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SERVING AUSTRALIA WITH PRIDESERVING AUSTRALIA WITH PRIDE

NavyNavyVolume 53, No. 21, November 11, 2010 The official newspaper of the Royal Australian NavyVolume 53, No. 21, November 11, 2010 The official newspaper of the Royal Australian Navy

LPA OP PAUSE – THE FACTS P3 / PAKISTAN ASSIST WRAPS UP CENTRE

FLYING FLYING HIGHHIGH

RAN shines on Exercise

Bersama Padu 2010

PUMP IT UP: HMAS Success’ Squirrel helicopter soars away from the ship during Ex Bersama Padu.Photo: SGT Chris Weissenborn (RNZAF)

– Special Liftout –

NAVY NEWS www.defence.gov.au/news/navynews November 11, 2010

02 NEWS

A DEFENCE Task Force has completed its investigation into the unauthorised release of clas-sified military documents relat-ing to International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) activities in Afghanistan by the organisation ‘WikiLeaks’ on July 25, 2010.

The Task Force conducted a detailed examination of the leaked materials to identify references to Australian interests and Australian personnel. These results were com-pared with operational reporting and Defence public statements to determine the potential impact on Australian interests and personnel, including the protection and operations of forces deployed in Afghanistan.

The investigation found the leaked materials were predominantly tactical-level reporting, the majority of which was low-level operational reporting of activities such as patrols, community engagement and routine operational activities. Some of the documents also covered foreign diplomatic reporting.

The Government’s concern in calling for a review of the materials was to ensure that steps were taken by Defence to mitigate any risks to Australians, our partners, those with whom we work including in the local community, and our ongoing opera-tions.

The Task Force found that sig-nificant operational issues relating to Australia referred to in the leaked materials had already been publicly reported by Defence and, in most cases, reported in greater detail than in the leaked materials.

Many classified operational reports published by WikiLeaks would not routinely be made public by Defence, for operational security reasons. The investigation found the leaked docu-ments have not had a direct significant adverse impact on Australia’s national interests. Operational areas of Defence have confirmed that necessary meas-ures have been taken to mitigate against risks to operational security.

The review concluded that no local sources were clearly identified and steps have been taken to mitigate the risk of this occurring.

The investigation also found that current Defence processes for public reporting of significant opera-tional events are appropriate, and that Defence achieves high levels of trans-parency while protecting information that could put the lives of ADF person-nel, our ISAF and Afghan National Security Force partners, and Afghan civilians at risk.

The Task Force is now examining the recent publication by WikiLeaks of around 400,000 documents relating to the war in Iraq. The investigation will take some time, given the volume and complexity of the material. The find-ings of this investigation will also be released in due course.

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A/DirectorDavid Edlington(02) 6265 4650

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Senior ReporterMichael Brooke(02) 9359 2494

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SERVING AUSTRALIA WITH PRIDESERVING AUSTRALIA WITH PRIDE

NavyNavy The official newspaper of the Royal Australian Navy The official newspaper of the Royal Australian Navy

Outcomes of WikiLeaks investigation

Navy nets $7k for charity

New EW branch to stand up in 2011By Michael Brooke

A NEW sailor category of Electronic Warfare specialists will stand up on July 7 next year.

The new category will provide the Navy with highly skilled operators, who, as an essential part of the RAN’s core warfighting capability, will use the latest technologies to exploit, defend and attack the electromagnetic spectrum.

The initial category composition will be provided through existing CSO A and CTS (ELINT) categories.

Chief of Navy, VADM Russ Crane, said the new EW category would pro-vide the RAN with a cadre of spe-cialist operators in this high-tech and demanding warfare field.

He said the CTSSM category

would undergo a name change to EWSM in recognition of the impor-tance of EW as a core warfare capa-bility across Navy.

“This marks a significant step for-ward for the RAN warfare communi-ty, recognising the need for specialists in the EW domain to meet the signifi-cant capability challenges facing the RAN in the future,” he said.

“It will ensure the RAN is equipped with a workforce that has the skills necessary to employ our new equipment and capabilities to meet emerging threats and new tech-nologies as we move toward force 2030.”

CN told Navy News the DFRT recently endorsed the remuneration aspects of the EW category pay case,

which will essentially see all CSO A sailors who transfer to EW elevated to the same pay scales as the CTS category.

A signal was released from DGNCIW on October 27 formalising the commencement of the category transfer election process that will require all CSO A and CTS personnel to either elect to transfer or remain in their existing category.

More information is available at http://intranet.defence.gov.au/navyweb/sites/nci under Project Phoenix or contact Project Phoenix directly through CAPT Jeff Goedecke at [email protected] or WO Dick Lewis at [email protected]

NEW BADGE: This will be the EW rate badge when the category comes into being next year.

By LEUT David Rose

FIFTY-TWO Navy members have taken part in OcSober, raising $7752.81 for children’s charity Life Education in the process.

Navy put on a great showing, fin-ishing fifth in team fundraising stakes in just its first year. Overall the event raised $431,973 for the charity.

According to Director Navy Alcohol and Other Drugs Services, LCDR Dee Williams, the idea behind OcSober was to go without alcohol for the month of October.

“For those stout souls who went the distance this year, that meant 31 days without alcohol, including five weekends, mess dinners, family bar-becues, birthdays, one Bathurst V8 race, one NRL grand final and an AFL grand final – what an accomplish-ment!” LCDR Williams said.

“Those participants who needed a ‘time out’ and bought a leave pass can hold their heads high, too, because they helped Life Education raise just a bit more to assist important education for Aussie kids.”

Participants ranged from seamen to the Chief of Navy, encompassing men and women, young and not-so-young, ashore and at sea. Special congratulations go to LCDR Steven ‘Blue’ Reynolds from HMAS Darwin, who raised a massive $1518. Second placed was POWTR Melita English, who raised $922.

“While it may have seemed like hard work resisting the temptation for a whole month, participants’ bodies will also be thanking them,” LCDR Williams said.

“One participant said he’d lost 2kg during the month.

“Many others were seen in the gym more frequently. It may have been because they were bored, or perhaps it is because workouts go so much better when the muscles are

clear of alcohol,” LCDR Williams said.

While OcSober participants are especially enjoying the health benefits that come with staying off the sauce, everyone can benefit from maintain-ing a low-risk drinking lifestyle. Going dry for a while on a regular basis will help your body clear out built-up toxins – not to mention clear out your head.

“Health guidelines recommend no

more than two standard drinks per day, and no more than four standard drinks on any single drinking occa-sion,” LCDR Williams said.

She said feedback so-far had been positive.

“While many participants said they found it hard, many more said it was easy,” LCDR Williams said.

“The most common comment was that while alcohol is readily available in our society it doesn’t have to play

such a big role in our social lives – there is fun to be had without it.”

With OcSober 2011 now less than 11 months away, why not plan to give your liver a month-long holiday every year?

While it’s on a break, you can shout it and your body time out at the gym a few times a week – see your PT in September to design a fitness plan for the month and beyond.

HEALTHY LIVING: LEUT Caitlin Lamb pledges her support for OcSober, while inset, Healthy Harold meets a young fan at the HMAS Stirling family fun day.Photos: LSIS Yuri Ramsey and ABIS Dove Smithett

OcSober over but sailors encouraged to stay healthy

HEALTHY LIVING LEUT C itli


03NEWS

EVERY effort is being made to get Navy’s amphibious plat-forms, HMA Ships Kanimbla and Manoora, back to sea early

in the new year following Chief of Navy VADM Russ Crane’s decision to direct an Operational Pause on September 27.

The Operational Pause was imple-mented as a deliberately conservative and proactive approach, made after the Sea Worthiness Board identified a num-ber of issues for further consideration on September 22.

Commander Surface Force, CDRE Stephen McDowall, said the safety of Navy’s people was paramount.

“Noting the ships are 40 years old and host a number of complex engineering systems, the further assessment process is expected to take time to complete in order to fully scope any issues for reme-diation,” he said.

“A technical integrity inspection has been completed in both ships and this is being followed by a more comprehensive materiel condition assessment, which is underway and is expected to be com-pleted by the end of November.

“The inspection and assessment pro-cesses are key elements in determin-ing what further work may be required before a recommendation can be made to CN for the lifting of the Operational Pause.”

The rectification of already known defects and the progression of routine planned maintenance tasks continues in both ships.

Maintenance availabilities that were already planned for Kanimbla and Manoora in 2011 are being brought for-ward in order to take advantage of the ships’ time alongside in the Operational Pause. These availabilities had already

been scheduled as part of the ships’ rou-tine planned maintenance cycles and are key to ensuring a satisfactory materiel state through to the ships’ planned with-drawal from service.

CDRE McDowall said neither ship was currently available for routine train-ing activities and this would be the case until CN lifted the Operational Pause.

“However, both ships could be deployed in an operational emergency,” he said.

“Should this need arise, CN could carefully weigh up the risks and direct further risk mitigation actions be taken before the ships would be deployed.

“CN’s decision-making process would also include the potential assignment of other RAN major fleet units to either replace or supplement the LPAs in such an operation.”

IMPOSING: HMA Ships Manoora and Kanimbla at anchor in Freshwater Bay last year. Both ships are cur-renly alongside Fleet Base East after CN directed an Operational Pause due to issues raised by the Sea Worthiness Board. (Inset) Kanimbla off Hawaii earlier this year during Ex RIMPAC.Photos: ABIS Evan Murphy and ABIS Dove Smithett

NEOC 43 heads to New ZealandBy Natalie Staples

EIGHTY-nine trainee officers from the New Entry Officer Course (NEOC) 43 will shortly experi-ence life at sea aboard HMNZS Canterbury.

The young officers have embarked in the New Zealand multi-role vessel for 15 days at sea. For many of the new officers, this will be the first time they will serve at sea for more than a couple of days since joining the Navy.

During the three-week sea train-ing deployment, the NEOCs will live and work as junior sailors, gaining an insight into the roles and responsibili-ties of those they will soon lead.

NEOCs have routinely embarked in

the RAN’s larger vessels for sea experi-ence but with Navy’s two LPAs, HMA Ships Manoora and Kanimbla, under-going maintenance review, Navy has accepted an offer from New Zealand to provide the NEOC 43 class a unique insight into life on board their own large amphibious ship.

While the practice of our two navies sharing training opportunities ashore and at sea is common, this is the first time a NEOC sea training deployment has been conducted in a RNZN ship.

This is testament to the long-standing friendship and an indication of the high level of interoperability and cooperation that exists between the two navies.

LPA op pause – the factsLPA op pause – the factsNavy News speaks to Commander Surface Force, CDRE Stephen McDowall, for the latest on our LPAs.

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04 NEWS

By Annabelle Haywood

A NEW webisode launched on the Navy website concerns the leader-ship focus of the New Generation Navy (NGN) program and how our leaders are putting these principles into place.

At a recent three-day leadership workshop for warrant officers, Fleet Command Warrant Officer, WO Martin Holzberger, said, “It isn’t just a Navy thing to make Navy better, it’s helping us as people”.

Navy’s leadership workshops have been running since their launch in September as three-day courses for senior officers and senior sailors, and as modules in junior officer leadership courses and promotion courses for junior sailors.

Feedback from the courses has been positive, with more than 85 per cent of participants rating the course as “very good” or “excellent”.

