serving australia with pride navy news · 2017. 5. 3. · boost for warfare simulation – p2blood...

23
Blood blitz a Stirling effort – P10 Boost for warfare simulation – P2 SERVING AUSTRALIA WITH PRIDE NEWS NAVY Volume 60, No. 7, May 4, 2017 SPECIAL BOND Anzac Day 2017 Four-page lift-out – Centre ABML-S Elizabeth McCallum at the Anzac Day parade in Mornington, Victoria, with her 95-year-old grandfather MAJ Alec Weaver (retd). MAJ Weaver had a 34-year career in the Army, which included service in New Britain, New Guinea and Japan in World War II, as well as action in the Philippines and Korea, and two rotations in the Vietnam War. Photo: Peta Heffernan-Prosser

Upload: others

Post on 26-Sep-2020

2 views

Category:

Documents


0 download

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: SERVING AUSTRALIA WITH PRIDE NAVY NEWS · 2017. 5. 3. · Boost for warfare simulation – P2Blood blitz a Stirling effort – P10 NSERVING AUSTRALIA WITH PRIDEAVY NEWS Volume 60,

Blood blitz a Stirling effort – P10Boost for warfare simulation – P2

SERVING AUSTRALIA WITH PRIDE

NEWSNAVYVolume 60, No. 7, May 4, 2017

SPECIAL BOND

Anzac Day 2017 Four-page lift-out– Centre

ABML-S Elizabeth McCallum at the Anzac Day parade in Mornington, Victoria, with her 95-year-old grandfather MAJ Alec Weaver (retd). MAJ Weaver had a 34-year career in the Army, which included service in New Britain, New Guinea and Japan in World War II, as well as action in the Philippines and Korea, and two rotations in the Vietnam War. Photo: Peta Heffernan-Prosser

Page 2: SERVING AUSTRALIA WITH PRIDE NAVY NEWS · 2017. 5. 3. · Boost for warfare simulation – P2Blood blitz a Stirling effort – P10 NSERVING AUSTRALIA WITH PRIDEAVY NEWS Volume 60,

2 NEWS www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS May 4, 2017

Director David Edlington (02) 6265 4650

Editor Richard Mihaich: (02) 6265 7219

Deputy Editor Shane Hendrickson: (02) 6265 7117

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

CONTACT USEmail: [email protected]: (02) 6265 66250Mail: The Editor, R8-LG-038,

PO Box 725025, Department of Defence, ACT 2600

Website: www.defence.gov.au/news/navynews

ADVERTISING and SUBSCRIPTIONS Marketing Manager Tim Asher: (07) 3332 7651 or 0459 842 551 Assistant Marketing Manager Pam Clarke: (02) 6265 2427Email: [email protected] [email protected]

DISCLAIMERNavy News is published fortnightly by the Directorate of Defence News and Multimedia. It is printed under contract by Horton Media Australia Ltd. The material published is select-ed for its interest. The views expressed in published articles are not necessarily those of Defence or Navy News. Every advertisement is subject to Directorate of Defence News and Multimedia approval and the Directorate of Defence News and Multimedia may, at its discretion, refuse to accept an advertisement. The Directorate accepts no responsibility or liability in relation to any loss due to the failure of an advertisement to appear or if it appears in a form not in accordance with the instruc-tions received by the Directorate of Defence News and Multimedia. Defence does not endorse the products or services published in advertisements.

NAVY NEWS

www.twitter.com/deptdefence

news.navy.gov.au

facebook.com/

RoyalAustralianNavy

youtube.com/RANMedia

twitter.com/Australian_Navy

Investment a real boost to simulation

As HMAS Watson CPOCSM Edwin Watson, foreground, assesses the tactical situation, CO HMAS Parramatta CMDR Simon Howard monitors his crew members as they run through multi-unit warfare simulations conducted at the Systems Training School at Watson. Photo: ABIS Bonny Gassner

NAVY will extend its use of simu-lation to electronic warfare train-ing with assistance from the federal government.

In a collaborative project with Australian industry, a common electronic warfare sensor suite is planned across the future fleet, as future electronic warfare sail-ors need to have advanced skills to meet the impending demand.

Defence Industry Minister Christopher Pyne said a contract signed with the Australian com-pany Cirrus Real Time Processing

Systems would result in advanced new mar i t ime t ra in ing sys-tems designed and developed in Australia.

“The contract, valued at about $4.4 million, will see the develop-ment of a tactical electronic war-fare training system to provide tui-tion, assessment and qualification of electronic warfare practitioners across the full range of Navy ships, from a single facility ashore,” Mr Pyne said.

He said the modernisation of training at the School of Maritime Warfare at HMAS Watson would

reduce the training burden on ships at sea and offer a consistent training continuum.

“Navy’s current training facil-ities are based on the equipment and systems in the Adelaide- and Anzac-class frigates, but as these systems develop, so too must the training,” he said.

“Tactical electronic warfare involves the effective employment of systems, tactics and operating procedures to exploit the elec-tromagnetic spectrum to protect Navy’s ships and people from all manner of threats.”

Sailors who train and qualify on the systems will have a greater understanding of electronic warfare and a broader range of skills before they are posted to a ship and work at sea.

“The enhanced training systems will be capable of generating sce-narios that simulate physical and electronic attacks,” Mr Pyne said.

“The machines will be able to load relevant software to replicate different ship types and the layouts of electronic warfare systems at sea.”

LEUT Rowan Bagot, RNZN

MORE than 50 Navy cadets and staff experienced HMAS Darwin’s capability when the group visited the warship alongside Garden Island in Sydney last month.

Arriving from Sydney Harbour Training Ship Sydney on board a Defence Maritime Services work boat, the cadets were welcomed on board Darwin by XO LCDR Jennifer Parker.

After being given some informa-tion about the ship and her history, they were split into groups for ship tours.

The cadets were in awe of the ship’s main armament, the Mk13 guided missile launching system.

ABCSO James Knight guided the cadets through the operations room.

“I showed the cadets the different communications systems, tactical and radar displays, and explained

how each person has a different, yet important job,” he said.

The cadets also experienced the bridge and learnt about the 24/7 nature of watch-keeping duties.

The groups made their way down to forward repair where LSNPC Matthew Briggs explained how eve-ryone on board was trained to fight fires, stop floods, and evacuate casu-alties from a toxic hazard.

After the tour, the cadets were provided with a ride on the sea boat where LSBM Sarah Flanders explained more about life in the Navy.

“The cadets were inquisitive, keen to interact with the crew, and had a great time on board,” she said.

“Their enthusiasm was conta-gious, and they left the ship with beaming faces.

“Hopefully we will see some of them again in a few years as new members of the Navy.”

Cadets experience Darwin capability

Three of the cadets enjoying their experience on board HMAS Darwin last month. Photo: LSEW Nathan Streeter

Blood blitz a Stirling effort – P10Boost for warfare simulation – P2

SERVING AUSTRALIA WITH PRIDE

NEWSNAVYVolume 60, No. 7, May 4, 2017

SPECIAL BOND

Anzac Day 2017 Four-page lift-out– Centre

ABML-S Elizabeth McCallum at the Anzac Day parade in Mornington, Victoria, with her 95-year-old grandfather MAJ Alec Weaver (retd). MAJ Weaver had a 34-year career in the Army, which included service in New Britain, New Guinea and Japan in World War II, as well as action in Manila and Korea, and two rotations in the Vietnam War. Photo: Peta Heffernan-Prosser

Page 3: SERVING AUSTRALIA WITH PRIDE NAVY NEWS · 2017. 5. 3. · Boost for warfare simulation – P2Blood blitz a Stirling effort – P10 NSERVING AUSTRALIA WITH PRIDEAVY NEWS Volume 60,

Give your daughter the skills to build an exceptional futureMerici College is an affordable secondary school, educating young women in a Catholic environment with a strong focus on pastoral care, and targeted support for ADF families with an ADF mentor on site.

Our curriculum is wide and varied within a technology rich environment.

Direct buses to the College are available from most suburbs and neighbouring NSW centres.

To find out more contact the Enrolment Officer Ms Trish Ryan on 02 6243 4102 [email protected] merici.act.edu.au

3NEWSMay 4, 2017 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

SQNLDR Michael Moroney

HMAS Ballarat took part in a range of maritime exercises with People’s Liberation Army – Navy (PLA-N) ves-sel Huangshan following a successful visit to the People’s Republic of China.

Conducted after Ballarat departed Zhanjiang port, the activities included surface target firing, a search-and-rescue exercise, communication exercises and a formation activity with aerial photography.

The Chinese and Australian navies conduct regular exercises to enhance mutual understanding, facilitate trans-parency and build trust.

CJOPS VADM David Johnston said the frigates’ activities demonstrated the

valued working relationship between the two navies.

“This exercise and other ADF activi-ties with China continue to enhance our mutual understanding and build trust between our two nations,” he said.

“We will continue to seek out fur-ther opportunities for maritime engage-ment with the PLA-N in supporting our shared objectives for regional stability.”

Ballarat is on a South-East Asian deployment with further bilateral exer-cises planned with regional nations, including the multilateral exercise Bersama Shield, a Five Power Defence Arrangements ac t iv i ty between Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

Promoting regional stability

CO Ballarat CMDR David Landon and a contingent of officers and sailors from Ballarat are given a tour of Huangshan by the warship’s CO CAPT Zhang Huiwu.

LEUT Mark Esposito discusses the plans of the air component of a Passex with officers from Huangshan.

AUSTRALIA’S national ship-building program achieved a major milestone in April of ‘cut-ting steel’ for the first replace-ment Pacific Patrol Boat (PPB) in Western Australia.

Defence Industry Minister Christopher Pyne (pictured) attended the historic ceremony at HD Plasma and Laser Cutting Services in Bibra Lake to mark the start of the $89 billion shipbuilding program.

“WA has a vital role in this great national endeavour,” Mr Pyne said.

“HD Plasma and Laser Cutting Services has been contracted by Austal for the supply, transport, storage and cutting of Australian manufactured steel plate.

“This is a fantastic example of what we are trying to achieve and highlights the benefits of building

Patrol boats’ major milestone

ships in Australia because the sup-ply chain wins work and jobs are created.”

Once constructed and tested the vessels will be handed to the Australian government and subse-quently given to 12 Pacific Island countries as part of Australia’s new

Pacific Maritime Security Program.The first vessel is scheduled for

delivery in late 2018.“In an exciting development,

Austal has advised it’s currently working on an export opportunity in Asia for the PPB,” Mr Pyne said.

“This demonstrates the power of a continuous shipbuilding program to enable innovation and exports.”

Mr Pyne also visited Civmec in Henderson, which has started con-struction on a massive new $80 million shipbuilding and main-tenance facility.

“Civmec says the main build-ing footprint will be larger than the MCG and taller than the Sydney Opera House,” Mr Pyne said.

“The company says once completed the facility will house up to 1000 workers with 100 apprentices.”

