. Member pleaded guilty to the charges and was found guilty of the charges. Member was fined $2000 (to be paid in instalments) and severely reprimanded.

OFFICERDefence Force Magistrate

1 x Prejudicial Conduct – DFDA s 60(1) Member was accused of prejudicing discipline by using official document for unofficial purpose. Member pleaded guilty to the charge and found guilty of the charge. Member was fined $3000 (to be paid in instalments) and severely reprimanded.

All Court Martial and Defence Force Magistrate trial results are subject to command review and appeal. The results are of trials across the ADF.

Hear it first at the town hall

WOFF Penny Baker with instructor SGT Gerard Hodges during the Leadership Exchange course in Canberra.Photo: SGT Pete Gammie

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18 October 20, 2016RCEAIR FPersonnel

FLTLT Matthew Keam

LACW Tahlia Newby, a person-nel capability specialist (PCS) at 81 Wing, says studying for a Bachelor of Business has given her greater confidence and com-munication skills.

She began her degree to fur-ther her “knowledge as a PCS and eventually use this new-found knowledge and degree to commission”.

LACW Newby’s experience is what the Air Force is aiming for when it encourages members to undertake study for profes-sional development that is linked to capability.

There are significant benefits both for the Air Force and for individuals when members com-plete courses of study.

Learning develops adapt-ability and agility, along with critical, strategic and innovative thinking.

In his “Commander’s Intent” last year, CAF AIRMSHL “Leo” Davies said his aim was for Air Force to “promote and encour-age a career-long, structured

learning journey that delivers the professional mastery required for a transformed Air Force [and to] better enable the develop-ment of superior air power strat-egists and strategic thinking”.

Defence has educational assistance schemes to provide members with financial support for study that will enhance Air Force capability.

These schemes include the Defence Assisted Study Scheme (DASS) and Defence-funded ADFA postgraduate study. Air Force members are urged to take advantage of such support.

LACW Newby is study-ing with DASS support, as is SQNLDR Nick Bird, a joint battlefield airspace controller at 44 Wing. He says he started his current study for a bachelor’s degree to stretch his brain, and he has found it “fulfilling”.

Some members study to pre-pare for possible commissioning or other positions.

Others study to develop their professional skills and knowl-edge for their current work.

Some possible fields of

learning are mathematics, sci-ences, engineering, security, information technology, cyber, business, education, project management, leadership and year 12 subjects.

L A C W N e w b y a n d SQNLDR Bird both said pro-fessional learning not only developed technical skills and knowledge, but improved time management, writing, reading, and analytical, critical and stra-tegic thinking. SQNLDR Bird said it even improved his general understanding of “the way the world works”.

DASS applications will be called for shortly.

For information on DASS, go to http://drnet.defence.gov.au/People/Learning-and-Development/EducationAssistanceSchemes/Pages/DASS.aspx. For Defence-funded postgraduate study at the University of NSW Canberra (ADFA), go to http://drnet.defence.gov.au/People/Learning-and-Development/EducationAssistanceSchemes/Pages/ADFA.aspx or https://www.unsw.adfa.edu.au/study/postgraduate-coursework/apply-now

THE recent graduates of Personnel Capability Officer Initial Course (PCOIC) 0051 feel they are ready to provide Command with accurate and timely executive guidance to meet the needs of Air Force’s fifth-generation workforce.

Personnel capability officers (PCOs), who were introduced as a remodelled versions of the traditional administra-tion officers, are considered key ena-blers for Air Force.

As PCOIC 0051 graduate FLGOFF Christopher Mohr, put it, “PCOs pro-vide the Australian government, ulti-mately the Australian public, with a corporate solution to meet the human resource challenges of a dynamic and highly effective fighting force.”

To achieve this, PCOs undergo seven weeks of carefully tailored training.

The role of a PCO spans the Five Pillars of Personnel Support – work-force development and review, person-nel operations, communication effects, personnel management, and resource and knowledge management.

These pillars form the framework through which PCOs assist CAF in guiding members towards achieving their highest potential.

FLGOFF Catherine Zazoniuk, said the students’ visit to the Directorate of Personnel – Air Force (DP-AF) in Canberra “provided a first-hand oppor-tunity to form a strategic appreciation of Air Force’s key personnel management functions”.

These included Exception Reporting, Unacceptable Behaviour, Finance, Australian Public Service, Total Workforce Model, Workforce Planning and Adaptive Culture, among others.