Chief of Navy, VADM Russ Crane, said under NGN it was fundamental to get the leadership aspects right.

“I’m convinced we really need to focus on our leadership and ethics pillar so we can deliver to our Navy effective, efficient and ethical leader-ship programs and leadership styles to advance NGN, so we can better prepare our Navy for what’s coming in the future,” VADM Crane said.

WO Holzberger said he believed the leadership programs had already made a difference in Navy and that people were generally being more mindful of their behaviour and their impact as a leader.

“I think the Navy in five or 10 years time will be very different – the able seamen we are training now will be the warrant officers in 10 or 20 years doing the same thing, and hopefully being much better leaders than me and my colleagues were.”

HMAS Toowoomba’s SWO, WO Dave Devlin, echoed this sentiment and said any change in the near future would need to be driven by those cur-rently serving.

“It is up to all of us, as the people still serving, to drive these changes – this will enable Navy to go forward at a far quicker rate,” he said.

The webisode is entitled “Navy’s Leadership Focus” and is available for viewing on the NGN intranet site at http://intranet.defence.gov.au/navy-web/theme/multimedia/navy_leader-ship_matrox.wmv

For further information on Navy’s leader-ship development workshops and courses, consult the Leadership and Ethics section of NGN intranet, or email [email protected]

Leadership is keyNew NGN webisode launched

THE 1000th Nulka anti-ship missile decoy has been delivered to Defence.

Defence Materiel Minister Jason Clare made the annoucement on October 20 and said the Nulka decoy was one of the most successful electronic warfare projects undertaken in Australia.

“It uses a unique combination of a hovering rocket and electronic warfare technologies to mislead or attract enemy missiles away from the target ship,” Mr Clare said.

“There are almost 140 ships protect-ed by Nulka, with plans to increase that number to more than 180 ships over the next few years.”

Nulka is assembled in Australia from

sub-assemblies produced in Australia and the US.

“This milestone is a credit to all those people in industry and government on both sides of the Pacific who have worked on Nulka,” Mr Clare said.

He also thanked BAE, Nulka’s prime contractor, for their efforts in delivering the project.

The RAN has fitted Nulka to the four Adelaide-class guided missile frigates and the eight Anzac-class frigates.

The Air Warfare Destroyer, which will also be assembled in Australia, will be protected by the system.

Nulka remains Australia’s largest reg-ular Defence export.

1000th Nulka decoy delivered to Defence

By LSIS Paul McCallum

CHIEF of Navy, VADM Russ Crane, was among many cur-rent and former naval personnel who attended a memorial service for the late VADM Sir Richard Peek (Retd) at HMAS Harman on October 22.

VADM Crane and Sir Richard’s children planted a commemorative oak tree in the lawns adjacent to the Wardroom in memory of VADM Peek’s achievements and his service to Navy.

VADM Peek began his career in 1928 and was involved in some of the Navy’s most significant battles against the Japanese Navy in WWII, including the Kamikaze attack on HMAS Australia at Lingayen Gulf in 1945.

While attending Royal Staff College in England after the war, VADM Peek’s first wife died giv-ing birth to their first child. At the time, VADM Peek was not allowed to return to Australia and did not see his son until he was several months old.

This event was to drive VADM Peek to spend the rest of his career

Former CN honoured at HMAS Harman

fighting for the rights and welfare of Navy members. The benefits of his determination are still being seen by today’s sailors and officers.

VADM Peek served as Chief of Navy from 1970 to 1973 and

was instrumental in restructuring the Navy following the end of the Vietnam War.

Sir Richard died in August. He was 96.

IN MEMORY: CN VADM Russ Crane and VADM Sir Richard Peek’s children pant a commemorative oak tree at HMAS Harman, in memory of the former CN who died in August.Photo: LSIS Paul McCallum


05NEWS

By LEUT Janelle Stewart

THE construction phase of the HMAS Creswell (CAPT Jaimie Hatcher) Redevelopment Project has progressed at a rapid pace since its commencement in June 2009.

Creswell Redevelopment Liaison Officer, LCDR Tony Beauchamp, has been involved with the project since planning began in 2005.

“The redevelopment is progress-ing well with major milestones being achieved on a regular basis,” he said.

“The most significant milestone of the project will be the completion of Geelong and Cerberus Houses, due in early 2011.”

The refurbishment of the heritage-listed Cerberus House and the recon-struction of Geelong House are the most visible of the extensive project works being undertaken. These two buildings will form the hub of initial officer train-ing, incorporating an auditorium, com-puter laboratories, classrooms, confer-ence facilities, office space and trainee recreational areas.

The original Geelong House, a mirror image of its sister building, was demol-ished in 1977 with its site most recently home to a demountable building housing the Gunroom (the recreation space for initial entry officers).

The rebuild of Geelong house will restore symmetry to the western side of the quarterdeck and provide a much-needed upgrade to Creswell’s training

facilities. The external construction ele-ments of these historic buildings are planned for completion by December 2010 with internal construction due for completion by February 2011.

The redevelopment of the RAN School of Survivability and Ship Safety (RANSSSS) Training Facility – East includes an upgrade of current facili-ties and the addition of damage control and fire fighting simulation units. The upgraded facility includes a dynamic leak-stop repair unit and the reintroduc-tion of a diesel fire fighting unit to com-plement the gas-fired unit. The construc-tion of the new simulation units is now complete and they are undergoing final testing and commissioning. RANSSSS Staff familiarisation training will be con-ducted until January 2011, with training of Fleet sailors and officers due to begin in the upgraded facility shortly thereaf-ter.

The Project also includes: ➤ A new physical fitness centre provid-

ing an indoor swimming pool, cardio fitness room, weights room and multi purpose hall;

➤ A new survival at sea classroom; and➤ A new armoury facility.

The redevelopment will also see an extensive refurbishment of all trainee accommodation as well as major improvements to the aging infrastruc-ture, including communications, water, sewerage and lighting.

The project is due for completion in June 2011.

Redevelopment full speed ahead

Chief of Navy, VADM Russ Crane, and other senior leaders were recently on

hand to help HMAS Creswell mark an important milestone in its $83.6 million Redevelopment Project.

The first new building to be delivered under the project, the accommodation block Griffiths House, was officially opened on October 8 by its namesake, RADM Guy Griffiths, who joined the RAN College in 1937 as a 13-year-old and served with great distinc-tion in the RAN for 43 years.

Griffiths House joins a number of other Creswell accommoda-tion buildings named after distin-guished RAN officers.

“It is very humbling to have one’s name placed alongside historical figures such as ADMs Collins and Dowling at this pres-tigious establishment,” RADM Griffiths said.

“May knowledge and success be achieved by all who reside herein.”

EXCITING FUTURE: Construction continues on HMAS Creswell’s new gym-nasium and indoor pool.

Griffiths House opens

Following the official open-ing ceremony guests toured the new accommodation block, which comprises 32 cabins with shared ensuite facilities and recreation areas.

Griffiths House will provide modern accommodation facilities for officers undertaking leadership and management training at the RAN College and also supplement

Wardroom accommodation during peak periods.

Creswell’s CO, CAPT Jaimie Hatcher, said the Griffiths House opening was an exciting day for Creswell and everyone involved in the Redevelopment Project.

“It is an honour to host RADM Guy Griffiths to open the building named in recognition of his 43 years of naval service,” he said.

PROUD TRIO: VADM Russ Crane, RADM Guy Griffiths and CAPT Jaimie Hatcher at the Griffiths House official opening.

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06 NEWS

Shepparton nets ghostsBy MIDN Scott Barnes

THE ship’s company of HMAS Shepparton (LCDR Adam Muckalt) have become environmental warriors after recovering two drifting ‘ghost nets’ in as many days around Croker Island, Northern Territory.

The Survey Motor Launch spotted the nets on October 13 and 14 approximate-ly 10 nautical miles north-east of Port Essington.

Shepparton’s CO, LCDR Adam Muckalt, said ghost nets wreak havoc on the marine environment, indiscriminately destroying everything in their path.

“Navy is a custodian of the oceans for future generations, so we have a respon-sibility to protect the marine environment from pollution like these nets,” LCDR Muckalt said.

“Nets like these could also easily become entangled in a ship’s underwater fittings and have a serious impact on its operational capability.”

The ship’s company struggled for up to four hours per net in 34-degree heat recovering the nets through a combination of the ship’s machinery and pure strength.

“The nets were similar to icebergs

– most of each net was submerged, so we thought it was going to be a rela-tively simple recovery evolution,” LCDR Muckalt said.

“And the smell on board was phenom-enal. I have been a boarding officer on patrol boats before, but this was worse than anything I have previously encoun-tered.”

An immeasurable amount of sea life was saved by Shepparton’s recovery of the nets, with a turtle, a small shark, several crabs, as well as many fish and shellfish being saved and released back into the water.

Unfortunately, the devastation the nets had already caused was apparent with a large amount of sea life, including a marine mammal, sharks, fish and some rare black coral caught up in the net.

The nets, estimated at up to 1000 metres in length and weighing many tonnes, were found during the ship’s rou-tine hydrographic surveys.

Sheppa r ton l a t e r r e tu rned to Darwin where the Australian Fisheries Management Authority took the nets for appropriate disposal.

ENVIRONMENTAL WARRIORS: HMAS Shepparton retrieves a ghost net found adrift in Australian waters.Photo: MIDN Matthew Payner

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07NEWS

By Leonie Gall

DEFENCE has helped save more than 3000 lives by taking out the Canberra Public Sector Club Red Blood Challenge for the second time.

The victory was announced at the 2009-10 Canberra Sunday Times Corporate and Community Donor Challenge Breakfast, held at Canberra’s Brassey Hotel on October 27.

Representatives from the public and private sectors, embassies and the com-munity joined the Red Cross in celebrat-ing the year’s biggest ACT blood donors in a range of categories.

With an impressive 1096 dona-tions, Defence out-shined six-time Public Sector winner and biggest rival, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, who ran second with 993 donations.

Receiving a special welcome, AIRCDRE Tracy Smar t accept -ed Defence’s award on behalf of Commander Joint Health MAJGEN Paul Alexander.

AIRCDRE Smart said she thought there had always been a strong asso-ciation between blood donation and the ADF.

“I think a lot of our members realise it could be them needing it one day, or one of their mates, and that’s a good incentive to volunteer,” AIRCDRE Smart said.

“There were about 1000 donations and that sounds like a lot, but we’ve got a lot of Defence members in the Canberra region and I think we could do a lot bet-ter next year.”

Competition aside, all attendees were aware the day really belonged to those Aussies who benefit from donated blood.

You still have time to donate in this year’s Defence Blood Drive Challenge and get your Service over the line by November 30, and AIRCDRE Smart has put out the challenge.

“I’d like to see the other Services take on Air Force and beat us at our own game, ultimately raising the amount of blood donations,” she said.

Defence wins Canberra corporate blood challenge

WINNERS: AIRCDRE Tracy Smart holds the award for the 2009-10 Canberra Sunday Times Corporate and Community Donor Challenge after Defence made the highest number of donations.Photo: LAC Aaron Curran

By Michael Brooke

THREE rookie sailors from Rodgers Division took a huge leap of faith recently when they abseiled down Sydney’s 27-floor AMP Building to the busy street below.