HMAS Ballarat and Chinese People’s Liberation Army – Navy (PLA-N) Jiangkai II-class frigate Huangshan conduct exercises on completion of Ballarat’s port visit to Zhanjiang, China. Photos: LSIS Bradley Darvill

Page 4: SERVING AUSTRALIA WITH PRIDE NAVY NEWS · 2017. 5. 3. · Boost for warfare simulation – P2Blood blitz a Stirling effort – P10 NSERVING AUSTRALIA WITH PRIDEAVY NEWS Volume 60,

n Certified Professional Resume Writern Over 15,000 ADF to civvy resumes writtenn Spouses may be eligible for free supportn Free cover letter & coaching with every CV

Australia’s No 1 ADFResume Writer

Call NJN now u

AWARD WINNING RESUMES

The ONLY ADF provider that does a CV interviewCPRW, CDAA, PARWCC Certificationswww.nextjobnow.com.au

1300 112 114

4 NEWS www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS May 4, 2017

LEUT Will Singer

KALAMUNDA, high in the Perth Hills, was the muster point for fresh legs participating in a “relay of resil-ience” on the Bibbulmun Track – a long distance walk trail in Western Australia.

About 100 Navy personnel from Western Australian-based units are undertaking a staged adventure training activity to walk the 1002km Bibbulmun Track from start to finish.

They started last month and will finish in June.

CO HMAS Stirling CAPT Brian Delamont said the activity provided personnel the ideal opportunity to experience one of Australia’s iconic walking tracks.

“It is designed to ‘choose your challenge’ maximising participation by personnel who would not normally do this activity,” CAPT Delamont said.

“Individuals will select appropri-ate track stages based on the distance, time and difficulty, taking into account their own personal goals and level of fitness.

“It is part of Stirling’s adventure training program to meet the Navy pri-orities of ‘Fit to Fight’ under the Navy Resilience Plan, mental health man-agement, teambuilding, community engagement and fundraising.”

A team of 11 members completed the first 19km led by seasoned adven-ture training facilitator CPOMT Glenn Askew, who will be walking the entire track.

In the relay-style format, teams will swap at 28 stages throughout the trek.

“Distances range from 10-45km, averaging about 20km a day,” CPO Askew said.

“ T h e B i b b u l m u n Tr a c k Foundation will be at the finish in Albany to receive a donation from all the walkers, while the local Navy Cadet Unit Training Ship Vancouver

will join in for the last 5km of the walk to the finish.”

CHAP James Sutherland said Stirling’s chaplaincy had a direct and active interest in supporting and increasing the resilience of Navy members.

“This is a good opportunity to play a part in helping others to achieve that aim,” he said.

“I have also always wanted to hike some of the Bibbulmun Track and this is a wonderful way of getting a small taste of the overall experience.

“For me physical training is an important aspect of remaining indi-vidually ready.

“I think this track walk is a great initiative by Stirling command in pro-viding opportunities to get outdoors, experience nature and build relation-ships within the team.”

LEUT Kieran Davis said it present-ed an excellent opportunity for him to get out of the work environment and step outside his comfort zone.

“I particularly enjoy hiking as I can readily switch off from the world and reset my bearings, which I find improves my morale and productivity at work,” he said.

“I believe that physical and mental coping strategies go hand-in-hand for me.

“Good physical preparation (rou-tine, training) provides a strong basis for me to mentally cope with a situa-tion in an adverse environment.

“The Bibbulmun Track is a world famous hike and I am fortunate that it is on my doorstep.”

One of the stage-one walkers, LCDR Alex Turner, said taking breaks from work and family commitments to do things for herself was important for building resilience.

“Walking the Bibbulmun Track is something I have wanted to do for many years, but I have never felt it was a high enough priority,” she said.

“I am delighted that Navy has given me an opportunity to do it now.”

Walking to build resilience

TWO AK47s seized by the Navy during Operation Manitou have been presented to the Australian War Memorial (AWM) to maintain the historic record of Defence’s contributions in the Middle East.

The weapons were intercepted by HMAS Darwin off the coast of Oman in March 2016 when she was conducting counter-terrorism and maritime security operations as part of the British-led Combined Task Force 150.

CO Darwin CMDR Phillip Henry said he was proud to be able to highlight the often unseen work of the Navy.

“Darwin had a highly suc-cessful deployment to the Middle East in 2016. As well as seizing

a large cache of weapons, we intercepted almost one tonne of heroin, which removes funding streams for terrorist organisa-tions,” he said.

“Bringing these weapons to the AWM helps show the Australian public what Navy does over the horizon.

“These weapons are a tangi-ble example of the positive effect Navy is having in the Middle East, countering terrorism and bringing stability to the region.”

Head of the Memorial’s Military Heraldry and Technology Section, Nick Fletcher, said the weapons would augment the AWM’s evolving collection of artefacts relating to contemporary conflicts.

Seized weapons on display at memorial

HMAS Stirling adventure training facilitator CPOMT Glenn Askew provides a safety brief to the Bibbulmun Track participants at the Kalamunda muster point (inset), before they set off on the first leg of the walk (above). Photos: LSIS Lee-Anne Cooper and LSML-C Ronnie Baltoft

Part of the cache of weapons seized by HMAS Darwin off the coast of Oman last year.

Page 5: SERVING AUSTRALIA WITH PRIDE NAVY NEWS · 2017. 5. 3. · Boost for warfare simulation – P2Blood blitz a Stirling effort – P10 NSERVING AUSTRALIA WITH PRIDEAVY NEWS Volume 60,

EFENCE FORCE TAX SPECIALISTS

We have extensive experience across allanks and specialities, including:Investment propertiesMembers who have served overseasLate lodgement of tax returns

Maximum returns - We know all the specific deductions, so you geta great tax return every yearPhone consultations - All tax returns are completed over the phone,so you don’t have to leave your base, ship or assignmentOne Tax agent - We are not limited by locality so you and yourfamily don’t ever have to look for another tax agent again

Do you want aPHAT Tax Return?

1300 763 575or visit us online at

www.phatreturns.com.au

5NEWSMay 4, 2017 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

Jo Heenan and Natalie Staples

FOURTEEN young Queensland women recently attended the Women in Navy Technical Trades Camp at HMAS Cairns and to experience life at sea on board hydrographic ship HMAS Melville.

During the week-long camp, the secondary school students were exposed to roles such as marine technician, aviation technician and elec-tronics technician.

The young women rotated through various workshops at the Cairns Fleet Support Unit where they practised welding, soldering and wir-ing cables.

Navy’s Engineering Challenge equipment was made available and the participants pulled apart, rebuilt and started a diesel engine.

Working alongside Navy personnel, the young women learnt how a diesel engine works and how to solve technical problems.

As well as exposure to technical trades, the camp participants experienced physical train-ing, team-building and leadership activities and observed Navy customs and traditions.

A sea-ride on board Melville was a highlight for many of the participants. They were given an extensive tour, shown the ship’s survey equip-ment, medical officer’s facility, engine rooms, maintenance areas and the survey boats.

Demonstrations were also provided on how to deal with a fire on board and how to stop a leak in a pipe or in the ship’s hull.

The young women were then separated into smaller groups according to their specific areas of interest and were given talks by Navy person-nel on their roles.

Jaman Anau, who attends Bentley Park College, said the experience had made her inter-ested in pursuing a career with Navy.

“I enjoyed the camp. It was a really good experience. The best part was going on board Melville,” she said.

“It was awesome as we got to see up close the different type of jobs we can do in the Navy. I’d definitely love a career as a boatswain mate.”

Yeppoon State High School student Kaitlyn Earl-Rowe said she would also be applying for a career with Navy.

“The Navy is a definite for me; after school I hope to go straight in,” she said.

“I enjoyed the sea ride on board Melville. It looked smaller from the outside but it’s so huge on the inside and there are so many people on board; they’re like a tight-knit family.

“It was also great to have a chance to steer the ship and see how the sonar and radar works and how they survey the ocean floor.

“I would definitely recommend this camp to other people; it’s a great opportunity and any girls interested in Navy should take it.”

This is the second year the camp has been held, as part of a joint Defence Force Recruiting and Defence Work Experience Program initia-tive, with many of the participants from the inau-gural camp now in various stages of the enlist-ment process.

Tomorrow’s techniciansOne of the participants at the camp at HMAS Cairns gets some hands-on soldering experience.

DEFENCE Personnel Minister Dan Tehan has asked for an inves-tigation into the issue of unit rec-ognition for service with the RAN Helicopter Flight Vietnam (RANHFV), and service at the Battles of Coral and Balmoral.

The independent Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tr i bu n a l w i l l c o n d u c t t h e investigation.

The fighting at the battles was some of the bloodiest and intense fighting by Australians in the Vietnam War where 26 Australians lost their lives and many more were wounded.

Mr Tehan said the RANHFV had served with distinction over four rotations of about one year each, between October 1967 and June 1971.

The RANHFV was fully inte-grated with the US Army 135th

Recognition for veterans

Assault Helicopter Company, fly-ing Iroquois in utility and gun-ship configurations.

Mr Tehan said he had asked for an enquiry after listening to veterans, their families and members of the public who believed the unit deserved a decoration for its service.

“I encourage all of those former

members and those with an interest in these matters to take advantage of this opportunity to make a sub-mission,” Mr Tehan said.

Submissions to both enquiries are open until June 16.

Further information is on the Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal website.

A Navy UH1 Iroquois operating during the Vietnam War.

Page 6: SERVING AUSTRALIA WITH PRIDE NAVY NEWS · 2017. 5. 3. · Boost for warfare simulation – P2Blood blitz a Stirling effort – P10 NSERVING AUSTRALIA WITH PRIDEAVY NEWS Volume 60,

6 NEWS www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS May 4, 2017

LEUT Todd Fitzgerald and CMDR Chloe Griggs

A GROUP Commendation has been awarded to the crews of two Navy ves-sels involved in the search-and-rescue efforts following the 1964 collision of HMA Ships Melbourne I and Voyager.

Members of HMA Ships Air Nymph and Air Sprite pulled 70 sur-vivors from waters off Jervis Bay, on the NSW south coast, in a rescue operation that had some on duty for 29 hours straight.

During a ceremony at HMAS Creswell last month, on the shores of Jervis Bay, CN VADM Tim Barrett said the tragedy had left an indelible mark on the nation and the Navy.

“We must recognise the over-whelmingly positive contributions the crew members of Air Sprite and Air Nymph made in what would have been horrific circumstances,” he said.

“The crews acted promptly, efficiently and with courage in an extremely challenging and traumatic situation to rescue 70 survivors from the sea, and from life rafts, following the collision.

“On a number of occasions, crew members courageously leapt from the search-and-rescue vessels into the oil-covered water to pull survivors from among the debris.

“The exemplary efforts of both crews undoubtedly prevented further loss of life.

“The outstanding professionalism and courage of the crews are of the

Heroic rescues commended

highest order and in the finest tradi-tions of the RAN.”

At the time, Air Sprite and Air Nymph were based at Creswell, under the command of then LEUT Kerry Stephen and then SBLT Tony Vodic.

There were three crews of 10 per-sonnel supported by technical sailors to maintain the boats. One crew was at 10 minutes’ notice to move whenever aircraft were operating from the Naval Air Station at HMAS Albatross.

The now-retired CMDR Stephen, recalling the fateful night, said his

crew manned Air Nymph and departed within two minutes of the emergency siren sounding.

“Notwithstanding the pitch black-ness of the night it was easy to head to the site of the collision because of all the helicopters flying overhead,” he said.

It took more than an hour for his vessel to get to the scene, which he said was littered with sailors in the water, some without life jackets, escaping the remains of Voyager, which was all but sunk.