FLGOFF Aimee Holmes said com-pleting this component of the course “provided direct insight into the many functions of DP-AF and how we as PCOs directly contribute to meet Air Force strategic intent, through the Five Pillars of Personnel Support”.

A key feature of the PCOIC is a visit to A1, Headquarters Air Command at RAAF Base Glenbrook.

FLGOFF Mathew Carney said the PCOIC students met A1 sponsor GPCAPT Mark Larter, and were briefed by the deputy directors of Personnel Plans, Management, Operations and Public Affairs.

“It was a fantastic opportunity and one that has cemented a great deal of content delivered on the course,” he said.

A tour of A1 and exclusive access to the ACAUST operations brief provided a contextualised view of how PCOs marry into the fabric of ADF operations.

FLGOFF Jessica Broady said the visit to A1 “in many ways assisted me to form a broader appreciation of the operational context of ADF operations and the vital role I play as a PCO”.

During the visit to Glenbrook, the PCOIC students and 11 Air Command PCOs and Special Reserve Public Affairs Officers from No. 28 Squadron completed the inaugural Air Command Public Affairs Training Course.

FLGOFF Lisa Green said a feature of the communication effects pillar “is shaping positive public opinion and fostering close ties with local communi-ties”.

“It also bridges cultural divides with host nations during international com-mitments,” she said.

Degrees of brain powerHelp is at hand for members who want to improve themselves – and the Air Force – through study

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Graduates of the PCOIC 0051 course.

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19October 20, 2016RCEAIR F Personnel

Marguerite Carroll

THE introduction of the ADF Total Workforce Model (TWM) was a key focus of the 2016 Defence Reserves Association National Conference.

Held in Brisbane in late August, sev-eral keynote speakers, including CA LTGEN Angus Campbell, attended the conference, the theme of which revolved around challenges and opportunities for the reserve force.

The TWM was developed by Project Suakin, with speakers acknowledging the potential for the model to enable the services to draw on the broad range of skills of members of the permanent and reserve elements of the ADF, while simultaneously allowing greater indi-vidual and workforce flexibility.

CA was joined by Director-General Australian Navy Cadets and Reserves CDRE Bruce Kafer and Director-General Reserves – Air Force AIRCDRE Bob Rodgers, who both presented on behalf of their service chiefs. All acknowledged the potential of the TWM to enable the delivery of ADF capability into the future.

Director-General Suakin CDRE Grant Ferguson said the TWM was a fundamental and structural reform in the way permanent and reserve members could serve.

“The TWM has been created to ena-ble the ADF to meet its evolving needs, now and into the future,” he said.

“The TWM provides greater certainty

and stability, as well as increased oppor-tunities for work. It also provides an added benefit of lifting the profile and reputation of reservists.”

He said the TWM provided opportu-nities for permanent ADF members to seek approval to serve flexibly and this, in turn, would present more opportuni-ties for reservists.

“Harnessing the knowledge and diverse experiences of reserve members in tandem with, or instead of, permanent members would enable the uninterrupted delivery of capability outcomes – a win-win situation for ADF members and their commanders.”

CDRE Ferguson also spoke about the online communication portal ForceNet.

“ForceNet is a key component of the TWM,” he said.

“It’s a communication tool that allows users to search and view reserve career opportunities and indicate avail-ability to undertake reserve service.”

ForceNet is a secure e-portal that connects Defence members with their service, the department and each other.

The internet-based platform is acces-sible anytime and anywhere via a desk-top computer at home or at work, and via tablet or smart phone.

Other issues discussed at the confer-ence were the function of the Defence Reserves Support Council in support-ing reservists and employers, as well as the role of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs in providing assistance to reserv-ists and their families.

Reserves of flexibilityThe Total Workforce Model will provide stability and increase opportunities for work

THE TWM is a triservice framework that redefines ways of serv-ing. It includes a structure that enables mobility across service categories to secure various personnel contributions to Defence capability.