The sailors overcame their initial fear of heights and concern of never having abseiled before by putting their faith in the equipment, their training, the RAN’s best practice OHS procedures and a specialist support team.

Faith in all things Navy ena-bled them to convert their fear into adrenaline for the first crucial step over the edge, and finally euphoria and pride when they reached the bottom.

SMN Stewart McBride was trembling with excitement after completing his first ever abseil, which he described as “absolutely electrifying”.

“I certainly conquered my initial fears and the feeling of achievement and the good deed done for charity make it all worthwhile,” he said.

The rookie’s leap of faith was part of the fundraiser that contrib-uted to more than $200,000 being raised for the Sir David Martin Foundation, which is HMAS Kuttabul’s ship’s charity.

SMN McBride said he focused on the training and his faith in the Navy support team, which kept him from thinking about falling from such a great height.

“My faith in the Navy team and the training they provided really helped my concentration,” he said.

Kuttabul SWO, WO Mark Donlan, said the rookie sailors were part of a RAN team who ensured world-class safety practices for the scores of people who paid more than $1000 each for the abseil.

“Today was all about civilians enjoying the opportunity to abseil down the AMP Building, which we were happy to help them with,” he said.

WO Donlan said a team of Kuttabul sailors were also involved

Rookie sailors’ leap of faith

in the promotional launch earlier this year, when they helped several media celebrities, including Kitti Flannigan, abseil down the AMP Building.

Kuttabul adopted the Sir David Martin Foundation as its charity in recognition of Sir David Martin, a former RADM and also Governor of NSW, who died in 1990. His wish was to set up a foundation to help troubled youth.

One of the projects for troubled youth is the Triple Care Farm in rural NSW, which provides an ideal environment of peace and healing for emotionally hurt and troubled young people aged 16 to 24 years.

Over a 12-week period, the farm takes the first step in re-building broken lives, gently helping them to untangle their problems and equip-ping them with the skills to make a positive change in their lives.

ALL FOR CHARITY: POPT Michael Hutchesson, from HMAS Creswell, abseils from the roof level of the famous AMP skyscraper in the Sydney CBD. The event was part of the fundraiser that raised more than $200,000 for the Sir David Martin Foundation.Photo: ABIS Peter Thompson

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08 NEWS

By LCDR Fenn Kemp

TWENTY-six young indigenous Australians have graduated from the first Defence Indigenous Development Program – Navy.

They paraded at TS Endeavour (HMAS Cairns) to the delight of their families and friends, after undergoing seven months of training in a wide variety of skills and trades.

The graduates sailed in STS Young Endeavour, completed a boot camp at HMAS Cerberus and under-took work experience at Cairns. They also completed Access 10 training and components of a Boat Coxswains ticket through Tropical Far North Queensland TAFE.

Yakopeta Akiba-Bowie is from Saibai Island – 3km away from PNG. Yakopeta said the highlight for her was the sea ride up the Queensland coast in Young Endeavour.

“We found it important to work as a team”, Yakopeta said. “We had to keep the ship going.”

Yakopeta said climbing aloft was a challenge, albeit an enjoyable one. She said her time at Cerberus was also memorable.

“CAPT [Mark] Hill (CO Cerberus) arranged for us to go to the snow – we loved it! We also got to experience what Navy life is like.”

Every graduate Navy News spoke with on the day said teamwork got them through. The course also taught them to believe in themselves.

Defence Science and Personnel

Minister Warren Snowdon was among the first to offer the group his warmest congratulations.

“This is a significant milestone for participants, their families, the far north Queensland community and Defence,” Mr Snowdon said.

Director General Navy People, CDRE David Letts, was on hand to congratulate the group.

“This initiative provides Navy with a tangible means of engaging the indigenous communities up here in far north Queensland,” CDRE Letts said.

“We are giving them a bit of a leg up – to see if a Navy career is some-thing they can undertake.”

T h e D e f e n c e I n d i g e n o u s Development Program – Navy is a joint initiative between Defence and the Department of Education, E m p l o y m e n t a n d Wo r k p l a c e Relations, and managed by Defence’s Directorate of Indigenous Affairs under the Defence Reconciliation Action Plan.

The Department of Education and Training Queensland also contributed greatly to the course through its indig-enous training program.

Yakopeta and some other gradu-ates will return to Cerberus as recruits early next year. Those who don’t will find the skills and confidence they have gained will give them that extra boost in civilian life.

Another course is already being planned for 2011.

Opening doors to the future

OPPORTUNITIES AHEAD: The first group to complete the Indigenous Development Program – Navy parade at HMAS Cairns after finishing the course, while inset, course participants celebrate after the parade.


09NEWS

By Michael Brooke

NAVY excellence was recognised recently by the public and private sectors when HMA Ships Manoora and Toowoomba’s supply person-nel were saluted at the Industry of Excellence Awards.

The Industry of Excellence Awards were conducted by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transportation Australian (CILTA) in Sydney on October 29.

Manoora won the NSW CILTA Excellence in Defence Logistics and was a finalist for the National Technology Award, while Toowoomba’s POSN Jodie Greaves was nominated as a finalist for the CILTA National Young Professional (Under 35) award.

Supply Officer, LCDR Patrick Pilbeam, attributed Manoora’s success to the streamlined way in which the Supply and Health Department and whole ship’s company conducted daily business.

“This success is encapsulated in the ship’s reinvigorated mantra of ‘HMAS Manoora: versatile, capable and resil-ient – ‘in war and in peace’ – mission ready for the 21st Century’,” he said.

LCDR Pilbeam said Manoora’s rec-ipe for success would provide lessons learnt for Navy and Fleet operations, “because the streamlined processes enable the department to provide an exceptional level of logistic support to embarked Australian and foreign defence force personnel as and when required”.

POSN Greaves said she was both humbled and thrilled by the recogni-tion of being named as a finalist in the CILTA National Young Professional (Under 35) award.

CILTA Executive Director Howard Croxon praised Navy and the other prize recipients, saying: “These awards recognise and promote excellence within our industry … and acknowl-edge what our finalists and winners have achieved.”

Excellence recognised Asbestos – risk is real

By Graham McBean

ASBESTOS Inventory Tiger Team (AITT) Project Leader – Navy, CAPT Alan Johnston, has urged Defence personnel to take the threat of asbestos in work and home environments seriously.

As the team reaches the end of its mission to identify and facilitate the removal of asbestos from the Defence inventory, CAPT Johnston said complacency and lack of knowledge about asbestos was still a concern.

He said more than 700 people died from asbestos-related diseases each year, but personnel still down-played the risk.

“Young people who are faced with other risks in our line of work see this as a very low priority,” CAPT Johnston said.

“It is an attitude that can come back to bite people.”

CAPT Johnston said even people in command positions had on occa-sion expressed complacency about the risk.

He said in one conversation the risk posed by asbestos had been compared to the risk of road fatali-ties and influenza.

“We need to get people’s atten-tion. Like smoking, it is an avoid-able cause of death and we need to stop using it by totally removing it from our inventory.

“This is not a matter for someone else to worry about – asbestos is an insidious killer with latency periods of between 10 to 40 years.”

The AITT has so far facilitated the removal of more than 63,000 pieces of asbestos-containing material from the Defence inven-tory since the project was raised in January last year.

It is expected to finish its inspec-tion program of 1128 units by the end of this year and complete a ‘re-validation’ of 50 units before wind-ing up in early 2011.

CAPT Johnston said the AITT had been a “big-bang” approach and had made important in-roads as part of the broader policy of zero toler-ance of asbestos in accordance with Government policy.

But he said there was an ongoing need to maintain awareness that asbes-tos may be present in the system.

“The AITT has been an important tool in casting a trained eye over hold-ings and identifying asbestos-contain-ing material and when in doubt send-ing suspect material off for testing.

“At present the hit rate for finding asbestos in material submitted for test-ing is about 36 per cent.

“So one third of everything we test comes back with a positive finding for asbestos – that is a surprisingly high number and goes to show the worth of the inspection program.”

He said personnel should also be mindful of encountering asbestos in the home environment in such things as fibro sheeting and roof insulation.

“People should take precautions

when renovating their home or knock-ing down that fibro backyard shed.”

Further information on asbestos within Defence inventory and Defence asbestos policies and regulations are available on the AITT intranet site at http://intranet.defence.gov.au/dmoweb/sites/AITT or phone (02) 6265 6252. Further information on precautions to be taken when renovating your house can be obtained by visiting the NSW Government website www.nsw.gov.au/fibro

ASBESTOS: Assess the risk and take it seriously or it might come back to bite you.

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10 NEWSIN BRIEFVoyage of a lifetimeTHE replica of James Cook’s HMB Endeavour will visit major and regional ports around Australia from April 2011 – May 2012 and you can join the crew!

The voyage will begin in Sydney and trace Cook’s original journey 240 years ago, when he became the first to chart the east coast of Australia in 1770.

From Queensland, Endeavour will sail across the Gulf of Carpentaria and the Top End to Darwin, before sailing into the Indian Ocean and along the Western Australian coast to Fremantle.

The voyage will then see Endeavour cross the Great Australian Bight taking in South Australia and continuing around Tasmania, before crossing Bass Strait to Victoria, and returning to Sydney by May 2012.

You can choose from 20 voyage legs and you’ll be trained by pro-fessional crew in all aspects of 18th century sailing – climbing the mast, setting the sails, navigating, keeping watch and taking the helm – while forming life-long friendships with people from all over Australia and the world.

If 18th century privilege is more your style, you can join the voyage asa ‘supernumerary’ and be allocated a gentleman’s cabin. You’ll occupy a single cabin and relax in the Great Cabin, just as Cook would have done.

For further information and booking details visit www.endeavourvoyages.com.au or call (02) 9298 3859 or freecall 1800 720 577.

Guts and determinationBy ABCIS Melanie Schinkel

CONTINUOUS training, early starts and late finishes, determi-nation, and loads of support was what it took for HMAS Ballarat’s CO, CMDR Guy Blackburn, to successfully complete his very first marathon in Sydney recently.

With Ballarat’s crew spurring him on, CMDR Blackburn, 41, competed and completed Sydney Running Festival’s 42.2km mara-thon from Milsons Point Station to Sydney Opera House on September 18.

After four hours and 22 seconds of intense running, he crossed the finish line and placed 1938th out of about 3000 participants.

In addition to achieving a person-al goal, he raised more than $3000 for Ballarat’s charity, United Way Ballarat, which will use the funds to help support flood victims in the region.

CMDR Blackburn said he was ecstatic to achieve his goal of com-pleting 42km before turning 42 years old.

“I was inspired to take up run-ning more seriously about 10 years ago after I saw first-hand the efforts of elite long distance runners at the Sydney Olympics.

“Just when I peaked in my training and thought I was ready to compete, I had an accident and shattered my ankle in four places.

“My doctor told me I would never

run 2km again let alone any further – those words challenged and focused my commitment to prove that you can do anything if you just set your mind to it, no matter how difficult the task.”

He said Ballarat’s crew raised more than $1800 for the cause by shaking a tin at the gangway and that the ship’s CIS department, alone, donated more than $500.

“I was constantly buoyed by the crew’s enthusiasm and support, partic-ularly when I turned up to work after a morning run.

“Every day I ran to and from work – most days 15km but sometimes I would fit in 18 or 20km. It wasn’t easy and I found myself getting up early and going home late to fit everything into my day.”