He singled out AB “Robby” Robinson as an example of the self-lessness of the rescue teams and why he had been so committed to ensure both crews were recognised.

“AB Robinson saw a sailor nearby sink beneath the water. He immedi-ately leapt overboard, swam to the sailor and recovered him from under the water, bringing him back to Air Nymph and reviving him,” CMDR Stephen said.

The same sailor returned to the water for another 30 minutes to clear

the propeller of the craft when it became entangled in a submerged life raft.

Almost 50 years after that night, the men recounted the events in a phone call when AB Robinson was in hospital nearing his death, a conversa-tion that CMDR Stephen said was long overdue.

“I received a call from [his] wife ... she said he had been so happy in his last few days as I had confirmed his heroism that night, something his fam-ily had not believed,” he said.

“All crew members excelled in the performance of their duties, without complaint and, until today, have never been formally recognised for their outstanding devotion to duty, under extreme circumstances.”

Midge Vodic, the wife of the late LCDR Vodic, said it was deeply grati-fying to have the crews acknowledged.

“I know the families certainly appreciate the effort that the Navy has gone to to recognise the crews,” she said.

“It is certainly a story I have told my children and grandchildren and should be told nationally as their brav-ery was unparalleled.”

Accepting the honour on behalf of both crews, CMDR Stephen donated his commendation to the Creswell Museum.

“This will serve as a permanent reminder to visitors of the outstanding work by the crews that fateful night,” he said.

CN VADM Tim Barrett at the presentation of the Group Commendation with CMDR Kerry Stephen (retd) CO HMAS Air Nymph, and Midge Vodic, wife of SBLT Anthony Vodic. Photo: LSIS Justin Brown

Page 7: SERVING AUSTRALIA WITH PRIDE NAVY NEWS · 2017. 5. 3. · Boost for warfare simulation – P2Blood blitz a Stirling effort – P10 NSERVING AUSTRALIA WITH PRIDEAVY NEWS Volume 60,

Spectrum is a Licensed Real Estate Agent, Registered Tax Agent & Accredited Mortgage Consultant.

For your FREE, no obligation consultation with a Defence Specialist

1300 784 246 or visit www.spect.com.au

BOOK YOUR FREE TAX PLANNING APPOINTMENT NOW!

MAKE YOUR TAX WORK

HARDER FOR YOULET SPECTRUM

SHOW YOU HOW!

Our Defence Specialists have over 30 years’ experience and can provide you with expert tax planning advice on:• What you can claim when buying/selling

a property• Negative Gearing• Capital Gains Tax• Salary Sacrificing• Maximising Defence benefits (incl. DHOAS & HPAS)

• Work-related deductions

Spectrum is a Licensed Real Estate Agent, Registered Tax Agent & Accredited Mortgage Consultant.

7NEWSMay 4, 2017 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

LEUT Will Singer

VOLUNTEERS from Rockingham base HMAS Stirling rattled tins as part of Legacy Badge Day fundraising on the Easter long weekend.

The collection took place before the sirens sounded for the fourth HMAS Sydney II Australian Football League Memorial match at Perth’s Subiaco Oval.

The annual match between the West Coast Eagles and the Sydney Swans com-memorates the sinking of Sydney II in which all 645 hands were lost in Australia’s greatest naval tragedy.

A curtain-raiser between the Emergency Services and a Stirling team was held before the premiership round match while the Navy Band entertained the spectators during the half-time break.

President of Perth Legacy, Legatee James Ford said he was extremely grate-ful for the continuing support provided by Navy personnel in the important fundrais-ing activities to care for the families of deceased and ill Defence veterans.

“Legacy in Western Australian currently cares for about 5200 widows and spouses aged from their mid 20s to 106, 40 children under the age of 18 and about 40 dependant adult wards, some up to 70 years of age.

“Across Australia, Legacy cares for 70,000 widows and 1900 children and disa-bled dependent wards,” Mr Ford said.

Navy once again supported Legacy by collecting ‘Badge Day’ donations and selling badges, Legacy teddy bears and wristbands at metropolitan train stations, Subiaco Oval and in the Perth CBD.

Sailors thanked for support

ABCIS Benjamin Ricketts rattled the Legacy tin alongside Western Australia’s Minister for Defence Issues Paul Papalia and the Legacy bear in the Murray Street Mall, Perth. Photo: LSIS Lee-Anne Cooper

LSML-S Jonathon Coleman gets a thumbs up from West Coast Eagles mascot, Rick “the Rock” Eagle, as he collects donations for Legacy outside the stadium. Photo: ABIS Richard Cordell

Teams from HMAS Stirling and the Western Australian Fire and Rescue Services Football Club battle it out during the charity match at Subiaco Oval. Photo: ABIS Richard Cordell

“Legacy appreciates the support Navy provides throughout the years, particularly in the very busy lead-up to Anzac Day each April,” he said.

ABCIS Benjamin Ricketts, who volun-teered alongside local politicians and the ‘Legacy Bear’, said it was an honour and a privilege to raise money for Legacy.

“We received amazing support from all citizens throughout Perth,” AB Ricketts said.

“The first person to donate to Legacy to the tin was a homeless person who approached me directly and thanked the Navy and defence forces for what we do for the country.

“We appreciate the constant support we always get from elderly citizens who are often the first to approach us with big smiles and wonderful donations.

“Young sons and daughters, who prob-ably are seeing the Legacy volunteers and particularly servicemen and women, for the first time, dug deep, too,” he said.

‘‘ – James Ford, President of Perth Legacy

Legacy appreciates the support Navy provides throughout the years.

Page 8: SERVING AUSTRALIA WITH PRIDE NAVY NEWS · 2017. 5. 3. · Boost for warfare simulation – P2Blood blitz a Stirling effort – P10 NSERVING AUSTRALIA WITH PRIDEAVY NEWS Volume 60,

‘‘– Mr Armstrong,

new companion to Bear

I haven’t smiled much in the past few years, but at the moment I can’t stop smiling because I have Bear.

Dogs offer

ANOTHER four highly trained companion therapy dogs have been presented to serving and ex-serving ADF members to support them with their injuries and PTSD.

All four dogs were trained by the Defence Community Dog Program at the Bathurst Correctional Centre in NSW where specially selected inmates train the dogs as part of their rehabilitation.

Each inmate trains at least one dog through to graduation.

Rescued pound dogs, Aussie, Lucky, Yogi and Bear, have spent the past six months – or more than 150 hours – completing basic obedience training and advanced therapy dog work under the guidance of a professional dog trainer before being handed over to their new owners, the veterans, this week.

The veterans spent five days at the correctional centre and participated in a handover program where they were introduced to their new dog and learned how to take over their care and training.

These specially trained dogs not only learn to recognise the triggers for PTSD, they are also taught to support the specific needs of their new owners.

One of the veterans, Mr Armstrong, said the dogs were more than just a companion.

“Bear has been trained to help me pick things up off the ground like my wallet if I drop it,” Mr Armstrong said.

“He can even help me take off my jacket.

“I haven’t smiled much in the past few years, but at the moment I can’t stop smiling because I have Bear.

“I know he has my back 24/7. He’s my team mate.”

Another veteran, Mr Fenton, said his new friend had helped him sleep

better. “On the very first night I got Yogi, he woke me up when I was having a night terror,” he said.

“He calmed me down and I went back to sleep.

“I’ve slept for three nights in a row. I haven’t slept for nine years before that.

“I feel amazing.”This program is helping veterans

all over Australia. Veterans from North Queensland, NSW and Victoria were the recipients of the four

therapy dogs at the recent handover.

Defence Bank Managing Director and CEO John Linehan said he was proud of the Defence Bank Foundation’s involvement in the Defence Community Dog Program.

The program is fully funded

by the foundation thanks to the support of Defence Bank Staff, donors and dog sponsors.

Most of the donors and sponsors are Defence community groups and individual ADF members.

Each dog is carefully assessed before being selected for the program and trained to the level of advanced companion therapy dog.

The cost to train and maintain the dogs runs into several thousand dollars.

The foundation provides the dogs to veterans at no cost to them.

“The dogs are making an enormous difference to the lives of the veterans and their families,” Mr Linehan said.

“We have received many letters and emails from dog recipients telling us how much their life has improved since receiving their dog.”

For more information about the Defence Bank Foundation and the Defence Community Dogs program visit defencebankfoundation.com.au

Maxx is set to graduate in a few months. Photo: David Roma

Making service animals more easily accessible

CHIEF Information Officer Group’ End User Computing project aimed to raise more than $20,000 this year to sponsor a service dog and a deserving owner through the Soldier On K9 Support Program.

Run by the not-for-profit Integra Service Dogs Australia, the program aimed to assist veterans experiencing anxiety, hypervigilance, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder or a physical disability.

Integra Service Dogs Australia founder Ben Johnson said the program aimed to help veterans transition back into everyday life.

“This program can have huge benefits for veterans, even reducing their medication in some instances,” he said.

Launched in February by Soldier On co-patron Linda Hurley and NSW Governor GEN David Hurley (retd), the program is rolling out across the ACT and NSW, and, if successful, will be rolled out nationally.

Ken Lloyd, a veteran involved in design-ing the program, said his service dog Jaeger was the reason he was able to leave the house and interact with others, however, the costs involved made it unattainable for some people.

“As a sufferer of PTSD, having a trained service dog is the difference between getting out of the house and not,” he said.

“Unfortunately the costs involved with training a service dog means many people are unable to afford it.”

For more information about the K9 Support Program, visit the Integra Service Dogs Australia website at isda.com.au.

8 NEWS www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS May 4, 2017

Veteran Ken Lloyd receives a cheque for the K9 Support Program from End User Computing project director Peter Higgs.

new life

Page 9: SERVING AUSTRALIA WITH PRIDE NAVY NEWS · 2017. 5. 3. · Boost for warfare simulation – P2Blood blitz a Stirling effort – P10 NSERVING AUSTRALIA WITH PRIDEAVY NEWS Volume 60,

CPL Bill Solomou

SEAHAWK “Skeletor” has flown her last operational flight after a career logging 6200 airframe hours and spanning more than 28 years of service.

Navy took the opportunity to retire the anti-submarine helicop-ter S70B2, serial N24-011, dur-ing HMAS Arunta’s recent main-tenance period in Bahrain while deployed in the Middle East.

The helicopter’s last flight from the ship was into Australia’s main operating base in the region, where it was dismantled and prepared for transport back to Australia.

Arunta Flight Commander LCDR Stewart Mathies said the helicopter had provided great ser-vice and rarely missed a beat.

“She has behaved brilliantly for us. We are hoping that its replace-ment does exactly the same,” he said.

“She has been an amazing air-craft – just amazing.”

Navy’s fleet of S70B2s is being replaced by the newer and greatly developed Seahawk MH60R which is operated by 725SQN at HMAS Albatross.

A Romeo model will soon arrive in-theatre so Arunta can maintain its extended surveillance and inter-ception capability as it patrols with

the multinational combined mari-time forces in the Middle East.

LCDR Mathies said the Romeo was Navy’s next generation of sub-marine hunter and anti-surface war-fare helicopter.

“The Romeo has a l ready proven itself on operations, both with HMAS Perth in the Middle East last year, and on other Navy activities,” he said.