For more information, visit http://drnet.defence.gov.au/People/WP/ADF-Total-Workforce-Model

BETTER WAYS OF SERVING

Members will find it easier to move between the permanent and reserve forces under the Total Workforce Model. Right: CDRE Grant Ferguson presents at the Defence Reserves Association National Conference.Photos: CPL Glen McCarthy, CPL Steve Duncan

20 October 20, 2016RCEAIR FFlightline

Senior mustering adviser WOFF Michael Scott (front left) and course manager WOFF Bradley Parmenter (front right) with student cooks of the Deployed Catering Capability “Train the Trainer” Operator Course held at RAAF Base Amberley. All students embraced a new deployable catering system and will take this enhanced capability into future operations. The course was held between August 29 and September 16. AFM 972 Deployable Catering Capability provides field catering capability for Air Force. Photo: CPL Jessica de Rouw

FLTLT Casey Rogan, LACW Pwastanna Sinpraseuth, ACW Will Vasella and FLGOFF Emily Wilson, with the makeshift raft they used during 22SQN’s physical fitness challenge at North Curl Curl rock pool at Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Photo: CPL Jessica de Rouw

FSGT Michael Horner, CPL Ashton Knight, SGT Robert Spanner, WOFF Ken Robertson and Mrs Justyne Roscoe of Officers’ Training School, RAAF Base East Sale, get into the spirit of the Blood Challenge at the Traralgon Blood Donor Centre. CO WGCDR Martin Quirke said the base was a proud supporter of Australian Red Cross Blood Service. “Contributing to the Defence Blood Challenge is an extension of the spirit of our service – we even engage in a friendly ‘Battle of the Bases’ with RAAF Base Wagga. Hopefully this year we will beat them!” To make an appointment to give blood, call 13 14 95 or visit www.donateblood.com.au/defence Photo: Wendy Todd, Australian Red Cross Blood Service

Commander AWC AIRCDRE Stephen Meredith, with CPL Ernest Warrior, left, and CPL Adele McCallum, who both graduated from the inaugural Regional Compliance Officer Recruit Course at RAAF Base Edinburgh. Photo: CPL Craig Barrett

First time blood donor, AC Aaron Langeberg adds to the donor tally for the Defence Blood Challenge in South Australia. To make donations, visit www.donateblood.com.au/defence Photo: CPL Craig Barrett

Defence MAGAZINE available in print and online

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www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazine email defencemag@defencenews.gov.au

Crunching the numbersMANY people borrow to invest

– this is called “gearing”. If you are borrowing to invest, it’s important your investment

strategy aligns with your financial objectives.

As with any major financial deci-sion, you should be aware of the potential impact on your finances and do some research so you are comfortable with your choice.

Remember that the more you borrow the more you will pay in interest. If you have borrowed to invest and you’re mak-ing a profit, you are positively geared. If you’re making a loss, you are negatively geared.

Either way, gearing will cost you money.

Negative gearingNegative gearing is where you borrow money to invest and the income from the investment is less than the expenses. This is common for property investments, where rental income is less than the inter-est and other expenses. Essentially, this means you’re making a loss.

If you borrow money to invest in shares your investment will be negatively geared if the dividends from the shares are less than the interest on the loan.

You may be prepared to accept a loss if you expect to be able to offset your losses with a capital gain in the future, when the value of the investment increas-es. An investment loss will reduce your

taxable income, and reduce the amount of tax you pay.

Negative gearing can be a popular strategy to minimise tax, but remem-ber you can only reduce your tax if you reduce your overall income. Investors may focus on the tax benefits of negative gearing without considering the loss in after-tax income.

While lower tax can help your savings grow faster, you should never base an investment decision on tax benefits alone. Make sure you take the time to consider your investment goals and choose invest-ments that align with your objectives.

Positive gearingPositive gearing is where you borrow money to invest and the income from your investment is higher than your inter-est and other expenses. This means you will have extra money in your budget but you will have to pay tax on the additional net income.

Positively geared investments provide ongoing income and a capital gain if the investment has increased in value when you sell it.

If needed, you should seek profes-sional advice on the tax implications of negative and positive gearing. The more you borrow, the more you will pay in interest.

For more on smart investing visit ASIC’s MoneySmart website at moneysmart.gov.au

ASIC chairman Greg Medcraft discusses the differences between positive and negative gearing

21October 6, 2016RCEAIR F Finance

Negative gearing may reduce taxable income, but may not be the most profitable option.

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COPING WITH POLLEN Check the daily pollen forecast

so you know if it is going to be a high-risk day.

Try to avoid spending time outdoors on days with a high pollen count (particularly from 7am-9am and from 4pm-6pm), on windy days, or after thunderstorms.

Keep car windows closed and set the cabin air to recirculate, making sure the vehicle has a pollen-sensitive cabin air filter.

After being outside, take a shower (or wash your face and hands thoroughly) and wash your clothes. Pollen sticks to your body, so washing immediately after reduces the amount of pollen transferred into your home.