He described the atmosphere on the day as “electric” and said the crowd cheered the names of the runners as they ran past Circular Quay and crossed the finish line at Sydney Opera House.

“My motto for the race was ‘com-pete to complete’,” CMDR Blackburn said.

“It was the most physically, men-tally and emotionally draining thing I have ever done and at the 36km mark my body screamed at me to stop, but I knew, having gone so far, that I needed to keep going.

“I’m not sure if I would do it all again, but I overcame obstacles that people said I couldn’t.

“I won’t lie, it was really hard but guts, determination and dedication will overcome adversity and get you through every time.”

Ballarat CO’s marathon effort

MISSION: POSSIBLE: CO HMAS Ballarat, CMDR Guy Blackburn, crosses the finish line at the Sydney Opera House.

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11NEWS

Sailor re-writes aviation safety bookBy LSIS Paul McCallum

ABCSO Natalie Irvine of HMAS Parramatta (CMDR Heath Robertson) was award-ed the CMDR Dave Allen Award for Safety Excellence at the Navy Safety Awards on November 3.

AB Irvine’s persistence and professionalism led to the identi-fication and change to two con-flicting documents for aviation and RADHAZ safety found in the Ships/Helicopters Operation Manual and the Anzac-class RADHAZ and Laser Standing Operating Procedures.

Her actions resulted in an important improvement in aviation safety – a considerable achievement noting her junior rank and limited experience.

Chief of Navy, VADM Russ Crane, said the safety of Navy people was one of his most significant responsibilities and priorities.

“All measures we take to improve safety need to be rec-ognised and publicised as part of our effort to take safety very seriously, from the lowest to the highest levels,” VADM Crane said.

“I encourage everyone to keep an eye out for our safety achievers and to recognise them for the very real contribution they are making to our success.” SAFETY FIRST: ABCSO Natalie Irvine, from HMAS Parramatta, receives her award from CN. Photo: Grace Costa

Category One – Leadership Award for Injury Prevention and Management

Highly Commended: Australian Naval Cadets

Category Two – Best Workplace Health and Safety Management System

Highly Commended: HMAS Toowoomba

Category Three – Best Solution to an Identified Workplace Health and Safety Issue

Winner: HMAS ToowoombaHighly commended: DNPS

Category Four – Rehabilitation and Return to Work

Winner: HMAS Penguin, RAN Diving School, Submarine and Underwater Medicine Unit and ABCD de Gelder’s case man-ager

CMDR Dave Allen Award for Safety Excellence

Winner: ABCSO Natalie Irvine Commended: LCDR Andrew Rohrsheim

Award winners

DHA information line 139 DHA (139 342) www.dha.gov.au Toll Transitions freecall 1800 819 167 www.tolltransitions.com.au/defence

DHA was established in 1988 with the aim of improving the quality and selection of housing for Defence members and their families. Now, over 20 years on, DHA manages approximately 17, 300 residences around Australia and provides a range of services to help ease the pressure on Defence families – we will support you and your family throughout your tenancy, from moving in, to living in, and then moving out of your home.

While our level of support for you and your family will not change, you will see some changes to the Defence relocations process. Where DHA managed relocations administration in the past, Toll Transitions will now be your relocations service provider.

To help you understand how this may impact you and your family, we’ve put together a reference guide for you and your family.

DHA will assist you with: Toll Transitions will assist you with: Defence will assist you with:

Finding and securing your future Defence home – using DHA’s online HomeFind tool

Notifying DHA of your relocation, so that we can commence the HomeFind process

All of your pay matters

Your housing entitlements, including Rent Allowance or Living In Accommodation

Organising your relocation requirements Making and managing any policy which affects your housing and relocation entitlements

Arranging all your DHA housing maintenance requirements

Arranging all your uplift and delivery requirements

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Rent Band Choice Housing – this provides you with a range of housing choices to suit your lifestyle

Approving and organising any long-term or short-term storage of your possessions

Managing the contractors who provide your relocation services and housing, such as Toll Transitions and DHA

Fast Connect – a free service for the connection or disconnection of major utilities and telecommunication services

Booking travel and temporary accommodation for your relocation

Your relocation allowances and entitlements

DHA was established in 1988 with the aim of improving the quality and selection of housing for Defence members and their families.

Defence Housing Australia – your housing solution.

Reservists, share your skills with usIf you’re a Reservist, you’ll soon have the opportunity to help the ADF’s Civil Skills Data Team learn more about

you. The CSD collection e-survey starts soon and is your chance to tell us about your civil skills, qualifications and

experience. It will help us to gain a more complete picture of who you are, and it could help your Reserve career

and deployment opportunities. You’ll be paid for completing the e-survey. We’d like you to take part and we’ll

send an information pack to your home address. Watch this space!

To ensure you get the Civil Skills Data information pack, check your address details on PMKeyS.

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13NEWS

By Leonie Gall

A DOZEN young women recently swapped the books for early morn-ings and PT as part of a pilot tour camp showcasing life and careers in the ADF.

The new Women in Defence pro-gram gave 13 high school students across NSW the opportunity to experi-ence military life hands-on through base activities in Sydney.

The tour devoted a day to each Service, with day two devoted to Navy where the girls enjoyed activities at Fleet Base East and HMAS Watson (CAPT Jay Bannister), including viewing a bridge simulator and subma-rine tours.

The group also took a tour of HMAS Parramatta (CMDR Heath Robertson) where they were treated to lunch in the junior sailors’ cafe.

The other two days were packed with Army and Air Force activities at Holsworthy Barracks and RAAF Base Richmond.

Tour organiser and Defence Force Recruiting (DFR) Career Counsellor, Air Force CPL Amelia Stafford, said the tour offered women who don’t have regular military exposure the opportunity to visit Defence bases.

“We also wanted to break down some barriers and misconceived ideas about what being in the ADF is all about,” CPL Stafford said.

Overall the event was considered successful and tour questionnaire feed-back was very positive.

Breaking barriers

“The girls had a good time – they really enjoyed themselves,” CPL Stafford said.

“Following their experience, the girls all said they would definitely put forward an application for the ADF. So we’ve given them a career ambi-tion to aim for.”

The tour camp was mainly organ-ised and presented by DFR staff from Parramatta.

“We wanted to give them a bal-anced perspective on the ADF and the opportunities for women,” CPL Stafford said.

“And the results suggest we achieved that goal.”

The tour was quite a unique experience for the young women,

who were familiar with life in NSW towns such as Blayney, Bathurst, B r ewa r r i n a , C o n d o b o l i n a n d Canowindra, as well as the Sydney suburb of Blacktown.

DFR is reviewing the event and may run another tour in early 2011.

The Women in Defence tour camp forms part of a broader Women in Defence initiative, focussed on increasing the recruitment and reten-tion of females in the ADF, and the provision of access to effective equity and support.

A microsite specifically developed for the recruitment of women in Defence can be found at www.defencejobs.gov.au/womenintheadf

EYE OPENER: WO Stephen Downey, HMAS Parramatta’s SWO, gives NSW students a tour of the ship as part of a pilot education program, run by the Parramatta DFR branch.Photo: ABIS Hayley Clarke

By ABCIS Melanie Schinkel

SKILL grade three CIS sailors who aspire to specialise in the informa-tion communication technologies (ICT) field should strive towards a posting to the FLTC4SPT Element team.

Established in June this year at Fleet Headquarters in Sydney, the FLTC4SPT Element team is part of the DMC4EW organisation and com-prises just four members, however, plans are underway to develop more teams in locations such as Perth, Cairns and Darwin.

FLTC4SPT Element team opera-tor, ABCIS Nicholas Burgess, said the team offered junior CIS sailors oppor-tunities to broaden and share their ICT knowledge and skills.

“At the moment, ABCIS Eldric Ngo and I are conducting RH-FIE training for personnel aboard ships at Fleet Base East – we are hoping to identify which components of the training are most beneficial to CIS sailors,” ABCIS Burgess said.

“It’s great to support fellow CIS sailors who, in some cases, know very little about ICT or just need their memories refreshed.”

Personnel aiming for a future post-ing to the team should have a keen interest in networks and bearers and be willing to deploy on sea rides at short notice.

“An average day for me involves checking and discussing daily signal traffic from ships that are experienc-

ing ICT problems, as well as research-ing faults and providing on-site advice and support to deliver CIS operators with prompt resolutions,” ABCIS Burgess said.

“I’m often burrowing my head in troubleshooting, drafting SOPs, investigating ICT issues and liaising with external authorities to get the job done.

“It feels great to assist operators who are struggling with ICT prob-lems – that’s the best part of my job because I get to help them understand through training, which is most impor-tant.”

During their 18-month to two-year posting, FLTC4SPT Element team members have the opportunity to complete online courses to become certified Cisco network technicians; a qualification that assists when vying for competitive CIS postings in Hawaii, Landstuhl or Bahrain.

FLTC4SPT Element Manager, POCIS Tim Bolch, said sailors posted to the team would gain valuable knowledge of the ICT systems used across all RAN platforms.

“A CIS sailor who returns to sea after completing a posting in this team will greatly enhance any unit’s ICT training and maintenance capabili-ties,” POCIS Bolch said.

All requests for FLTC4SPT Element team support must be submitted via signal to FLTC4SPT or by contacting either LCDR Pete De Maskens or CPO Emma Procopis on (02) 9359 4251.

Opportunities abound for CIS sailors

14 15CENTRESPREAD


SEVENTY ADF members of the Australian Medical Task Force (AMTF) who deployed to Pakistan to provide human-

itarian assistance in the wake of the devasting monsoon floods returned to Australia on October 29, welcomed home at a ceremony at RAAF Base Amberley in Queensland.

Senator David Feeney, Parliamentary Secretary for Defence, praised the effort of the AMTF in providing assistance to Pakistan during the crisis.

“The Australian Government and the Australian people are very appre-ciative of the dedication and skill you have brought to the great work you have been doing for the distressed people of Pakistan,” Senator Feeny said.

“You have upheld the best traditions of the ADF and of Australia. You have added to Australia’s high reputation in the countries of our region.”

AusAID Team Leader, Thanh Le, said most of the displaced people in the flood-affected Kot Addu area had returned to their homes, marking the end of the need for primary medical aid.

“Despite the devastation, most of the residents in the Kot Addu area have now returned to their homes and the main local government hospital has returned to a pre-flood patient load,” Mr Le said.

Nursing Officer LEUT Adrian Gantley, of HMAS Penguin, said his time in Pakistan was challenging and rewarding.

“Working in the health facility was very stressful at the start as there were a large number of extremely sick patients who required treatment,” LEUT Gantley said.

“Seeing infants and children in that

The Australian Medical Task Force deployed on Operation Pakistan Assist II has successfully completed their mission after treating 11,375 patients at the Australian Health Facility at Kot Addu. CPL Zenith King reports.

VITAL AID

condition was difficult, but you just have

to do what you can to help.”

LEUT Gantley said deploying to

Pakistan to provide humanitarian aid

was an honour.

“I have a lot of admiration and empa-

thy for the people of Pakistan; they are

very stoic people and grateful for any aid we were able to provide,” he said.

“It is my hope that some of our patients have received positive health outcomes as a result of the care we have provided.”