The MH60R is equipped with highly sophisticated combat sys-tems designed to employ Hellfire air-to-surface missiles and the Mk54 anti-submarine torpedo.

Romeos are replacing the older S70B2s currently serving with 816SQN.

9NEWSMay 4, 2017 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

CPL Bill Solomou

HMAS Arunta has had its small arms weapons inspected, serviced and certified while on deployment.

The inspection was part of an important maintenance period during her nine months on operations in the Middle East region.

With previous ships only spending six months away, the requirement to have weapons inspected and maintained while deployed had not been required.

The fly-away team was required as embarked personnel are not qualified to conduct the tightly-controlled specific tech-nical maintenance, which is usually under-taken by the joint logistic units at bases in Sydney and Perth.

Air Force Ground Mechanical Equipment Fitter CPL Brian Wilson and Army Fitter Armament LCPL Andrew Smith were sent across from Australia’s main operating base to work with Navy

personnel to achieve the outcome. CPL Wilson said he was positively surprised at the weapons’ condition given the impact of the maritime environment.

“They were in excellent condition,” CPL Wilson said.

“There is no doubt in my mind this can be attributed to the vigorous on board maintenance policy they have in place.”

LCPL Smith said they serviced more than 40 weapons.

“I concentrated on servicing the ship’s complement of heavy machine guns,” LCPL Smith said.

“It was challenging working in such tight conditions on board the ship.”

ABBM Patrick Birch said he learned a lot having the two specialists on board.

“They were very professional and knowledgeable on the weapon systems,” AB Birch said.

“It was a pleasure working with them.”

CPOCIS Lennie Marshall

F O U R H M A S A r u n t a s a i l -ors deployed as part of Operation Manitou represented Australia at the second Enlisted Leadership Development Program at Naval Support Activity in Bahrain.

The program, hosted by the US Naval Forces Central Command, included personnel from Australia’s Maritime Operational Support Group and enlisted coalition personnel within the Middle East region.

The program was designed to instil and improve upon six enlist-ed desired leader attributes: oper-ate with commander’s intent; make

sound and ethical decisions; enable the force; anticipate, communicate and mitigate risk; operate jointly and think critically using the hand-book published by the US National Defence University.

LSEW David Newton said the course showed the effectiveness of next generation Navy initiatives as the RAN members stood out among their peers.

“Our sailors held the floor dur-ing discussions and were able to share with our foreign counterparts an insight into how we empower our junior sailors to allow them to be better leaders of tomorrow,” LS Newton said.

“ T h e p r o g r a m p r o v i d e d additional leadership considerations, while building new friendships to improve international relations – it is always great to meet people from other navies as we all share common experiences and similar maritime philosophies.”

The four Australian attend-ees were divided across discussion groups to allow maximum interac-tion and exposure to coalition coun-terparts, including Canadian and Saudi Arabian members, as well as US personnel from different services.

“This allowed for topics to be dis-cussed from different cultural points of view,” LS Newton said.

Training tomorrow’s leaders

Seahawk Skeletor takes last flight

Front row, from left, ABMT Raymond Pezzutti, LSEW David Newton, ABML-P Renee Kennedy, and ABBM Daniel Carr at the leadership program in Bahrain.

Seahawk N24-011 “Skeletor” takes off for one last time at Australia’s main operating base in the Middle East.Photo: CPL Bill Solomou

From left, LCPL Andrew Smith, CPL Brian Wilson and ABBM Patrick Birch conduct weapon maintenance and technical inspection on board HMAS Arunta.

Gun performance by maintenance team

Page 10: SERVING AUSTRALIA WITH PRIDE NAVY NEWS · 2017. 5. 3. · Boost for warfare simulation – P2Blood blitz a Stirling effort – P10 NSERVING AUSTRALIA WITH PRIDEAVY NEWS Volume 60,

australianmilitarybank.com.au

*To receive a $1,000 Visa gift card, members must apply and be eligible for a Defence Home Ownership Assistance Scheme (DHOAS) Home Loan with minimum new loan borrowings of $250,000 and settle by 30 September 2017, while also purchasing an accompanying Home and Contents insurance policy through Australian Military Bank between 13 March 2017 and 30 June 2017. Australian Military Bank reserves the right to vary, cancel or extend this offer at any time. DHOAS Home Loan terms, conditions, fees, interest, charges and lending criteria apply and are available at the time of application. Offer Terms and Conditions apply and are available in full at australianmilitarybank.com.au/dhoas. Australian Military Bank Ltd ABN 48 087 649 741 AFSL and Australian credit licence number 237 988.

Treat yourself with our DHOAS Home LoanTake out a DHOAS Loan with Home & Contents Insurance through us and receive a $1,000 gift card*

*Min. loan $250,000. Apply by 30 June 2017 and settle by 30 Sept 2017. T&Cs apply.

Visa Gift CardApply in branch, online or

call 1800 739 347 today

DHOAS Home Loan

Home & Contents Insurance

10 NEWS www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS May 4, 2017

LEUT Will Singer

HMAS Stirling donors were rewarded with the “best biscuits in town” for a bloody good job after rolling up their sleeves to spike Navy’s tally during the 2016 Defence Blood Challenge.

Raising the bar for Navy’s competi-tive spirit, Stirling personnel contributed 14 per cent of the group donations while Navy received the award for achieving the highest growth – a 38 per cent improve-ment from 2015.

Navy Ambassador for the 2016 Challenge LEUT Chris Boardman said the success was purely because of the drive given by passionate people like Stirling’s Red25 coordinator CPOML-S Toni Ralph.

“I would like to pass on my gratitude and Bravo Zulu to each of you who got involved and helped Navy achieve the most successful group in the 2016 Defence Blood Challenge,” LEUT Boardman said.

“The need for blood continues year round and I encourage you to use the Red25 registration with the Red Cross Blood Service to maintain a running tally and foster inter-unit rivalry where possible.

“I believe this can be just a start of Navy making a massive difference and noting our great year in 2016.

“We have a real chance to contribute more than Air Force and even give Army a run for their money, but that requires a year-round effort to introduce more sailors and their friends and family to the blood donating lifestyle.”

Blood donations can be made at centres

across the country, and to thank people for their contribution and help replenish their energy post donation, the Blood Service gives away free milkshakes and biscuits (among other treats).

CPO Ralph said it was a privilege to coordinate the Navy’s Red25 blood dona-tion challenge for Western Australia.

“I am proud of our team effort towards the overall Navy contribution nationwide,” CPO Ralph said.

“It is an opportunity for Navy to sup-port the local community and help save lives at the same time.

“I hope that in 2017 we will be in a position to beat the target of last year.”

Only 6.3 per cent of Navy participated in 2016 which means there is plenty of scope for improvement.

In just three months, Defence person-nel across the country gave a total of 6991 donations, with the potential to save up to 20,700 lives, and the aim to donate all year-round to assist in keeping the nation’s blood stocks high for the production of blood products and transfusions.

In 2017 Navy is requesting existing Red25 team members consider changing to plasma donations – which can be made as often as every two weeks. That’s a lot of milkshakes and biscuits on offer for those able to help make a difference.

To establish your eligibility to donate and/or join the Navy’s Red25 team visit donateblood.com.au/red25

A bloody Stirling job

CPOML-S Toni Ralph accepts HMAS Stirling’s award from Australian Red Cross Blood Service Community Relations Officer Gina Tracey at the service’s Rockingham Donor Centre. Photo: LSIS Lee-Anne Cooper

Page 11: SERVING AUSTRALIA WITH PRIDE NAVY NEWS · 2017. 5. 3. · Boost for warfare simulation – P2Blood blitz a Stirling effort – P10 NSERVING AUSTRALIA WITH PRIDEAVY NEWS Volume 60,

PAYING TRIBUTE

AN ESTIMATED 38,000 visitors braved the elements at the Australian War Memorial (AWM) for this year’s Anzac Day dawn ser-vice, as commemorative ceremonies were

held across Australia and around the world.While the number of veterans of older conflicts

dwindles, the support for their sacrifices and service and that of current serving members continues to swell.

The inclement conditions across the eastern sea-board did not deter ADF personnel and the Australian public from paying their respects 102 years after Australian soldiers stormed ashore at Gallipoli.

For the first time in the national march’s history in Canberra, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander veterans led the parade at the AWM, where VCDF VADM Ray Griggs stood in the pouring rain to take the salute.

Later, in his address, VADM Griggs spoke about the devastation bestowed on Australia 75 years ago and how that time, more than any other, challenged us as a nation.

“It’s often said that we came of age at Gallipoli, but I think 1942, it is fair to say, was a year that unified this country like no other, where the war effort became a national imperative,” VADM Griggs said.

He recounted the various battles fought close to home that year after the fall of Singapore which signifi-cantly impacted on Australia.

Japanese aircraft bombed Darwin devastating the town and leaving 243 people dead.

“Among the dead were the first American ser-vicemen killed helping to defend Australia as the US Destroyer Peary was lost, along with 88 of her crew, after sustaining heavy enemy air attack,” VADM Griggs said.

“This was the first of 65 attacks on the Australian mainland throughout 1942 which even included the war coming to Sydney on the night of May 31 with the audacious Japanese midget submarine attack.”

VADM Griggs said the battles in the Pacific and sur-rounds, including PNG, continued throughout the year culminating in the Battle of the Coral Sea.

A member of Australia’s Federation Guard, ABCIS Cartia Teldesi, presents arms during the performance of the Australian National Anthem at Anzac Cove, Gallipoli. Photo: ABIS Kayla Hayes

Continued Page 12

Thousands commemorated Anzac Day across Australia and around the world, Sharon Palmer reports.

Anzac Day 2017

A special four-page lift-out

Page 12: SERVING AUSTRALIA WITH PRIDE NAVY NEWS · 2017. 5. 3. · Boost for warfare simulation – P2Blood blitz a Stirling effort – P10 NSERVING AUSTRALIA WITH PRIDEAVY NEWS Volume 60,

12 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS May 4, 2017 CENTRE 13 Anzac Day 2017

CPL Max Bree

WORDS lost for 100 years resonated over the Australian National Memorial outside Villers-Bretonneux on Anzac Day.

A digger, known only as “Jack”, had poured out his war expe-rience in a recently discovered letter read at a reflective program before the dawn service.

ABML-C Luke Menz, of Australia’s Federation Guard, shared the contents of Jack’s letter with the crowd.

“He can go from writing about the spectacular sight of the British fleet while he was convalescing in England, to kill-ing Germans that were his own age and younger, or capturing German officers’ swords to send home,” AB Menz said.

“He wrote about burying his best mate with his own hands, using a rough wooden cross to mark the grave, and crying over it for two hours. You can’t fathom seeing your mate killed and hav-ing to bury him yourself.”

It’s believed Jack joined the Army from somewhere near Wagga Wagga and wrote to a love interest named Jo Cox, from Lake Albert. This made the reading extra special for AB Menz, who also comes from the area.

“You hear about so many who went over, but to volunteer to read the letter then find out that he was from Wagga, it’s an amaz-ing feeling,” he said.

“It makes being in France that little bit more important.”Jack served at Ypres on the Western Front and it’s not known

if he survived the war, but AB Menz believes Jack’s love may have been unrequited, as Jo Cox married a man named Alexander Pragnell.

“We don’t know if the love Jack felt was reciprocated but the way he felt about her, to write home about what he saw, is amaz-ing,” AB Manz said.