Dry your sheets and clothes indoors. Outdoor lines can leave your laundry coated with pollen.

Don’t mow the grass yourself, and stay inside when it is being cut.

Remove any plants you are sensitive to from your garden. Problem plants are usually imported species pollinated by the wind, so talk to a local nursery about allergy-friendly alternatives such as Australian natives, like banksias below.

WHILE spring prom-ises warmer weather for all, it also means itchy eyes, sneezing

and wheezing for the millions of Australians with allergies.

Seasonal pollen during spring can trigger symptoms such as coughing and shortness of breath.

Be preparedIf pollen is a key trigger for you, take steps sooner rather than later to avoid an unexpected spring flare-up.

See your medical officer for a non-urgent allergies review to make sure you are on the best treatment for your current cir-cumstances.

Make sure your action plan is up to date so you know exactly what to do if things happen to flare up.

There is also a knack to using your nasal spray correctly to reduce your risk of side effects such as nosebleeds.

Another strategy is regular saline irrigation to clean out your nasal passages – kind of gross, but it helps.

If you feel you may need other treatment, such as a medi-cated nasal spray, talk to a health centre first.

Spring cleaningGetting stuck into spring cleaning can help reduce triggers in your home, but take care to avoid caus-ing a flare-up of your allergies.

Use a damp or electrostatic cloth to dust hard surfaces (including floors) to reduce air-borne dust and allergens.

Don’t forget to clean blinds and curtains, too.

Good vacuum cleaners effec-tively lift dirt and emit clean air. Look for one that has high quality (for example, HEPA) filtration.

Keep in mind that using even the best vacuum cleaner will still stir up allergens.

Sensitive people should avoid doing the cleaning themselves and stay out of the room while it’s happening.

Household cleaning products with fewer harsh chemicals and no fragrances are likely to be kinder to sensitive noses.

Avoid bleach and instead tack-le mould with a natural solution such as a white vinegar solution.

For information on managing allergies, visit the National Asthma Council Australia website at www.nationalasthma.org.au

A breath of fresh airThe National Asthma Council’s Siobhan Brophy explains how you can beat those spring allergies

If the mere thought of spring has you running

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make a plan.

22 October 6, 2016RCEAIR FHealth & Fitness

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23October 20, 2016RCEAIR F Sp rt

CPL Max Bree

MEMBERS of the ADF Parachute Association brought home a bunch of medals after a fierce competition at the NSW and ACT State Skydiving Championships at Moruya, on the NSW south coast, from October 1-3.

Eighteen Defence skydivers com-peted in all the disciplines, including formation and canopy skydiving.

Terminal Velociraptor Defence, which took the silver in the four-way inter AA category, had only just started competing in this category.

Velociraptor team member LAC Callam Dempsey, of No. 77 Squadron,

said it was a challenging category. “There are a lot more formations in this category and we are still learning how to fly them as a team,” he said.

“Coming second is a huge achieve-ment for us and is helping us pre-pare for the Military Skydiving Championships at the end of the year.”

LT Cameron Wise, of the 4th/19th Prince of Wales’s Light Horse Regiment, whose team, Rushin’ Defence, won bronze in the inter four-way formation category, said the team was really pleased with its per-formance in the largest event at the championships.

“There were eight teams this year,

and the competition between the teams was really close,” he said.

LT Holly Godwin, of ALPC, and LEUT Gerard Vejrych won gold and silver in the vertical formation skydiv-ing event.

“We’ve been training in the indoor skydiving facility. However, we haven’t had a lot of training in the sky together,” LEUT Vejrych said.

“To place so well in this competi-tion was a real achievement,”

The state championships are always well attended by Defence members and are an opportunity for teams to train and compete together before the military nationals.

Why hopes are sky highPerformances at state level promise much for military nationals

CPL Max Bree

YOU might think insults and abuse from dis-gruntled footy fans would be distracting for match officials.

But NRL referee and airfield defence guard CPL Brett Suttor said most fans were wasting their breath.

“At a bigger game any abuse becomes noise,” he said.

“If you’re standing behind the goalposts at a small ground you might sometimes hear specific stuff but it’s not creative.

“Whether they’re 60 years old and have been going to the footy for 50 years or they’re seven years old, it’s all the same.”

CPL Suttor would have struggled to make out any particular phrases from the crowd when he officiated as a touch judge at the NRL grand final on October 2 – his second time running the line at a grand final.