LSMED Leona Nichols, HMAS Penguin, said the chance to contribute to a humanitarian aid mission was one of

the reasons she chose to enter the health profession.

“Being given this opportunity has been a fantastic experience both per-sonally and professionally,” LSMED Nichols said.

“When I put it into perspective I can honestly say that I had a positive effect on someone’s life.”

LSMED Nichols said she felt a sense of accomplishment having completed the mission.

“It wasn’t always easy and it wasn’t always glamorous but I will look back on this and be proud that I was a part of it,” she said.

“It may have been a small contribu-tion but I made a difference and the patients were generally grateful.”

The temporary health facility was set up to provide primary health care and other health services to people affected by the monsoon floods.

Seventeen civilian doctors, nurses and paramedics and more than 30 ADF medical personnel worked at the health centre at Camp Cockatoo in the Punjab region of Pakistan.

At the welcome home ceremony Chief of Air Force, AIRMSHL Mark Binskin, said the successful combina-tion of the Defence and civilian medical teams had enabled the smooth delivery of primary health care and brought emer-gency treatment to more than 11,000 flood victims.

“The whole of government effort to assist Pakistan has been very successful,” AIRMSHL Binskin said.

“While this marks the end of the medical assistance during this crisis it does not mark the end of our assistance to help Pakistan recover and rebuild from this disaster.”

Op Pakistan Assist IIThe 180 personnel who formed the AMTF were deployed on Operation Pakistan Assist II. The Task Force comprised:

➤ A Medical Task Force including 36 Defence and 28 civilian health specialists.

➤ Specialist engineering capabilities to support the delivery of clean water to the Task Force and construction of accommodation and other buildings.

➤ Six RAAF C-17 Globemaster flights (August 14, 17, 24, 26, 29 and September 1) which delivered aid, personnel and equipment into Pakistan.

Aid stores and services delivered by the ADF and AusAID included:

➤ 201 family tents; 9126 tarpaulins; and 10 rolls of plastic sheeting to shelter more than 10,000 families.

➤ 24 portable generators to safely provide power to temporary shelters.

➤ 7420 water storage containers and water purification tablets to provide 30 days of safe drinking water for more than 7000 families.

➤ 1962 birthing kits to pregnant women to support the birth of their child.

➤ ADF medical supplies to assist with immediate health needs.

➤ Medical support in treating around 250 patients a day, totaling 11,375 patients.

➤ Treatment of more than 3000 cases of malaria.

GOOD ADVICE: LEUT Joel Hissink gives medical advice to an elderly Pakistani man in the Camp Cockatoo Health Facility.Photos: POIS Damian Pawlenko

OP’S OVER: LSMED Leona Nichols (left) and LACW Alex Redlich help dismantle a tent at Camp Cockatoo.

PRAISE FROM THE TOP: (Above) Deputy Chief of Navy, RADM Davyd Thomas, addresses the Navy members of Joint Task Force 636 during his visit to Camp Cockatoo with Director General Navy Health Services, CDRE Robin Walker (background).Photo: POIS Damian PawlenkoDEVASTATION: (Left) Some of the devastating views seen from the back of a CH-47 Chinook as it transports ADF medical personnel to Kot Addu over the flood-affected areas of Punjab Province.Photo: CPL Chris MooreHEADING HOME: (Far left) ADF personnel wait for a MI-17 Pakistan Army helicopter to fly them from Kot Addu to Multan at the end of operations. Photo: POIS Damian Pawlenko

EQUIPMENT TESTING: LSMED Leona Nichols tests and adjusts the oxy-viva in the resuscitation tent at the Camp Cockatoo Health Facility.Photo: CPL Chris Moore

HELPING HAND: LEUT Adrian Gantley gives fluids to a young Pakistani child.

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Fish out ofL

OOKING at images and footage of ADF troops on the ground in landlocked Afghanistan, you could be forgiven for thinking it was

an all-Army affair. But that’s not the case.

Clearance Diver LEUT Richard Brickacek has just completed a deployment to Afghanistan, where he put his Navy skills to vital use.

LEUT Brickacek was deployed there as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) member with the 1st Mentoring Task Force, based in Uruzgan Province. His job was to clear away Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) that were discovered by the Australian patrols.

“Being a Clearance Diver, we need to know how to dispose of explosive ordnance and IEDs above and below the water, but it’s strange being this far away from an ocean,” LEUT Brickacek said.

“Basically, we’ll take on the role of on-scene commander, set up a cordon to ensure the other members of the patrol are in safe areas, and dismantle and dispose of the explosives.

“Most of the work I’ve done has been manual, hands-on work. In areas such as the green zone, it’s pretty dif-ficult to get a car or robot to the IED’s location because of the terrain, so all the work is done by hand to render the area safe.”

LEUT Brickacek grew up in Randwick, Sydney, and obtained degrees in mathematics and physics from the University of Sydney.

He joined the Navy in 2004 as a Seaman Officer, before completing his Bridge Watchkeeping Certificate in HMAS Warramunga while deployed to the Middle East in 2006. LEUT Brickacek joined Australian Clearance Diving Team Four in 2007.

Clearance Diver LEUT Richard Brickacek recently deployed to Afghanistan with the 1st Mentoring Task Force, where his naval skills came to the fore in explosive ordnance disposal. LEUT Todd Austin spoke to LEUT Brickacek before he left the MEAO.

RISING TO THE CHALLENGE: LEUT Richard Brickacek smiles for the camera after exploiting an IED in Afghanistan and, inset above, a controlled detonation in Uruzgan Province.

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17FEATURES

water

This was LEUT Brickacek’s sec-ond deployment to the Middle East but, unlike the first, there was no water in sight and the conditions were much tougher.

“The toughest situation I have been involved with was on a patrol when we lost two of our mates in an IED blast,” he said.

“I was only four metres away from where it exploded, so I consider myself pretty lucky to still be alive.

“Being in Afghanistan has been an amazing experience. It’s a country of extremes – either really cold or really hot. It’s a totally different way of life; it’s something that’s really hard to explain unless you’ve experienced it yourself.

“The Afghans live off the land and are lucky if they have electricity. You need to interact with them and accept their way of life and not judge them. I believe we are making a difference – it’s baby steps, but in the right direction.”

Even though LEUT Brickacek has faced some of the most dangerous situ-ations in Afghanistan, working with his mates in infantry, cavalry, engineers and EOD teams has made it worthwhile.

“The best part of this deployment is the camaraderie between the guys on the ground. Being together, out there doing it tough and coming back at the end of the day when everyone is safe, is something you never forget,” LEUT Brickacek said.

“Being a Navy person, in the desert working alongside Army personnel, I’m normally the butt of the jokes, but they have accepted me really well – espe-cially after they’ve seen me do my work and what I’ve been able to contribute to the Task Force.”

LEUT Brickacek finished his deploy-ment in Afghanistan late last month and said he couldn’t wait to get back to his fiancée, Emma.

“I proposed not long before I deployed to Afghanistan and I’m stoked that when I get home I have my wedding in December to look forward to,” he said.

“Emma has been great, organising everything and I know it’s going to be a fantastic day for the both of us.

“It’s been tough, as I’ve spent my last three birthdays deployed overseas, so hopefully I’ll be able to celebrate the next one in Australia with my new wife.”

I was only four metres away from where the IED exploded, so I consider myself pretty lucky to still be alive.

– LEUT Richard Brickacek

“

”

TOUGH WORK: LEUT Richard Brickacek exploits an IED in Uruzgan Province, Afghanistan.

MATESHIP PREVAILS: Unsure of the state of his patrol mates, LEUT Richard Brickacek runs to their aid only seconds after an IED detonates in Afghanistan.

and rising to the challenge...

services now and in the future for current-serving personnel and veterans.

“To get the best results we need partici-pation by as many ADF personnel as pos-sible,” Prof McFarlane said.

The three MilHOP studies provide every ADF member the opportunity to participate. The Census study is aimed at members who have already served in the MEAO, while the Prospective study looks to those deploying to the MEAO over the next two years. Some participants in the Prospective study will also be invited to provide additional information through physical tests. The Health and Wellbeing survey invites participation from those not eligible for the other two studies, ensur-ing all aspects of ADF military service are studied.

Information about the MilHOP studies is available from the CMVH website at www.cmvh.org.au, or you can contact the Research Team on 1800 886 567, or by email at [email protected]

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18 PERSONNEL

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TWO recent directives from CDF ACM Angus Houston and Defence Secretary Ian Watt have been released to provide guidance on payroll remedia-tion.

Joint Directive 001/2010 sets out the specific responsibilities of the Task Force and provides direc-tion concerning procedural compliance with existing orders.

Joint Directive 012/2010 details the key responsibil-ities and accountabilities for the delivery of personnel and pay administration support to Defence personnel on operations and exercises, overseas or in Australia.

The new directives follow the establishment of the ADF Payroll Remediation Task Force announced by the Government on February 2.

“The function of the Task Force will be to rectify current deficiencies in the ADF payroll system and to accelerate the introduction of an improved pay system,”according to Government information.

The Task Force has initially focussed on identifying and remediating process failures that resulted in issues for deployed ADF members.

Since March 2010, the Task Force has undertaken and observed the following:➤ More than 7000 records checked. The Task Force

continues work with Joint Operations Command, the Services and members to resolve issues.

➤ International Campaign Allowance overpayments greater than $2000 trending down.

➤ Many previous overpayments due to administrative failures when ceasing member entitlements on returnto Australia. Process gaps are being remediated.

➤ A payroll inspection team deployed in a monitoring and assurance role and to remediate process failures identified in the MEAO. It remains the responsibility of all members to ensure that the pay and allowances paid each fortnight reflect their circumstances.The Task Force is developing the Payroll Assurance

Framework to enable more robust controls and to enforce greater visibility and accountability in payroll.

It is expected that payroll processes will be simpli-fied, standardised, optimised and synergised across the Services and support organisations.

Permission to InquireThe Task Force has observed that many members

are not aware of the Permission to Inquire facility. The Permission to Inquire process enables access

to Privacy Act protected information (such as a mem-ber’s pay record) by third parties, such as a spouse or partner.

Members are encouraged to complete the Permission to Inquire form (AD214) prior to deploy-ment overseas. This will ensure that the nominated person will have visibility of, and can act on, issues relating to a member’s pay. This will greatly reduce the stress and anxiety placed on families when pay issues arise.

For information on the Permission to Inquire process, call 1800 DEFENCE (1800 333 362).

Synergised pay across the board

By Sue Treloar

THE Military Health Outcomes Program (MilHOP) studies have been on the move – literally.

Researchers from the Centre for Military and Veterans’ Health (CMVH) have visited bases in the Northern Territory, Queensland, New South Wales and Western Australia, allowing members in all three Services an opportunity to fill out a paper survey instead of the online survey.

The base visits are in response to members’ feedback that email and online surveys did not reach or suit everybody entitled to participate in the studies, par-ticularly those who do not have ready com-puter access during the working day.

Further visits are planned for those who have not yet had the opportunity to partici-pate through a paper survey.

The studies are seeking information from all members of the ADF on what past experiences and exposures may have

MilHOP studies on the move

GET INVOLVED: Sailors can still par-ticipate in the MilHOP studies and are encouraged to do so.

Take responsibility for YOUR pay!