The letter was found in the home of Jo Cox years after she died and was handed to the University of Wagga.

“Wandering through the cemeteries in France and reading the headstones and epitaphs, makes you feel quite moved and hon-oured to be here remembering these guys who paid the ultimate price,” AB Menz said.

Lost love letter resonates a century later

POIS Phil Cullinan

THIS Anzac Day had particular meaning for a recruit at HMAS Cerberus, as it was his first in uniform, and the start of his chapter in a family tradition.

RCT Timothy Herring enlisted in the Navy on March 13 as an electronics technician submariner to fulfil a long-held passion.

Born and raised in the Blue Mountains he left school at the age of 16 to get a trade, but more than 10 years later the call of the sea and stories about a grandfather who had served in the Navy won him over.

“Having family that has previously served in the Navy, it was a very easy decision to make,” he said.

With the support of his wife Kami and his children Hayley and Blake, 13, Timothy, 9, and Malachi, 6, he signed up.

His grand-father served in WWII. He became a pris-oner of war after HMAS Perth was sunk, and sur-vived three-and-a -half years work-ing on the Burma railway.

“Apparently m y g r a n d a d didn’t talk much about his time on the Burma railway; my dad had a few stories he told me, but other than it was very vague,” he said.

“He had died before I was born, but the thought that I am now at Cerberus where he was all those years ago is quite moving for me.”

RCT Herring has enjoyed meeting new peo-ple and becoming part of the Navy team.

“Recruit School is hard because you are always on the go, and when I get down time I call my family,” he said. “There are so many stories of what has been happening, it all seems a world away at the moment.”

CMDR Fenn Kemp

TWO midshipmen found them-selves marking Anzac Day away from the familiar marches and gath-erings, but each said it was an expe-rience they would remember for years to come.

Morgan Groves and Jordana McLeod are spending almost six months in Jakarta, studying at Pusdiklat Bahasa – the Indonesian Ministry of Defence Language School.

Situated in a rare area of green-ery, in the shadow of the city’s high rise apartments, the Jakarta War Cemetery is the final resting place of more than 1000 Allied soldiers, sailors and airmen who died in the defence of Java and Sumatra during the Japanese advance in 1942.

Some 96 Australians are buried in the cemetery, including four from the Navy, 79 Army, five from the RAAF and eight whose identities remain unknown.

Among the dead are sailors who fought in the Java Sea and

Australian soldiers who were part of ‘Black Force’. The composite force of Allied units was captured within three weeks of its creation, and its members spent the rest of the war as POWs of the Japanese.

Ceremonies were also held in several other places around Indonesia, including Ambon, Bali, Balikpapan, Bandung and Timika.

“The number of Australians and Indonesians who died protecting our region and the freedoms we enjoy today is often overlooked,” MIDN Groves said.

“This cemetery and others like it across Indonesia are home to so many Australians who gave their lives for a cause they believed in. And of course, from a Navy per-spective, the wreck of HMAS Perth not far from here is further evidence of our historical ties with I ndone-sia.”

Both said they believed most Australians knew little about their nearest neighbour, other than Bali.

“I definitely think they are miss-ing out,” MIDN McLeod said.

“It’s the people that make the

place and every Indonesian person I have met has been unbelievably friendly.”

MIDN Groves said the city was “like no other”.

“I think as Australians we have an unfair expectation that people will simply be able to understand how we speak and how we oper-ate but that’s not always the case – especially in Asia. Relationships and communication are a two-way street.”

The dawn service marked the start of a busy day for the ADFA

pair, with a gunfire breakfast followed by a visit to the Australian Intercultural School for a speech on the importance of Anzac Day – a subject which sometimes leaves the average Indonesian a little puzzled.

“As a young military officer, I am well aware of how our two nations have worked together to safeguard our freedoms,” MIDN McLeod said. “This is a relation-ship which continues to grow. We may be from different backgrounds but we have much in common.”

POIS Paul McCallum

AS THE sun rose over the Gallipoli Peninsula on Anzac Day, CN VADM Tim Barrett reflected on the sacrifices of all Australian service personnel who have served the nation, and those who continue to serve today.

The senior ADF representative at the commemorations made the “call to remem-brance”, which positions the conflict on Turkey’s shores in the national identities of Australia and New Zealand.

“While these men created a legend, it was one created at great cost, with great loss,” VADM Barrett said.

“We should remember them as they were, to honour their spirits which are still among us at this place, where their bones still lie in this quiet soil.”

VADM Barrett said many would look to later conflicts as examples of service and sac-rifice, such as the heavy naval losses during battles against the Japanese in the WWII.

“This year holds special significance as it’s the 75th anniversary of the darkest year in the history of the RAN,” he said.

By the end of 1942, HMA Ships Perth, Yarra, Kuttabul, Canberra, Vampire, Voyager, Nestor and Armidale, together with more than 600 sailors, had all joined the growing

HOMAGE PAID AT HOME AND AFAR

'Different backgrounds but we have much in common'

By year’s end, while Australia suffered badly, the pendulum had started to swing as the Japanese were halted during their south-ward advance and morale was lifted after such heavy losses.

“It was a year in which conflict came to our doorstep, a year in which our alliance with the United States was forged. In 1942, it was the collective efforts of the whole nation that allowed the year to end with a new dawn rather than in disaster.”

He said it was this ability to rise up time and again that Australians should remember on Anzac Day.

“The threat that connects our troops at Gallipoli to those in 1942 to those who stand watch today is the grit, the determina-tion and the will to endure the adversity they face in fighting for our way of life and our freedoms.

“This fight has always involved great sacrifice and we have not always prevailed, and our troops have always fought in a way that warrants our gratitude, our respect and most importantly, thoughtful reflection.

“That’s why we gather here every year from dawn and throughout the day, that’s why we must remember them always.”

In the Middle East, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull joined ADF troops to not only reflect on past service, but also to acknowledge those serving today.

“This is a reminder that the Anzac story is not just a matter for the history books,” Mr Turnbull said.

“It is alive. Their service, their courage, their endurance, their mateship is as alive today as it was on the shores of Gallipoli more than 100 years ago.”

Mr Turnbull said the kinship today in the fight against terrorism around the world was apparent.

“The service of these young Australians and New Zealanders, working together, serving together, putting their lives on the line together, as their grandparents and great grandparents did a century ago, inspires us all.

“We honour them. We thank them. We salute them for their service and we say again, as we always do, lest we forget.”

At Bomana War Cemetery in Port Moresby CA LTGEN Angus Campbell and Governor General GEN Sir Peter Cosgrove (retd) attended the dawn service to mark the 75th anniversary of the Kokoda campaign and the Battle of Milne Bay.

Speaking at the service Sir Peter said

From Page 11

Tribute to the fallen

those that lay in the 4000 graves at the cemetery would always lie in the hearts of Australians.

“Their deeds, their sacrifices and the bat-tles they fought have shaped us,” Sir Peter said.

“They were courageous and enduring in some of the worst conditions warfare can demand.

“Many would fall here in the jungle, away from the wide brown land they loved, but were destined never to see again.”

He spoke of the 625 Australians killed on the track including his uncle, Bill, a flight sergeant with a RAAF Beaufighter squad-ron who died in a plane wreck, and is buried at Bomana.

He said it was important to remember the bravery of the more than 1600 wounded who made it home.

“They have assumed the mantle of national treasurers, a living link to a time when our nation fought for its very surviv-al,” he said.

Sir Peter also lauded the efforts of the Papua New Guineans and in particular, the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels who helped injured and wounded Australian soldiers along the Kokoda Track.

In France, Veterans’ Affairs Minister Dan Tehan said Anzac Day was a chance for all Australians to reflect on the service and sacrifice of every man and woman who has served in defence of our nation.

“For Australian soldiers, the third year of the Great War was the worst they ever expe-rienced,” Mr Tehan said.

“More troops died in battle in 1917 and more were taken prisoner than in any other year. There has never been a year when Australia lost more to war than 1917. And yet they fought on, men asked to take on an extraordinary task.

“And in this darkest year, they did their duty and fought to the bitter end. This is the legacy of 1917 bestowed by those who gave their all.”

list of wartime losses in a year during which there was little to celebrate.

On the home front, Australian men and women were in full force supporting the war effort abroad. In 1942, men and women at home worked as never before to build new warships and aircraft.

Times may have moved on but today’s Navy is embarking on its biggest ship build-ing program ever, with the engagement of Australian industry to build a fleet of new destroyers, frigates and submarines.

As the Last Post echoed across Anzac Cove, more than 2000 ADF members were marking their own pages in the Australian military narrative, deployed on operations across the globe.

VADM Barrett, who recited the Ode of Remembrance at the Lone Pine service, was joined by members of Australia’s Federation Guard which provided the catafalque party for the dawn service and the Air Force Band, which supported the services at dawn and at the Lone Pine Cemetery.

CN honours sailors past and present‘‘– Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull

The Anzac story is not just a matter for the history books.

LSPTI Jacob Machenfrom, of HMAS Ballarat, walks among the headstones of fallen service personnel at the completion of the Anzac Day dawn service at Kranji War Memorial Cemetery, Singapore. Photo: LSIS Bradley Darvill

ABML-C Luke Menz, of Australia’s Federation Guard, reads a letter by an Australian WWI soldier outside Villers-Bretonneux, France.

Photo: POIS Paul Berry

Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop and CN VADM Tim Barrett at the French memorial service in Gallipoli.Photo: ABIS Kayla Hayes

MIDNs Morgan Groves and Jordana McLeod at the Anzac Day service in Jakarta.

VCDF VADM Ray Griggs

delivers the Anzac Day National

Ceremony Commemorative

Address at the Australian

War Memorial, Canberra.

Photo: Jay Cronan

Continuing a family tradition

RCT Timothy Herring with a picture of his grandfather.

For hundreds more images of this year’s

Anzac Day ceremonies across the country and the world, head to the Defence Image Gallery

at http://images.defence.gov.au/S20170700

Page 13: SERVING AUSTRALIA WITH PRIDE NAVY NEWS · 2017. 5. 3. · Boost for warfare simulation – P2Blood blitz a Stirling effort – P10 NSERVING AUSTRALIA WITH PRIDEAVY NEWS Volume 60,

14 Anzac Day 2017 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS May 4, 2017

POIS Phil Cullinan

MEMBERS of HMAS Harman’s ship’s company brought Anzac Day to those who were too infirm to attend on April 25.

The base provided the catafalque party and flag bearers for the service at the Canberra Hospital on April 19.

This is the 15th year the service has been held at the hospital since a group of Vietnam War ex-service personnel – the Dark and Stormies – began the tradition.

The Dark and Stormies convene a small service every year for patients who cannot make it to the regular Anzac Day ceremonies held on April 25.

Ron Sheargold served in the Navy and is now the master of ceremonies for all of the Dark and Stormies' veterans functions.

“When we were meeting for

coffee at Canberra Hospital, we saw many other veterans here and thought we should do something for Anzac Day for the patients who can't get out,” Mr Sheargold said.

“We went to the hospital and spoke to a few people, and the hospital thought it was a great idea and supported us every step of the way.

“It started off very small and has gradually become bigger and better – as you can tell by the crowd that attends.”

ABMT Seamus Mann said it was special being one of the sailors who provided support and was proud to help out.