“It’s like a normal game of footy, but there’s so much more to it,” he said.

“At a normal game there are 22,000 peo-ple. But at that game there were 88,000. It’s so noisy you can feel it.”

After refereeing full-time from 2006 to 2014, CPL Suttor transferred into the perma-nent Air Force but continues part-time with the NRL.

“You cross your fingers, work your hard-est and hopefully you get picked for the big games,” he said.

Referees are given multiple video angles of critical decisions to review after each game

but CPL Suttor was mainly concerned about where he was on the field at the time.

“I’ll look back at a match and say ‘Could I have been in a better position to see what hap-pened?’ But if I couldn’t, I don’t dwell on it.

“You’re on the spot and in a short amount of time you’ve just got to make a call. You have that pressure on yourself. The NRL don’t need to put any pressure on us to make the right decisions, we’ll do that to ourselves.”

CPL Suttor said the competitive nature of NRL players could make it difficult to explain his decisions on the field.

“They want to win at all costs and you don’t get much out of them if you try to settle them down or explain a decision,” he said.

“I’ll usually try to explain something and see how they react. If you meet them off the field, you’ll walk away thinking they’re a completely different person.”

CPL Suttor grew up as a fan of the now defunct North Sydney Bears and

went to school across the road from their home ground.

“When they got booted I just became a fan of the game. I enjoy any game that’s competi-tive and played in the true spirit,” he said.

However, most referees were likely to have a favourite footy team, he said.

“At the end of the day referees didn’t get into it because they hate rugby league. If they say they don’t have a favourite team, they’re probably lying.”

‘You’ve just got to make a call’

LEUT Kiz Welling-Burtenshaw

COURTESY of No. 36 Squadron and a C-17A, the ADFRU Women’s team recently arrived in the US for a month-long tour and has already made an impression.

The squad, which is traversing the East Coast for matches against West Point Military Academy and US Naval Academy, started positively with a 61-5 victory over Norwich University, Vermont.

Four unanswered tries in the first half to PTE Laura Fletcher, AB Saluluelanei Gray and LACW Brodie Stewart, and a conversion by AB Melissa Sirett, gave the visitors a 22-0 lead going into the sheds.

The ADF team strengthened its lead in the second half, with another six tries to AB Phoebe Evans, CPL Nicola Emsley, SMN Michaela Peck, AB Sirett and LS Amy Carpenter, who also had four conversions.

The hosts managed to squeeze through the other-wise contained ADF defence to cross the line with five minutes to go.

ADFRU skipper AB Gray said the score did not reflect Norwich’s physicality and drive.

“I am extremely happy with the performance of my team. Every player lifted and executed their roles really well,” she said.

You can follow the ADFRU women’s tour on Facebook - ADFRUGBY

Promising kick-off for rugby women

THE ADF Ice Hockey Association is looking for players to get their skates on for the annual triservice carnival in Melbourne from November 14-17.

The carnival will also act as a selection process for Air Force, Army and Navy sides for the triservice tournament and ADF representative teams.

The event will lead into an ADF invitational tourna-ment from November 18-20, in which ADF teams will play Australian regional teams and the British Defence side. Applications will be considered up to November 1.

For information, contact adf.icehockey@defence.gov.au or SQNLDR Kirstie Winter (02) 612 84858; or go to the ADF Sports Share Point site http://caas/Ar-eas/CORP/VCDF/ADSC/ADFIHA/SitePages/Home.aspx.Applications

Get your skates on

CPL Brett Suttor with

his children at the NRL grand final, where he officiated as a

touch judge.

The ADF women’s rugby union team in training before leaving for the US. Photo: CPL Brenton Kwaterski

The Cobra Defence team in flight at the

NSW and ACT Skydiving Championships at Moruya

on the NSW south coast.

NEW ENEMIES FOLLOW OUR veterans HOMEMany returning veterans come home only to face new enemies – enemies they’ve never been

trained to fight. DefenceCare helps them with these battles.

To give $5, please text ‘CARE’ to 1990 1111. fightingnewenemies.com.auJames DallasAustralian VeteranClaims Manager, DefenceCare

Peter Hartung German WW2 Veteran

SP RTA ref’s grand effort at the finals

ADF team on a high after skydiving championships

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October 20, 2016

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ON CLOUD NINE

The Terminal Velociraptor Defence team free-falls

above Moruya on the NSW south coast during the

NSW and ACT State Skydiving Championships.

Photo: LEUT Gerard Vejrych