Each individual has an obligation to ensure that the pay and allowances paid each fortnight reflect their

circumstances. Personnel are encouraged to check their Salary Variation Authority regularly.

In line with Defence values, all members have a responsibility to report any anomalies they discover in a

timely manner through their chain of command and/or to their supporting administrative staff.

If you have a deploy-ment pay issue, and are still deployed, contact your in-country or ship adminis-tration representative.

If you have returned from deployment and have a query regarding your deployment pay, you need to contact your support-ing administrative staff, or contact the nearest Customer Service Centre in your location or call 1800 333 362.

affected their health and how they are doing now.

Professor Alexander McFarlane from the University of Adelaide, lead investigator

for the MilHOP studies, said the informa-tion gathered in the studies was vital for Defence to develop the best possible health

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19PERSONNEL

By Leonie Gall

RESERVISTS will benefit from a PMKeyS Technical Refresh Project set to make online self-service the way of the future.

Beginning in mid-2011, phase one of the technical refresh will see the current reserve payroll system, CENRESPAYII, replaced with significantly more effi-cient system, PeopleSoft Global Payroll.

Reservists will immediately benefit by receiving pay fortnight-ly instead of monthly, aligning with other ADF and Defence APS personnel.

The reserve payroll will also be fully integrated with PMKeyS, providing improvements in trans-action processing and data quality.

The new system will be com-plemented by business processes familiar to CENRESPAYII users, but screen layouts and capabilities will align with modern web-based technology, significantly improv-ing the user experience.

Director of Personnel Systems Pro jec t Del ivery, Mat thew Radisich, said the benefits of using the latest technology meant the system would be more main-tainable and configurable.

“By introducing this new tech-nology we provide the ground-work for delivery of future capa-bility and enhancements for reservists,” Mr Radisich said.

“When we go into Phase 2 in 2012, we’ll be able to provide reservists with the convenience of online payslips and the ability to record attendances online using self-service functionality.

“We can then more read-

Reserves to benefit from new pay system

ily introduce things like online performance management, talent management, e-recruitment and internet portal options.”

The PMKeyS Technica l R e f r e s h P r o j e c t s u p p o r t s Defence’s Strategic Reform Program objectives, by providing a modern, stable and supported technology platform to build a longer term solution for Defence personnel systems.

Updates on the PMKeyS Technical Refresh Project will be provided over the next couple of months.

For more information, visit intranet.defence.gov.au/ciogweb/sites/PTRP/ where you can register to receive alerts when the website is updated. Alternatively email [email protected]

SIGNIFICANT UPGRADE: Reserves like these, who graduated from Reserve Entry Officer Course Phase 3 2/10 earlier this year, will ben-efit from a PMKeyS technical refresh that will see the cur-rent reserve payroll system, CENRESPAY II, replaced with the more efficient PeopleSoft Global Payroll system.Photo: ABIS Justin Brown

THE first reserve officer to qualify in the new Operational Logistics (OPLOG) PQ has been pre-sented his certificate at a cer-emony in Sydney.

Chief of Staff (Support) in FHQ, CAPT Neville Teague, presented the certificate to LEUT Tim Griffiths, who joined the RANR in 2004 in the Maritime Trade Operations PQ and recently transferred to the reservist-only OPLOG PQ.

The OPLOG PQ initiative was was approved in July 2007 when CNSAC agreed that Navy’s capability would be enhanced through the development of special-ist logistics skills as a separate career structure in the Navy Reserve.

The inaugural OPLOG Initial Operational Logistics course (IOLC) was conducted by RAN Supply School staff in May 2009 and the second IOLC was held in May 2010.

To date, a total of 13 officers have attended the course and by the end of 2010 up to eight of these offic-ers will be fully qualified OPLOG officers.

Basic OPLOG training is designed to prepare OPLOG Officers to provide logistic support and sus-tainment in a Logistics Support Element (LSE) and for deployment on operations or exercises within Australia or overseas.

OPLOG officers will provide support to multiple ships deployed away from their home ports up to and including combined task groups.

Advanced OPLOG training planned for 2011 will consolidate OPLOG officers’ knowledge and introduce more complex logistics issues such as task group logis-tics and logistics planning.

During Exercise Talisman Sabre 2011, OPLOG officers will deploy to various ports where they will provide logistics support to visiting RAN and for-eign military ships, while working with Port Service Managers, Fleet Logistics Support Elements and LSEs.

Entry to the OPLOG PQ is via Reserve Officer Entry Course or application to transfer PQ.

IN BRIEFFirst OPLOG PQ officer qualifies

THE Sydney Detachment of the RAN Band will be performing in a Christmas concert at HMAS Watson in early December.

Be sure to take a picnic and your best singing voice!What: Carols on the Bay Christmas concertWhen: Saturday, December 4Where: HMAS Watson, Watsons Bay, Sydney

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Australian Defence Credit Union ABN 48 087 649 741 AFSL No. 237 988. Terms and conditions apply. See www.adcu.com.au for full details. Permit numbers: NSW LTPS/10/10290 ACT TP 10/04728.1 VIC 10/3890. Other state permit numbers at www.adcu.com.au

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20 GANGWAY

SHORT CIRCUIT: (Above-top) ABCD Ashley Semmens, from AUSTCDT1, works alongside the Talon Bomb Disposal Robot.Photo: ABIS Morgana Ramsey

WORTHY CAUSE: (Above-mid) LEUT Kristy-Lee Robins enjoys a quick cuppa at a morning tea held in East Timor to help raise money for breast cancer research.Photo: LAC Leigh Cameron

ON TOP OF THINGS: (Left) Weapons electrical engineer, SBLT Dmytri Stepchenkov, with an 816 Squadron Seahawk at HMAS Albatross.Photo: LSIS Kelvin Hockey

EYE OPENER: (Above) MIDN Korey Rouse is serving in HMAS Tobruk for two months to further his training.

OCEAN VIEWS: (Above right) ABBM Peter Gregg sits on the ledge of a 400-year-old Portuguese fort off the coast of Lautaim, East Timor. HMAS Labuan is in the background. Photo: ABIS Andrew Dakin

GUN SHOW: (Above) ABBM William McCombe with a Browning 12.7mm heavy machine gun on the gun directional platform of HMAS Warramunga.Photo: ABIS Evan Murphy

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11/10 ISSUE 71

Op STAYSAFEEMAIL: [email protected]

TELEPHONE: 1800 558 555 (confi dentiality assured)Seaworthy is produced by the Directorate of Navy Safety Systems in the interests of promoting

safety in the Navy. The contents do not necessarily refl ect Service policy and, unless stated otherwise, should not be construed as orders, instructions or directives – KEEP NAVY SAFE.

O

Setting the standard for low-risk drinking

BOTTOMS UP: How many standard drinks are in your glass or bottle?

WHILE alcohol may be regarded by some as a ‘social lubricant’ it is actu-ally a central nervous sys-

tem depressant.This means that increasing alco-

hol concentrations in the body inhibit brain functions, dampening the motor and sensory centres, impairing coordi-nation and balance, and slowing your reflexes and response times to emer-gencies.

This is why Navy has to prevent personnel from working in Safety Critical Areas or participating in potentially dangerous activities, while they have a blood alcohol level of 0.02 or higher – for the safety of them-selves, their shipmates and the ship.

It is also important to think about your drinking habits at home. Here are some facts you may not know about low-risk drinking habits:

➤ A standard drink contains 10 grams of pure alcohol. Glass sizes vary from state to state in Australia, but labels on alcoholic drink containers

will tell you the number of stand-ard drinks they contain. By know-ing this you can keep track of your alcohol consumption.

➤ A moderate amount of alcohol does not harm most people; however there is no guaranteed safe level of drinking. To reduce the health risks associated with drinking alcohol, the National Health and Medical Research Council advises:

➤ For healthy men and women, drinking no more than two standard drinks on any day reduces your risk of harm from alcohol-related disease or injury over a lifetime to one in 100; and

➤ Drinking no more than four standard drinks on a single occasion reduces the risk of alcohol-related injury from that occasion to one in 100.

➤ Alcohol should be avoided alto-gether if taking other drugs, includ-ing over-the-counter or prescription

medicines, as the combination can be dangerous and unpredictable.

➤ Alcohol-related health risks accu-mulate over a lifetime. This means the more you drink, the greater the risk. This risk increases much more quickly for females. Regular heavy drinking over time is likely to cause physical, emotional or social prob-lems, including:

➤ Liver, heart and brain damage;

➤ Sexual impotence and a reduction in fertility;

➤ Concentration and short-term memory problems;

➤ Depression;

➤ Family and relationship problems;

➤ Poor work performance; and

➤ Legal and financial difficulties.

➤ Damage to body organs can be permanent.

➤ It is possible to drink at a level that is less risky, while still having fun.

LCDR Tony Hayward and Anna Lewis with Ms Lewis’ Rehabilitation and Return to Work Award in the 2010 Defence OH&S Awards.Ms Lewis is a physi-otherapist from HMAS Kuttabul’s Clinical Pilates Rehabilitation Program.Photo: Mark Brennan

Rehab award winner

Healthy practices include the fol-lowing:

➤ Set limits for yourself and stick to them;

➤ Start with a non-alcoholic drink and alternate with alcoholic drinks;

➤ Drink slowly;

➤ Try drinks with a lower alcohol content; and

➤ Eat before or during drinking.

Defence References:

➤ DI(N) PERS 31-50 Alcohol testing in the ADF.

➤ DI(N) PERS 31-51 Alcohol testing in the RAN.

➤ DI(N) PERS 31-9 Management of alcohol and the prevention and management of alcohol abuse in the RAN.

Information gathered from www.alcohol.gov.au, and the Australian guidelines to reduce health risks from drinking alcohol.

For more information on alcohol use your can talk to your unit Alcohol and Drug Program Adviser (ADPA) or GP.

A MilHOP, SKIP AND A JUMPTO A BETTER HEALTH FUTUREFor a better health service for you and your ADFteammates, participate in the MilHOP survey.

[email protected]/milhop1800 886 567


24 REVIEWS

NSW Branch (02) 9682 1788 [email protected]

Newcastle (02) 4951 2666 [email protected]

QLD Nerang (07) 5578 2233 [email protected]

Townsville (07) 4722 4655 [email protected]

ACT Branch (02) 6255 1599 [email protected]

VIC Branch (03) 5248 0996 [email protected]

SA Branch (08) 8296 2411 [email protected]

WA Branch (08) 94096682 vvppwabranch @iprimus.com.au

Tasmania (03) 6376 2804 [email protected]

CONTACT

By SGT Andrew Hetherington

Volkswagen Golf 118TSI Comfortline WagonEngine: 1.4l Twincharger petrol engine producing 118kW of power and 240Nm of torqueRRP before on roads: $44,460

CARS which begin as one body design and spawn another with the same model name are usually the result of the manufacturer doing something right.

VW has built six generations of the Golf since 1974. With its latest generation it’s introduced a wagon to the Australian market for the first time.

The model tested was an up spec, 118TSI Comfortline, with leather seats, panoramic glass sunroof

MOTORING

New Golf wagon full of surprisesand brilliant park assist, which will parallel park the car with only the driver needing to be watchful and to control the brakes.

A 1.4l power plant under the bonnet gives the impression driving will be an underpowered and inad-equate experience. Only after you pull away from the kerb do you realise the Golf wagon with this engine is a sleeper, capable of keeping ahead of most of its traffic peers with ease.