“It was an honour to represent Harman as a catafalque party member,” he said.

“It is a way of providing support to our veterans who are unable to make it to the dawn service in Canberra.”

Members of HMAS Harman’s ship’s company provided the catafalque party for the Anzac Day service held at Canberra Hospital for patients who could not make the dawn service in Canberra.Photos: POIS Phil Cullinan

LEUT Al Trent and CMDR Nyree Cornelius

ON A crisp and still Anzac Day morn-ing, about 2000 visitors gathered for HMAS Creswell’s dawn service as first light hit the shores of Jervis Bay.

The service was delivered by the Navy’s newest officers, members of New Entry Officers’ Course, at the Royal Australian Naval College.

They delivered readings, prayers and provided all of the ceremonial sup-port for the service, including the guard, flag hands and catafalque party.

CPOB Gary Lawrence, who is responsible for parade and ceremo-nial training at Creswell, said he was impressed by the commitment and dedi-cation shown by the trainees.

“The quality of the drill I witnessed today was good, noting they are only

halfway through their training,” he said.MIDNs Patrick Czakilew and

William Dixon said it was a privilege to be a part of proceedings and be part of a tradition of great sacrifice.

Following the service, Creswell’s ship’s company was dispersed across the Shoalhaven region, from Moruya in the south through to Culburra in the north to participate in and support as many marches and services as possible.

Infirm not forgotten

New officers deliver service

An enduring partnership

‘‘– CMDR Douglas Griffiths, Assistant

Defence Adviser in Malaysia

This year marks 25 years since the Malaysia Australia Joint Defence Program was signed.

LEUT John Thompson

ANZAC Day services were held across Malaysia, one of Australia’s most important defence partners in the region.

Australian and New Zealand Defence personnel came together for a dawn service at Malaysia’s national monument, Tugu Negara, in Kuala Lumpur attended by about 200 people, including the high commissioners of Australia, New Zealand, Britain and Bangladesh as well as the ambassadors from Turkey and the United States and senior mili-tary representatives from Malaysia.

The catafalque party was made up of Rifle Company Butterworth of the Australian 2/30th Training Group and sailors from HMNZS Te Kaha.

CMDR Douglas Griffiths, the Assistant Defence Adviser in Malaysia, said the 2017 service had particular significance.

“This year marks 25 years since the Malaysia Australia Joint Defence Program was signed,” he said.

“This is the cornerstone of the defence partnership between the two countries, providing a framework for bilateral defence cooperation between the two countries across a range of strategic, operational, professional and non-military areas.” Dawn services were held in Sandakan and at Penang, where Australia maintains a mili-

tary presence at Royal Malaysian Air Force Station Butterworth.

CMDR Griffiths said since those battles in Europe, Australia and Malaysia had forged strong and enduring defence links.

“The two countries have a long history of military cooperation pre-dating Malaysian independence when Australia helped in the

region’s defence during WWII,” he said.“Australia was also involved in the

Malayan Emergency in the 1950s fighting a communist insurgency – at the time, this was the longest continuous military com-mitment in Australian history, lasting 13 years.”

He said the relationship between the two countries was an important one that continued to develop.

HMAS Creswell’s catafalque party stands at attention during the Anzac Day dawn service held at Creswell. Photo: LSIS Justin Brown

Members of the Malaysian public and defence forces from Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore and the UK at the Anzac Day dawn service in Penang, Malaysia. Photo: CPL Steve Duncan

Page 14: SERVING AUSTRALIA WITH PRIDE NAVY NEWS · 2017. 5. 3. · Boost for warfare simulation – P2Blood blitz a Stirling effort – P10 NSERVING AUSTRALIA WITH PRIDEAVY NEWS Volume 60,

Disclaimer: The information provided does not take into account your personal financial needs and does not constitute legal, taxation or financial advice. GST savings are dependant onyour employer’s policy and accounting treatment of GST. Before deciding, you should seek independent financial, legal and taxation advice and clarify your employer’s willingness topass on input tax credits. Terms and conditions can be found at fleetcare.com.au/10cents

Page 15: SERVING AUSTRALIA WITH PRIDE NAVY NEWS · 2017. 5. 3. · Boost for warfare simulation – P2Blood blitz a Stirling effort – P10 NSERVING AUSTRALIA WITH PRIDEAVY NEWS Volume 60,

1300 738 601www.fleetnetwork.com.au/defence

Packageanewcarandsaveontax

Fleet network Pty Ltd. To qualify for this offer you must mention this advertisement to Fleet network prior to the completion of your initial contract. Vehicle must be new andsupplied by Fleet network. not valid in conjunction with any other current Fleet network offers. Employees should consult their employer’s salary packaging policy beforeentering into a contract. *subject to Employer policy. Vehicle for illustration purposes only.

Did you know that you can savethousands by salary packagingyour next car?

Let the experts at Fleet networktake the hassle out of car buying- we’ll source your car, passon national fleet discounts andpackage all your running costs,while you save on tax.

It’s worth a call –it’s your salary, after all.

Mention thisadvert when youenquire and geta bonus Opia 2Dash Cam or aSamsung 8” Tabletwhen your newvehicle isdelivered!

THE tattered battle ensign of WWII destroyer HMAS Quiberon p roudly f l ies a t the Nepean Naval and Maritime Museum. It is just one of a growing collec-tion of historical naval artefacts on display.

Sitting on the banks of the Nepean River in Penrith, NSW, the museum – developed by the Nepean Blue Mountains Sub-section of the Naval Association – opened in December 2014.

Included in the exhibits is a waterproof hatch from aircraft carrier HMAS Melbourne, a growing collec-tion of uniforms, badges and insignia, a book library, a Seacat missile, and a collection of more than 100 ships’ crests.

Museum publicity officer John Hibberd said the historical artefacts displayed at the museum

was extensive. “We are building a set of video displays that will run continuously whenever the museum is open,” he said.

“The subject matter of these clips ranges from WWII reports through to the current fleet, its exercises and operations; and we are also progres-sively building a set of fact sheets for every ship that has served, starting with the Colonial Naval Forces of the 1860s.

“Admission is free, and there is always someone available to show visitors around, although donations are always gratefully received.”

The museum is open every Saturday and Sunday between 1pm and 3pm.

For more information visit nepeannaval.org.au/Nepean-Naval-and-Maritime-Museum.html

Abandoned and SacrificedAuthor: Kathryn SpurlingRRP: $30.00 Reviewer: SGT Dave MorleyPages: 302Publisher: New Holland Publishing

A FORMER Women’s Royal Australian Naval Service officer recently completed her fourth book on ships lost during war.

Kathryn Spurling, who tutored history and strategic studies at ADFA from 1996-2011, after attaining a PhD in military his-tory, launched her latest work, Abandoned and Sacrificed – The Tragedy of the Montevideo Maru.

True to form, Dr Spurling has researched her subject well. She has left no stone unturned in not only telling the story of life in Rabaul before the Japanese inva-sion, but also detailing right down to individuals and units.

Readers will be amazed by the courage and resourcefulness of young militia diggers who suc-

cessfully evaded the might of the Japanese forces to eventually make their way back to Australia in small overloaded ships.

Less fortunate diggers were captured and either massacred by the Japanese or were among the 1053 Australians who perished when a US submarine sank the Japanese ship Montevideo Maru, which was taking them to Japan. The book is well illustrated – perhaps too well illus-trated – with some photos appearing up to three times throughout the book.

Detailed maps are plenti-ful and useful in showing readers, unfamiliar with the area, where many important events took place.

Dr Spurling’s other books on Australian history include Cruel Conflict: the Triumph and Tragedy of HMAS Perth, The Mystery of AE1: Australia’s Lost Submarine and Crew, and HMAS Canberra – Casualty of Circumstance.

If you’re into early Australian WWII history, you can’t go wrong with this one.

Navy News has a copy of the book to give away to a lucky reader.

Growing collection of naval artefacts

Ship gone but not forgotten Nepean Blue

Mountains Sub-section president

Clarrie Shawin in front of part of

the collection.

16 HISTORY www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS May 4, 2017

Page 16: SERVING AUSTRALIA WITH PRIDE NAVY NEWS · 2017. 5. 3. · Boost for warfare simulation – P2Blood blitz a Stirling effort – P10 NSERVING AUSTRALIA WITH PRIDEAVY NEWS Volume 60,

Terms, conditions and acceptance criteria apply. Cover limits apply as set out in the policy wording. Before making a decision about your insurance needs, please refer to the Product Disclosure Statement. Insurance issued by QBE Insurance (Australia) Limited ABN 78 003 191 035 AFS Licence 239545. Defence Service Homes Insurance ABN 97191187638 AR No. 269008 is an authorised representative of QBE

Get a quote today. Visit the DSHI website www.dsh.gov.au

Need to protect your car?We’ve got you covered, so you can enjoy the drive.

DSHI provides a range of car insurance cover and benefits with QBE. You can choose from:

• Comprehensive

• Third Party• Third Party fire

and theft

Plus, enjoy a range of discounts on your premium.

A CHANCE reunion between man and machine took place for an Air Force imagery specialist recently.

While deployed to Nellis Air Force Base to record the RAAF’s participa-tion in an exercise, SGT Murray Staff was surprised to see a familiar A4 Skyhawk jet parked on the adjacent flightline.

Currently operated by Draken International Inc it had started its life with the Navy in 1967 and was the same Skyhawk that SGT Staff worked on before it was retired by the Navy in 1984.

“It’s a bit moving to see the old girl again,” SGT Staff said.

Half a century after its first flight, the Skyhawk is still going strong, con-tracted to provide the United States Air Force and Coalition partners with adversarial support.

When SGT Staff saw it, the jet was facing off against a mix of fourth- and fifth-generation fighters over the Nevada Desert.

SGT Staff joined the Navy in 1977 as an armourer, and spent much of his time working on Skyhawks.

The jet was renowned for its small size yet big punch, loaded by armour-ers with up to four tonnes of bombs, guided missiles, and even an air-to-air refuelling pod.

“I even spent a year in 1980 work-ing on them on board the aircraft car-

Jet brings back memoriesYears after working on a Navy Skyhawk, an airman has had a chance reunion with the same jet, Eamon Hamilton reports.

rier HMAS Melbourne,” SGT Staff said.

In 1983, the Australian govern-ment announced Melbourne would be retired without replacement, and the Skyhawk fleet was drawn down at their land base in Nowra over the fol-lowing year.

“In the last 12 months, we only had four aircraft left, and each aircraft was allocated to one of the trades who worked on them,” SGT Staff said.

“It was sunset days for the jet with the Navy, which gave us an opportu-nity to take care of the aircraft.”

SGT Staff and his fellow armour-

ers were allocated aircraft N13-154905, which carried the nose serial “884”.

The armourers duly nicknamed it “Dog” after the beloved main char-acter in the Footrot Flats comic strip, even painting the cartoon border collie on the aircraft.

“We had responsibility for keeping it clean, conducting aircraft washes, and anything that needed to be done for the day-to-day running of the jet – securing it at night, towing it where it needed to be, and so on,” SGT Staff said.

“There was always a sentimental attachment to that jet, and I never thought I’d see it again after it left in 1984.”

The Navy’s Skyhawks were sold to the Royal New Zealand Air Force, and ‘884’ took on a new life as NZ6213.