The engine has a supercharger, which is called into play at low revs and a turbocharger to take care of power delivery at higher revs.

The seven-speed DSG transmission delivers fast and extremely smooth changes. You have to listen carefully to the engine note to detect the ratio swaps. Although if you plant your right foot hard while in a lower gear, you’re met with a short delay in propulsion as the supercharger, engine and computer synchronise to deliver the goods.

Handling was what you would expect from a front wheel drive small wagon, some body roll was experi-enced in cornering, but on the whole the chassis per-formed above expectations.

Occupants perch on comfortable, but firm, leather seats and leg room in the back was adequate for medi-um sized adults. If you are six-foot plus, either hope the front seat passengers are gravitationally challenged or like to sit close to the dashboard.

The rear luggage space was surprising. At 505lt with the seat up and 1495lt with the seat down, this is a genuine attempt at creating a wagon and not just a hatchback expansion.

What you also get with the Golf wagon is quality, with a well designed dashboard and interior. From the steering wheel, phone calls via Bluetooth and the stereo can be controlled.

The standout interior feature, apart from the pano-ramic glass roof, was the optional touch screen, colour, satellite navigation and entertainment system with a 30GB hard drive. It also had an excellent hi-res screen and a DVD drive, which takes the pain out of any long trip to an unfamiliar location.

The Golf wagon is a flexible alternative to a hatch-back and sedan, giving owners increased luggage space with high levels of comfort, cocooning them in a good looking, safe, reliable, well designed and equipped car.

FLEXIBLE: The new Golf wagon scores high on comfort and design.Photo: SGT Andrew Hetherington

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��NAVY NEWS www.defence.gov.au/news/navynews November 11, 2010

25HEALTH

Start the health challenge today

HEALTH is more than just fitness as it encompasses other lifestyle factors.

For example, someone who can run 2.4km in 8:30 minutes may have good aerobic fitness but, if they smoke a packet of cigarettes a day and drink heavily on the weekends, their lungs and liver may not be healthy.

As such, it is important to appreciate that health is a combination of numerous factors.

A classic study by Belloc and Breslow (1971) identified seven lifestyle habits that were considered the founda-tion of good health. These were: ➤ exercise; ➤ eating three meals a day at regular

times with no snacking; ➤ eating breakfast every morning; ➤ getting seven to eight hours’ sleep; ➤ no smoking; ➤ no alcohol; and➤ being of moderate weight.

These factors, although criticised by some for not including stress, appear to show promise for the prevention of Type 2 Diabetes as well as for the promotion of overall physical health.

Ready, set, go!OVER the next month, in a two-part series, you are given a series of health challenges; challenges designed to improve your overall health, fitness, and general well-being.

Each fortnight you will be given 10 challenges and you can score a maximum of five points per challenge if you can master each challenge every day of the work week. Top score is 50 points per week and 100 points per fortnight. Good Luck.

1. Go to sleep 20 minutes earlier than your usual bed-time each night (getting up 20 minutes later doesn’t count).

2. Eat breakfast every morning.

3. Eat lunch away from your work desk.

4 . Eat two whole pieces of fruit and have a cup full of vegetables every night every 24 hours (0.25 points per piece of fruit and 0.5 points for the vegetables).

5. Fill a two-litre bottle with water and leave it on your desk – finish it by the end of the work day.

6. No more than one standard glass of alcohol OR one tinny of beer per 24 hours.

7. Reduce your cigarette intake by 75 per cent per day for the week. The day before you start count how many cigarettes you have in a day. When you start the challenge, reduce your intake by 25 per cent and this is your maximum intake for a 24-hour period. (If you don’t smoke, you collect the full point per day).

8. Use no lifts or escalators for 24 hours. You must walk up and down the stairs during the work day (yes even when working on the top floor in Russell Offices or Campbell Park). If you forget, catch the elevator back down and start walking.

9. Do not use any remote control devices (eg TV, DVD remote controls, etc) for 24 hours.

10. Complete 20 minutes of non-stop exercise per 24 hours.

There are some simple things you can do to make a difference to your wellbeing, says LT Rob Orr.

GOING UP: Give the lift the flick and take the stairs. Oh, and eat fruit and drinks lots of water. Photos: LAC Aaron Curran

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26 SPORT

By SGT Andrew Hetherington

AUSTRALIAN Services Rugby Union (ASRU) trounced Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) 67-10, to take third place in the tough Pacific Nations Military (PacMil Cup) rugby union tournament.

The match was held at Vikings Park in Canberra on October 23 and ASRU coach, CAPT Damien Cahill (Army), said it was a difficult contest to go into.

“We should have really been in the final and the danger for us was to take it too easy,” CAPT Cahill said.

“In the first half we played structured and skilful footy.”

ASRU steamed ahead to take a 43-0 lead at half-time and the final 40 minutes of play was used by CAPT Cahill and assistant coach Murray Harley to give field time to all the players.

“We also moved a couple of players into different positions they were not accustomed to and put on another 24 points for the win.”

CAPT Cahill said ASRU’s success was due to disciplined play.

“What shouldn’t be downplayed is just how physical the PNG lads were – most of them are quality rugby league players and they could put a ‘hit’ on,” CAPT Cahill said.

“Additionally, they have some very strong ball carriers who can get a pass away in the tackle but, ultimately, they came unstuck due to their frailty at the set piece (scrum and lineout).

“Throughout the match we stuck to our structures, not getting sucked into playing for third place with ad-lib footy and compiled points though pressure.”

Outstanding players included LS Jason Harrington, who was also the ASRU player of the tournament.

Third place was not what ASRU had hoped for, after matching the Kiwis in round one, blow for blow, with a 29-29 draw.

In their second round match ASRU faced PNG, defeating them convincingly 68-18.

“We struggled with some of the ref-ereeing in the first half, but in the second we moved on from 17-11 up to play with

great structure and purpose, accumulat-ing points rapidly,” CAPT Cahill said.

Their next match against Tonga was a different and difficult task.

“They took the wind out of our sails in the first 20 minutes after four mis-takes by us and they capitalised on all of them,” CAPT Cahill said.

“It’s always difficult to match the physicality of the Tongans in the first half of any game.

“They are big, physical individuals and had just come off their own tourna-ment in Tonga prior to coming to the PacMil Cup.”

At half-time ASRU looked like their match was over, down 28-3, but in the second half ASRU took the fight to them. The second half of the match showcased ASRU’s best rugby of the tournament.

“The Tongans ran out of steam and slowed the game down and we came back, unfortunately losing 35-34,” CAPT Cahill said.

“[Although we lost] it was a tremen-dous effort by the fellas.”

It was a solid performance by ASRU considering they’d only been together a few days before the tournament.

“Overall we played really well. We drew with the eventual winners of the tournament and only lost by one point to the runners up Tonga,” CAPT Cahill said.

“The pleasing aspect was that the team picked up a certain style of struc-tured play and were able to play to those structures,” CAPT Cahill said.

“The disappointing aspect was it often took us a half to get into the game.

“What can’t be doubted is the ‘never say die’ attitude of the team. It’s a weird, but ultimately true, statement to say the opposition didn’t beat ASRU – the clock and other uncontrollables did.”

The PacMil Cup final was decided with New Zealand Defence Force defeat-ing Tongan Defence Services 15-13.

ASRU is now focused on compet-ing in the International Defence Rugby World Cup, to be held in Australia and New Zealand during September and October 2011.

ASRU takes third at PacMil Cup

HEAD TO HEAD: ASRU’s AB James Smith packs the scrum in the match against the New Zealand Defence Force team. ASRU drew with New Zealand 29-29. Photo: LAC Aaron Curran

PLAYING FOR THIRD: The ASRU side squares off against the PNG team in the play-off for third and fourth place.Photo: LSIS Paul McCallum

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THE Army White Water Association will be con-ducting Exercise Tasman Advance ’11, a tri-Service sea kayaking adventure training activity, in south-east Tasmania over the period January 5-15, 2011.

Expressions of interest can be submitted to [email protected]

SPORT SHORTS

THE Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) Rams Australian Football Club is seeking expres-sions of interest from suitably qualified coaches to assist in the training and development of the ADFA Rams AFC in the 2011 ACTAFL season.

We are looking for personnel who could fill the positions of the ADFA Rams First Grade, Second Grade and Women’s coach, which compete in Division 3 ACTAFL, Division 4 ACTAFL and ACTWAFL respectively.

Ideally, applicants would hold a current Level 1 Coaching Accreditation and have a high level of enthu-siasm towards training and developing both experi-enced and new players. Those without the appropriate accreditation would need to demonstrate a commitment to completing the sufficient coaching qualifications at our expense before taking on the job.

The club will provide all the necessary uniforms and equipment, as well as further coaching accreditations.

For further information, or to submit an expression of inter-est, contact the ADFA Rams AFC Supervising Officer, CAPT Rodney Davis on 0407 985 349 or email [email protected]

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Navy blitzes golf champs

By LSIS Paul McCallum

NAVY golf is alive and well in the Top End with Navy winning the inter-Service cham-pionships for the first time since 2001 at RAAF Darwin Golf Club from October 4-8.

Navy was well represented in both the NT Championships and inter-Service matches with CPOB Shane McCallum missing out on the overall net winner by two shots. The gross winner went to the Air Force’s SGT Darren Maxted.

Day one of the inter-Service saw Army and Air Force battle it out with Air Force com-ing out winners 41/2 to 21/2.

Navy played Army on day two and per-formed very well with Navy defeating Army with the same results as day one.

Navy then took on the might of the Air Force to decide the inter-Service champions.

Matches went as expected during the day but, as CPOB McCallum stepped onto the 18th tee, he was one up on his Air Force opponent. A halved hole saw Navy claim the trophy for the first time since 2001, Navy 4, Air Force 3.

Members of the victorious team were drawn from Headquarters Northern Command, Fleet Support Unit – Darwin, Armidale Class Patrol Boat crews and Defence Force Recruiting – Darwin.

The team comprised LCDR Barry Learoyd, CPOB Shane McCallum, POMT Anthony Bold, PONPC Peter Cumberland, POMT Scott Imms, LSBM Andrew Rigby and ABCK Matthew Jacques.

THE NSW Navy inter-Service golf team won its third title in three years when the annual event was held from October 18-22.

The Cliff Morey Trophy (Individual

Scratch) and Geoff Fraser Memorial Shield (Individual Nett) events were contested over the first two days with Navy players PO Grant Malouf and SMN Michael Edwards battling it out in a play-off for the Nett title, which SMN Edwards eventually won on the second hole.

Days three to five saw some excellent match-ups against Army, RAAF and APS. Navy won all three days 9-4 to comfortably retain the title for 2010.

SMN Shaun Diachkoff took out the Navy Team MVP after an excellent inter-Service debut at the event, where he won all three of his match-play events.

Team captain, CPO Ian Rigby, victoriously held the trophy aloft at the presentation din-ner, thanking the team for their efforts and sportsmanship during the week.

CHAMPIONS: CPOB Shane McCallum and other members of the Navy inter-Service golf team – LCDR Barry Learoyd, POMT Anthony Bold, POMT Scott Imms and PONPC Peter Cumberland with the inter-Service golf trophy.Photo: LSET Jayson Tufrey

Navy joins RAAF for Scott 24hr

RAAF Base East Sale members LCDR Jeff Choat and LEUT Stewart Mathies joined with their Air Force counterparts to compete in the team event at the recent Scott 24-hour Mountain Bike Challenge in Canberra.