SGT Staff moved over to the Air Force in 1987, and the RNZAF retired its fleet of Skyhawks in 2001.

In 2013, NZ6213 was purchased by Draken International Inc and taken to the United States, becoming N143EM.

SGT Staff couldn’t believe it when he saw the same Skyhawk at Nellis Air Force Base that he had worked on decades before.

“Seeing ‘Dog’ at Nellis brought back many great memories of those times in the 80s,” SGT Staff said.

“Hopefully this grand lady still has plenty of life left in her and will con-tinue to fly for many more years.”

“Like all Defence units, you build a strong camaraderie with your work-mates, and I still keep in contact with some of the armourers I knew from over 30 years ago.”

SGT Murray Staff’s chance reunion with “Dog” the A4 Skyhawk, decades after working with her during his time in the Navy. Photo: CPL Brenton Kwaterski

17FEATURESMay 4, 2017 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

Page 17: SERVING AUSTRALIA WITH PRIDE NAVY NEWS · 2017. 5. 3. · Boost for warfare simulation – P2Blood blitz a Stirling effort – P10 NSERVING AUSTRALIA WITH PRIDEAVY NEWS Volume 60,

More andmore, people are choosing the salary packaging specialistsat Smartsalary to help themmake their pay packet go further,whether they’re spending a little or a lot.

That’s because Smartsalary does salary packaging differently:customers are at the centre of everything they do - and they have theawards to prove it - so when people choose Smartsalary, they stay.

Talk to Smartsalary today and find out howmuch you couldbe saving every day.

1300 115 947 | navyleasing.com.au

Save onmoremoments every daywith Smartsalary

Making set-up andmanagement of your benefits easy

Mobile apps and online tools for easy claims on the go

Fast payment with funds in your bank account within 48 hours

Award-winning customer service when andwhere you need it

Exclusive discounts across a range of national retailers

Page 18: SERVING AUSTRALIA WITH PRIDE NAVY NEWS · 2017. 5. 3. · Boost for warfare simulation – P2Blood blitz a Stirling effort – P10 NSERVING AUSTRALIA WITH PRIDEAVY NEWS Volume 60,

An online resource for ADF members and their families to fi nd information on their posting location.

www.defencecommunityhub.org.auA joint initiative of Defence Community Organisation, Defence Families of Australia and Defence Housing Australia.

19GANGWAYMay 4, 2017 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

ABML-C Sarah Badrice makes the final touches to dessert in HMAS Stirling’s main galley. Photos: CPOIS Damian Pawlenko

ABCIS SM Robert Carpenter happily displays his submarine qualification

certificate to his wife and two daughters at Stirling.

Photo: LS Ronnie Baltoft

ABET SM Rohan Littleboy and the Legacy Navy Bear collect a donation from Jill Gormley in Perth. Photos: LSIS Lee-Anne Cooper

CO HMAS Canberra CAPT Ashley Papp meets Joshua at the Kids in Need ‘World’s Largest Open House’ launch at FBE. Photo: ABIS Bonny Gassner

Page 19: SERVING AUSTRALIA WITH PRIDE NAVY NEWS · 2017. 5. 3. · Boost for warfare simulation – P2Blood blitz a Stirling effort – P10 NSERVING AUSTRALIA WITH PRIDEAVY NEWS Volume 60,

JEH11

5

20 PERSONNEL www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS May 4, 2017

A NEW website has been launched to help ADF members and their families become familiar with new localities before arriving on posting.

The Defence Community Hub website is a collaboration between the Defence Community Organisation (DCO), Defence Housing Australia (DHA) and Defence Families of Australia (DFA).

The web-site contains information about local healthcare ser-vices, childcare and schooling, public trans-port options, and links to the latest news and events in the area.

The Hub also connects members to a comprehensive network of Defence and public groups and centres.

Director General DCO Paul Way said regardless of where members are posted across Australia, the new web-site was a helpful resource to connect with their new community before and upon arrival.

“The Community Hub also has links to DCO’s website where mem-bers and their families can find a range of support and resources, as well as information about the local DCO office

and the services they provide,” he said.DHA Managing Director Jan

Mason said the website demonstrated DHA’s ongoing commitment to provid-ing quality housing as well as related services to ADF members and their families.

“After a considerable process of consultation and collaboration, it is encouraging to see this project reach

its implementation phase,” Ms Mason said.

“The website is a tangible and practical way to help ADF families facing a move into a new area.”

DFA National Convener Robyn Ritchie is excited to see the Community Hub in action.

“DFA has been advocating for many years

for improvement to communication directly to families and has welcomed our inclusion as stakeholders in this exciting project,” Mrs Ritchie said.

“DFA looks forward to the Hub’s ongoing use to inform and assist families as they navigate their ADF journey.”

Members can access the Community Hub through their Online Services dashboard or via the website defencecommunityhub.org.au

Website to help families

Families and friends of crew members farewell HMAS Ballarat as she departs Fleet Base West for a South-East Asia deployment last month. Photo: LSIS Bradley Darvill

‘‘– Jan Mason,

DHA Managing Director

The website is a tangible and practical way to help ADF families facing a move into a new area.

Page 20: SERVING AUSTRALIA WITH PRIDE NAVY NEWS · 2017. 5. 3. · Boost for warfare simulation – P2Blood blitz a Stirling effort – P10 NSERVING AUSTRALIA WITH PRIDEAVY NEWS Volume 60,

Ph:1800 044 429www.astuteinvestments.com.auPhilip Game DirectorBE (Aero),Dip (Financial Services) REIQ Licensed Agent 13 Years Experience in the Defence Force across RAEME and AAAVN, Specialising in assisting Defence Personnel.Real Estate Lic No. 3291861

Defence Force Investment Specialists

FINALLYFREE Property Analysis Includes:• Should I buy a home and access DHOAS or use

RA/MQ and buy an investment?

• Should I use a 10% deposit and pay mortgage insurance or save for a 20% deposit?

• Should I be paying down my loan or utilising an offset account to reduce the interest payable?

• We will cover this and more so DON’T buy a home or investment without knowing!

A Financial Planner that specialises in Property

Contact us TODAY for your FREE Property Analysis

Receivea FREEPropertyAnalysis

Astute Investments QLD Pty Ltd is a Corporate Authorised Representative (No. 337 160) of Synchron, AFS Lic No. 243313.

A NEW pay system for perma-nent ADF members will launch on August 7.

Defence One will bring the ADF and APS into a single sys-tem. This will involve a number of changes, which personnel should be aware of.

These include changes to ter-minology, how ADF members apply for absences, allowances and deductions, and how appli-cations are submitted, processed and approved.

Director General Navy People Branch CDRE Michele Miller said members would be able to access a range of absence and allowance types that have previously been paper-based.

“We must all ensure that our leave, pay, allowances and payroll deductions, accurately reflect our personal circum-stances,” she said.

CDRE Miller said the system would more accurately reflect pay and benefits and would improve the timeliness of payment of a range of allowances.

Members are responsible for their pay, allowances and deductions, and must ensure their personal details are correct in PMKeyS and ADFPAY.

Self Service will be unavail-able for about 10 days during the implementation of Defence One. As such, members need to ensure their pay, allowance, leave applications and approvals are up to date. Any outstand-ing applications will need to be submitted to the Orderly Room/PAC or Career Management Agency before the implementa-tion of Defence One to avoid payment delays.

New-look salary systemWHAT IS CHANGING

Get ready for a new pay

system from August.

New absence terminology (Leave Management will be re-ferred to as Absence Manage-ment and Government Funded Travel replaces Free Travel).

The ability to submit, modify or delete requests for a range of member-initiated absences (leave). Paper forms will no longer be required or accepted where a member has access to Self Service.

Self Service will include four types of absence applications accessible through a man-datory drop-down box titled Absence Reason, with a choice of short absence from duty, leave without pay (LWOP), ADF travel and sick leave. The drop-down box for ADF sick leave will allow military members to select “other not indicated” as a reason, as sensitive medical information may be involved. Medical information is cap-tured in the Defence Electronic Health System.

The Return Date on an ab-sence request will become the End Date. The End Date will reflect the date of your last day of absence, rather than the date you will return to work.

When creating an absence request, the Start Date is to be populated first before select-ing an Absence Type and or Absence Name. Only then will the End Date field appear.

The Absence Name field will replace the Self Service Ab-sence Type. The Absence Type will now group similar Absence Names (for example, all forms of LWOP will be grouped under the LWOP Absence Type).

Address details on an absence request will need to be manu-ally entered.

Leave credits will be reduced each fortnight during an ab-sence rather than all at once at the start of the absence period. The value of leave taken over several pay periods will be deducted in each pay period, rather than in the first pay period only.

Members on part-time leave without pay (PTLWOP) or, from July 1, 2016, Service Category 6 (SERCAT6) will be able to use Self Service to submit absence requests. Defence One will automatically calculate absence durations, salary and allowances based on the member’s approved PTLWOP/SERCAT6 arrangement.

Shift workers will be able to override standard working days

to correctly reflect the dura-tion of an absence. To do this, members will need to self-identify at Go Live that they are shift workers. A Defence One Shift Worker fact sheet is under development.

�Members will continue to be able to update their bank account details, vary their MSBS contribution percentage and manage additional tax deductions in Self Service.

21PERSONNELMay 4, 2017 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

Tammy Meacham

SAILORS will have more control over their allowance requests after the new pay sys-tem – Defence One – launches on August 7.

Personnel will have the abil-ity to submit, modify or delete a range of member-initiated allowances and deductions.

Electronic requests through Self Service will streamline Defence processes in line with the First Principles Review and save time and resources.

Defence One Employee Self Service is set to give members far greater control over their individual allowance requests through increas-ing data quality and providing sail-ors with a more timely and accurate picture of their leave status and allowance entitlements.

Self Service will be unavaila-ble for about 10 days during the implementation of Defence One. Sailors are encouraged to take action now to ensure their pay, allowance, leave applications and approvals are up to date.

For further information on Defence One, visit the Defence Intranet home-page > Groups > CIOG > For CIOG Staff > CIOG Initiatives > Defence One

More control over your paySELF SERVICE ALLOWANCES

AND DEDUCTIONS ESS > My Pay > My

ADF Pay menu will be expanded to include the following new pages: ADF Allowance Request; ADF Modify Deduction; and ADF Deduction Request.

Instructional text is dynamically displayed on both the Allowance Request and Deduction Request pages, based on the allowance and deduction type selected in the application.

Allowance Approvals: allowance requests will be sent electronically to LCDR and above in the chain of command or the person in the chain of command of the selected approver. Deductions do not require manager approval.

Workflow reminders will be as per current functionality for un-actioned requests: an email reminder to the relevant approver within a member’s chain of command seven days after

a member initiated request; a second email reminder to the approver and the approver’s manager (next in the chain of command) 14 days after submission; and, new workflow escalation functionality will escalate all un-actioned requests via email to the approver’s manager (next in the member’s chain of command), with a copy to the member 21 days after submission.

The new payroll system is able to detect incompatible or potentially incompatible allowances, so if sailors have applied for an allowance via Self Service and it does not appear on their payslip, it may have been blocked because of an incompatibility during payroll processing. Contact the orderly room or Pay and Administration Centre (PAC) for assistance if this happens.

Page 21: SERVING AUSTRALIA WITH PRIDE NAVY NEWS · 2017. 5. 3. · Boost for warfare simulation – P2Blood blitz a Stirling effort – P10 NSERVING AUSTRALIA WITH PRIDEAVY NEWS Volume 60,

Look forward

Not all Novated Leases are created equalGet all the numbers straight up

Get a quote 1300 131 050 or stratton.com.au

Aus

tral

ian

Cre

dit

Lice

nce

No

. 364

340

22 HEALTH www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS May 4, 2017

Making the right movesPhysiotherapists are an integral part of ensuring a fit and healthy Navy, CPL Mark Doran reports.

CAPT Emma Williams assists LEUT Meg Frugtniet with her rehabilitation. Photo: CPL Mark Doran

‘‘– CAPT Emma Williams,

DHC Physiotherapy Department

ADF personnel are generally highly motivated and want to get back to their job as quickly as possible.

DEFENCE demands high levels of fitness from its personnel and many of the roles for sailors are physically challenging.

Injuries happen, but physiotherapists are available to assess and treat a variety of conditions affecting movement and physi-cal function.

They provide assessment, advice and treatment for injuries as well as appropriate programs for prevention or prehabilitation.

Within Defence, APS, contractors and military personnel staff physiotherapy departments and work closely with medical officers.

CAPT Emma Williams, of Joint Health Command, works in the Duntroon Health Centre (DHC) physiotherapy department.

There are about 40 departments across Australia.

She said if sailors had musculoskeletal concerns, they should seek advice from their local medical centre, where they will be referred to a physi-otherapist.

“Military physi-otherapists are mainly based in Brisbane, Townsville and Darwin to provide clinical treatments and deploy with either the general health bat-talion, or provide more integral support with one of the close health companies to support field exercises such as Exercise Talisman Sabre,” she said.

“We also provide support for over-seas operations, triservice sports, the Army Aboriginal Community Assistance Program and the Invictus Games.

“The physiotherapy services we provide are about on par with what is available for professional athletes with respect to timeli-ness of treatments and facilities available compared with what civilians can access.”

CAPT Williams said the most common injuries for Defence personnel were to the ankles, shoulders and knees, from sporting activities.

“The majority of our work is musculo-skeletal and orthopaedics [post-surgery],” she said.

“The other common injuries we deal with are from military training activities and chronic injuries to the lower back and neck. We also do post-operative care for patients with issues like knee reconstruc-tions and these can take up to 12 months of rehabilitation.

“Neurological conditions such as

acquired brain injuries or balance problems are often referred to specialist physiothera-py clinics.”

Appointment procedures vary in differ-ent locations, but at DHC there is a physi-otherapy sick parade for acute injuries, or patients can book an appointment at the department without seeing the medical officer or having a referral.

CAPT Williams said physiotherapists were trained in exercise prescription to improve function and strength following an injury.

“Our focus in Defence is exercise-based physiotherapy where patients take owner-ship of their rehabilitation program,” she said.

“We’re not magicians – we can’t fix people – but they can fix themselves with the correct advice and guid-ance.

“The evidence is limited for the value of electrotherapy treatment such as ultrasound or interferential therapy.

“Exercise therapy has been proven by research to be one of the most effective ways to improve or prevent

pain and injury.“ADF personnel are generally highly

motivated and want to get back to their job as quickly as possible, so when we give them a rehabilitation exercise program peo-ple are generally receptive.”

CAPT Williams said if members had a serious injury and could not pass a fitness assessment within 28 days there were administration processes in place including an assessment of their medical classification.

“This is where the doctor becomes involved and it could potentially lead to a medical downgrade,” she said.

“There’s sometimes a stigma about a downgrade, but it allows people to com-plete their rehabilitation and also protects them from being involved in activities they should avoid during a recovery program.”

She said if an ADF member suspected they had a musculoskeletal problem it was always best to seek advice.

“I would much rather see a patient with a small problem we can work out the cause of before it gets worse. It can be quite frus-trating when someone comes in complain-ing about the back pain they’ve had for 10 years and have never seen anyone about it.

“It makes it a lot harder to treat.”

Page 22: SERVING AUSTRALIA WITH PRIDE NAVY NEWS · 2017. 5. 3. · Boost for warfare simulation – P2Blood blitz a Stirling effort – P10 NSERVING AUSTRALIA WITH PRIDEAVY NEWS Volume 60,

23SPORTMay 4, 2017 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

NAVY Old Salts turned out against the ACT Vets on April 8 to play in a curtain-raiser to the Brumbies v Reds Super Rugby Fixture in Canberra.

The Old Salts and Vets have done battle for several years and set out this year to break the deadlock, which has often been a nine-all draw.

The Old Salts opened the scoring with a superb running try, which was answered quickly by the Veterans with a devastating charge upfield to lock the scores at five-all.

There was a good deal more fancy foot-work by CPOML-S Dan Carter running off the deft distribution of scrum half, CAPT Nick Stoker, but there were no further points in the first half.

The standard remained high in the second half.

The b igges t per formance in the forwards came from Navy’s biggest

man, Mick Trotter, who’s elegance when trucking the ball up has to be seen to be appreciated.

The final score was, surprisingly in a game with no goal kicking, nine-all.

Navy’s player-of-the-match was Shane Paton, who was busy defending his wing and seemed relieved not to be playing hooker.

In the post match presentation the vets’ fundraising delivered two cheques of $1250 each to the Canberra Hospital Foundation, received by Tim McDonald, and to Legacy, received by the president of ACT Legacy, RADM Gerry Carwardine (retd).

The rear admiral noted that he had “a foot in both camps” through his associ-ation with Legacy and his naval career, although he did seem to be supporting the Old Salts.

LEUT Ben Robinson

PLAYING against traditional rivals the Australian Combined Emergency Services, in front of an estimated 12,000 people, the ADF Aussie Rules All-Stars men’s team has won the Anzac Challenge trophy for the fourth consecutive year.

The Defence team led for the first half, with the Emergency Services taking the lead late in the third quarter. However, the All-Stars managed to reverse the momentum and came from behind to win with a final score of 8.5-53 to 5.12-42.

Played as a curtain raiser to the AFL blockbuster between Port Adelaide and Carlton at Adelaide Oval, the Defence players were determined to keep the trophy.

ABBM Daniel Fry, who has played ADF representative football for more than five years, said it was an amazing experience to have played in all four recent wins against an honourable opponent.

All-Stars coach, SGT James Debono, said he was inspired by the way the team played and lived up to the team’s ethos of discipline, pride, respect and professionalism.

“I couldn’t have been more proud of how the guys played and how they dug deep in the last quarter, even though they were tired they lifted in front of the huge crowd to bring home a win for the ADF,” SGT Debono said.

SMNBM Jacob Harvey-Bickley's efforts were reflective of the team’s ethos, providing one of the best individual four quarters of football the coaching staff had seen from a Defence footballer, and awarded the team’s most valuable player.

FLTLT Mark Bignell said it was a huge honour to represent the ADF during the AFL's Anzac Round.

The annual Anzac Challenge is the highest level of representa-tion for Defence Australian Rules football players and the ADF men’s team once again benefited from a week preparing for the game with the Port Adelaide Football Club.

ADF rides bumps for a win

FLGOFF Amanda Scott

AN AUSTRALIAN sailor won two medals at the seventh annual Marine Corps Trials.

He joined hundreds of wounded, injured and ill US marines and current and former military personnel from across the globe, including two Australian airmen, at the adap-tive sports event held in San Diego at Camp Pendleton from March 4-15.

More than 325 competitors attended the 12-day rehabilitative event hosted by the Marine Corps Wounded Warrior Regiment. They competed in sports ranging from swim-ming, track and cycling to wheelchair basket-ball, field shooting and sitting volleyball.

The event, open to recovering service members of all skill levels, is designed to foster camaraderie and further rehabilitation.

It is also used as the primary opportunity to select US Marine Corps participants for the US Department of Defence Warrior Games.

ABHSO Patrick Condon, of HMAS Cairns, competed in the swimming and

shooting events. He won gold in the 50m freestyle and silver in the 4 x 50m freestyle.

He said his preparation leading up to the trip included swimming, weights and cardio.

“Sport has played a huge role in helping me sleep better and maintaining a healthy body and healthy mind,” AB Condon said.

“It’s also given me a goal to aim towards and I feel better because of it.

“The trip enabled me to experience other militaries, see how they carry out things on

their base and meet a heap of new people. “The camaraderie was amazing.”Team manager WGCDR Ray O’Reilly

said it was good to see all personnel gave it their best effort and were prepared to give anything a go.

“It didn’t matter what country, service or speciality individuals came from, everyone helped one another and encouraged others,” he said.

Australian sailor shines at Marine Corps TrialsThe Australian team won the silver medal in the 4 x 50m freestyle relay at the Marine Corps trials in San Diego, USA.

LCDR Peter Osbourne runs the wing during the Navy Old Salts versus ACT Veterans rugby match in Canberra.Photo: Michael Thompson Photography

ABMT Jaimon McGeehan puts

his body on the line for the

ADF All-Stars in Adelaide.

Photo: SGT Robert Hack

Old Salts fail to break long-running deadlock

Page 23: SERVING AUSTRALIA WITH PRIDE NAVY NEWS · 2017. 5. 3. · Boost for warfare simulation – P2Blood blitz a Stirling effort – P10 NSERVING AUSTRALIA WITH PRIDEAVY NEWS Volume 60,

© Image courtesy of Department of Defence

Assisting serving and ex-servingADF members and their familiesin times of injury, illnessand crisis.

rsldefencecare.org.au

Volume 60, No. 7, May 4, 2017

SPORT

STAR TURN

LEUT Ben Willee

PLAYING against a very professional represent-ative team from the Victorian Football League on April 23, the ADF Women’s All Stars lost by only 11 points.

Played as a curtain raiser to the St Kilda v Geelong game at Docklands Stadium on April 23, the final score was ADF Women’s All Stars 2.3.15 and Victorians 4.2.26

ABBM Cassandra Emery, LSEW Rhiannon Metcalfe, ABCIS Amanda Doyle, LSML-C Meg Magnuson, LSPTI Jessica Fisher and ABBM Stephanie Went laced up the boots for the ADF and helped to keep the contest close.

ADF coach LTCOL Danielle Glatz was proud of her team’s performance.

“They brought a group of women who are aspiring for AFLW selection, and they have been training together for the past five months,” she said.

“Our entire team is made up of serving mem-bers who have been training together for five days and yet today the scoreboard shows a hard-fought contest that was neck-and-neck.”

The team’s captain, Army SGT Rhiannon Bush, said she was impressed with the standard of football.

“This is by far the best pool of talent ever for ADF Women’s Football. I’m pleased with the way they jelled in a very short time,” she said.

“We’ve come a long way from last week where we didn’t even know each other’s names, let alone each of our styles of footy and strengths on the field.

“As a collective and forming our team in five days, to come out and play a team of that calibre that have been training for six months; what a way to pull together, form as a squad and give them a run for their money. It was fantastic and I’m proud to be a part of the side.”

ADF All-Stars gallant in defeat

INSIDEMen’s Aussie Rules side wins cup – Page 23

Old Salts hold vets to a draw– Page 23

ABBM Cassandra Emery is pursued as she attempts to kick into the forward line. Photo: LSIS Nina Fogliani