LCDR Choat rode for team Sale Night Riders 1, which completed 20 laps around the 18.5km Mt Stromlo track in 24 hours to finish 141st in the four-person men’s team category.

LEUT Mathies team SAW Two finished 18 laps to place 51st in the six-person men’s team category.

Despite their sore bodies, the teams are already looking forward to next year’s event.

Get your sport noticed in NNDO YOU participate in sport for Navy that doesn’t get recognition in the paper?

Navy News relies heavily on members submitting stories and imagery for publication.

Limited staff numbers and our location in Canberra restrict the sporting events our reporters can cover, so it’s up to you to let us know what is happening in the sporting world.

You don’t have to be Shakespeare to write an article – have a look at past editions of the paper to get a feel for the style and content of the stories and use that as a guide. All articles go through our editing staff before going to print so don’t be afraid to put pen to paper.

When sending imagery, send the highest resolution you can as separate attachments. Images imbedded in Word documents cannot be used and mobile phone images are not of high enough quality for our press printing.

Submissions can be sent to [email protected]

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BEST OF THE BEST: LS Jason Harrington takes the ball from the line-out against NZ in the tournament’s first match.Photo: LAC Aaron Curran

STAR STAR PLAYERPLAYER

LS JASON HARRINGTON NAMED ASRU ‘PLAYER NAMED ASRU ‘PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT’ IN OF THE TOURNAMENT’ IN PACMIL CUPPACMIL CUP

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Full coverage

SHIP TO SHIP TO SHORESHORENavy delivers at Bersama Padu ’10Navy delivers at Bersama Padu ’10

DELIVERING THE GOODS: One of HMAS Tobruk’s landing craft transports a combined Australian–Malaysian infantry force.Photo: SGT Chris Weissenborn (RNZAF)SPECIAL SPECIAL

LIFTOUTLIFTOUT

02 03BERSAMA PADU 2010


By LEUT Gary McHugh

A MILESTONE exercise in the Bersama series has come to an end in Malaysia and across the South China Sea, with the

official closing ceremony of Exercise Bersama Padu 2010 (BP10) held on October 29 at RMAF Butterworth.

Ex Bersama Padu, which takes place every four years, was the first in the series to include a land force ele-ment comprising soldiers from Australia and Malaysia, collectively known as the Fiver Powers Rifle Company (FPRC).

Exercise BP10, which was part of the Five Powers Defence Arrangements (FPDA), was conducted over the peri-od of October 11-29 and involved four RAN ships (HMA Ships Tobruk, Toowoomba, Arunta and Success), Australian Clearance Diving Team One, eight F/A-18s from 3 Squadron, based at Williamtown NSW, and Rifle Company Butterworth.

The exercise also included approx-imately 50 supporting personnel deployed to various exercise headquar-ters, and received significant support from 324 Combat Support Squadron based at RMAF Butterworth.

In total, BP10 involved 1100 ADF personnel. Commander of the Australian C o n t i n g e n t , W G C D R Ke n n e t h Robinson, said this demonstrated the importance Australia placed on the

FPDA and its commitment to security and stability in the region.

“The ADF’s contribution to BP10 is a tangible sign of our enduring commit-ment to the FPDA,” he said.

“The mari t ime component of Australia’s contribution to the exercise was the largest in several years, and we were especially pleased with the exercise activity and the value derived by our task group.

“All the Navy personnel involved in the exercise have expressed satisfaction to me regarding the increased level of

complexity apparent in BP10.”WGCDR Robinson made special

mention of the introduction and integra-tion of the land component into the Field Training Exercise construct.

“The CO of HMAS Tobruk, CMDR Paul Scott, has conveyed to me a particu-lar sense of pride in achieving an effec-tive and safe amphibious lodgement of a composite rifle company,” he said.

“The OC the FPRC also indicated this was a highly successful activity that

not only integrated a particular scheme of manoeuvre, but permitted the real and daily interaction and integration of offic-ers, soldiers and sailors from participant nations.”

Speaking at the closing ceremo-ny, Exercise Director RADM Dato Gunaselan Salamuthu, from the Royal Malaysian Defence Force, said the suc-cess of BP10 was testimony to the mem-ber nations’ ability to comprehend each other and work with a high degree of interoperability.

“Exercise Bersama Padu 2010 was truly a combined and join effort and I am happy to report that the exercise was suc-cessfully executed as planned,” he said.

“The exercise was proof of our nations’ ability to work together as a team and to use common doctrine and procedures to achieve the aims of the exercise.”

RADM Salamuthu said the FPDA was well-positioned to address conven-tional threats, and had the capacity to address non-conventional threats, includ-ing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.

The FPDA was established in 1971 and continues to be an integral part of the regional security architecture, because of its ability to remain relevant to the needs of its members by adapting to the changing security environment.

Enduring relationship on show in milestone exercise

INTEROPERABILITY: HMAS Success conducts a RAS with Malaysian frigate KD Lekiu.

“The ADF’s contribution to BP10 is a tangible sign of our enduring commitment to the FPDA.”

– WGCDR Kenneth Robinson

DAWN LANDING: The Five Powers Rifle Company prac-

tices a pre-dawn beach landing from HMAS Tobruk’s land-ing craft at Tioman Island, Malaysia, during Exercise

Bersama Padu 2010.Photos: SGT Chris Weissenborn

Pepper Penguin’s grand day outBy SGT Dave Morley

WHILE the Army may have the space to keep their mascots in a paddock, the Navy doesn’t have that luxury. Their mascots need to be of a more inert nature.

HMAS Tobruk’s mascot is a prime example of inertness.

‘Pepper the Penguin’ is stuffed, not from the unusually hot and humid weather Tobruk recently experienced in the South China Sea, but by his very nature. But Pepper is no ordinary stuffed toy.

He dresses in tailored DPNU and has a neck which allows his head to turn – a distinct advantage when he’s on watch.

More importantly Pepper has his own Facebook page, which allows families at home to keep up with their loved ones while they’re away on deployment or exercise.

Pepper became restless while Tobrukwas recently alongside in Kuantan, Malaysia, and was granted leave for the morning.

Training Officer with the embarked FOC trainees, LEUT Larissa Pervan Margot, was having a brew in the ward-room when she was approached and asked if she was interested in doing some public relations work.

Replying in the affirmative she was immediately given three tasks:➤ find Pepper the Penguin, bearing in

mind, like most seamen, he keeps a low profile;

➤ find two midshipmen who could be released for the morning; and

➤ take them all into Kuantan for a photo opportunity.She quickly located Pepper and

placed him in his carry case, and just as quickly found Midshipmen Dillon Gateley and Rogan Meital who were also available for a ‘public relations’ task.

MIDN Meital said he wondered what was going on when LEUT Margot turned up with a penguin in a bag and told him he was going into Kuantan.

“At first I thought what we’re doing was just crazy, but as we went on I began to get into it,” he said.

MIDN Gately said he really enjoyed his day out with Pepper and meeting some local school children.

“It was an amazing feeling to see how meeting Pepper affected them and

I’LL HAVE THE FISH: (Above) Pepper Penguin (left) and LEUT Larissa Pervan Margo peruse the menu at a local restaurant near Kuantan.

EASY RIDER: (Below) MIDNs Dillon Gately (left) and Rogan Meital keep a good eye on Pepper as he sits astride a motor scooter outside the Royal Malaysian Navy Base at Kuantan.

how happy they were to cooperate with us – it really brought a lot of joy to them,” he said.

“If I was told three weeks ago I’d be taking a penguin to lunch I’d have thought, ‘are you joking, why do we have a penguin in Tobruk?’”

LEUT Margot said taking Pepper into town was a fun task and she especially enjoyed having lunch with him.

“It was good because we both enjoy seafood,” she said.

“Then we had to go back to the ship, our brief time together was all too short.”

Unfortunately Pepper declined to be interviewed for this story.

Details of Pepper the Penguin’s big day out, as well as photos and video footage, can be found on his Facebook page, accessible via http://tinyurl.com/2awt3ur

04 BERSAMA PADU 2010


By LT Bill Heck

THE Perth Cup provided a welcome break in Exercise Bersama Padu 2010 (BP10), when member nations were

given the opportunity to take part in a series of sports events.

The competition was followed by a banyan, or a celebration of culture, where the crews of the various ships were encouraged to intermingle and experience what other nations offered.

Master of ceremonies, LEUT Bakhri from the Malaysian Navy, said the competition was one of the best parts of BP10 and gave everyone an opportunity to get to know each other.

“This event is considered a high-light of the year for the Malaysian Navy and something we all look for-ward to,” he said.

The competition comprised five events contested by teams from the national contingents.

The soccer competition was taken out by the Malaysians, the volleyball by the Singaporean team, the New Zealand Navy won the touch rugby competition, and the Australian Clearance Divers triumphed in the biathlon.

In the final it all came down to the tug-of-war between Australia and New Zealand.

In the end, the team from HMAS Toowoomba was unable to withstand the Kiwi surge and New Zealand maintained its hold on the Perth Cup for the ninth time in a row.

The trophy presentation featured cultural performances and various dishes from participating nations.

Contributions included a traditional dance called a Zapin from Malaysia, a kung-fu demonstrat ion from Singapore, a haka from New Zealand, and an Australian duo performing a few of Paul Kelly’s greatest hits.

NZ maintains iron grip on Perth Cup

HEAVE! (Above) The Australian tug-of-war team from HMAS Toowoomba fought valiantly but were unable to wrestle the Perth Cup from New Zealand.

OCEAN AND EARTH: (Below) As good as the Kiwis were, they couldn’t match Australian Clearance Diving Team One in the biathlon. Photos: SGT Chris Weissenborn

TRADITIONAL CUISINE: (Above) Competitors were treated to a smorgasbord of national cul-tural delicacies (a sausage siz-zle in the case of Australia).

NOTHING BUT NET: (Right) A volleyball player shows, contrary to popular belief, Kiwis can fly.

Tobruk’s cooks knead the doughBy SGT Dave Morley

WITH HMAS Tobruk at close to capacity complement, carrying two infantry platoons and dozens of FOC trainees during Exercise Bersama Padu 2010, fresh bread baked daily proved a real winner.

ABCK Raymond ‘Tex’ Walker – a qualified baker from Yeppoon in Queensland – said the cooks in Tobruk had been baking their own bread since last year.

“We got low on bread so we just started making our own,” he said.

“It was just quicker and easier since I was a qualified baker.

“I get told a lot that fresh bread is one of the morale boosters on the

MORALE BOOSTER: ABCK Raymond ‘Tex’ Walker prepares fresh bread in HMAS Tobruk dur-ing Exercise Bersama Padu 2010.Photo: SGT Dave Morley

ship, and the comments we get back are good for the cooks’ morale.”

POCK Bek Walker (no rela-tion to ‘Tex’) said all the cooks took turns at baking bread, but it was ABCK Walker who was the subject matter expert, and it proved a win-ner with all who sailed in Tobruk.

“When we had the Americans on board for Pacific Partnership 2010 they thought the fresh bread was awesome,” she said.

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