AIRF RCEVol. 59, No. 4, March 23, 2017 The official newspaper of the Royal Australian Air Force

Centre

The next generation on show at Avalon

LAC Daniel McCormac performs a clearance sweep with military working dog Outlaw during Exercise Cope North.Photo: SGT Amanda Campbell

ALL CLEAR

Exercise Cope North

Sniffing out the ‘danger’

in Guam

Special lift-out inside:

2 March 23, 2017RCEAIR FNews

DirectorDavid Edlington: (02) 6265 4650

EditorLawrence Dutrieux: (02) 6266 7612

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

CONTACT USraafnews@defencenews.gov.auThe Editor, Air Force News, R8-LG-047, PO Box 7909, Department of Defence, ACT 2600www.defence.gov.au/news/raafnewsFax: (02) 6265 6690

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

SGT Dave Morley

DEFENCE’S commitment to reducing the occurrence and impact of family and domestic violence was strongly reinforced at the launch of the Defence Family and Domestic Violence Strategy at Russell on March 15.

Launching the strategy, Defence Minister Marise Payne said reducing domestic violence was a priority for governments across Australia.

“Family and domestic vio-lence can have devastating and lifelong effects,” she said.

“Whether directly affected by family and domestic violence or not, everyone has a role to play and you can make a difference.

“So i t ’s important that Defence, as an organisation, is actively engaged in making sure those affected are appropriately supported.”

Senator Payne said Defence personnel must know they can safely report incidents of family and domestic violence, that their reports will be taken seriously and that Defence will act accord-ingly.

“It’s important to remember

family and domestic violence isn’t just physical violence. It can also include psychologi-cal violence such as controlling behaviour, restricting access to family and friends, sexual vio-lence, financial abuse, technolo-gy-facilitated abuse or neglect of physical needs,” she said.

“We must continue to work together to ensure Defence members and their families have a safe and supportive environ-ment.”

Defence has a zero toler-ance policy towards family and domestic violence.

Stand against violence

CPL Bill Solomou

A FATHER and son have clocked up a first and probable last between them as they return from simultaneous deploy-ments to the Middle East.

WGCDR Philip Sexton deployed as the senior personnel officer at Headquarters Joint Task Force 633, at Australia’s main logistics base in the Middle East.

His son LAC Caleb Sexton served at Australia’s main operating base as a communications electronics techni-cian with Theatre Communications Group 3.

It was LAC Sexton’s first deploy-ment to the MER in his three-year service career, while WGCDR Sexton said his deployment was likely to be the last of his 30-year career.

During the Theatre Communications Group 3 transfer of authority medal parade, WGCDR Sexton had the honour of present-ing his son with his first Australian Operational Service Medal (AOSM).

“I received my AOSM in November last year and it is great to be given the opportunity to present my son with his,” he said.

WGCDR Sexton said the pair were geographically closer in the Middle East than they are in Australia.

“Caleb is posted to RAAF Base Edinburgh and I’m in Canberra, so it was funny that our deployments actually brought us closer together,” WGCDR Sexton said.

“We were able to catch up for Christmas, which meant a lot to us both.”

Far away and closer than ever

The Defence Family and Domestic Violence Strategy is available on the Defence website, http://www.defence.gov.au/Publications/

Families needing support or advice can call the all-hours Defence Family Helpline on 1800 624 608, or go to the Defence Community Organisation web-site at www.defence.gov.au/dco

The helpline is staffed by human services professionals, including social workers and psychologists, who can provide assessment, assistance, referral and connection with a local area office.

HELP AT HAND

Defence Minister Marise Payne launches the Defence Family and

Domestic Violence Strategy at Russell in

Canberra.Photo: CPL Dan Pinhorn

WGCDR Philip Sexton (left) presents his son LAC Caleb Sexton with the Australian Operational Service Medal in the Middle East.Photo: CPL Bill Solomou

AIRF RCEVol. 59, No. 4, March 23, 2017 The official newspaper of the Royal Australian Air Force

Centre

The next generation on show at Avalon

LAC Daniel McCormac performs a clearance sweep with military working dog Outlaw during Exercise Cope North.Photo: SGT Amanda Campbell

ALL CLEAR

Exercise Cope North

Sniffing out the ‘danger’

in Guam

Special lift-out inside:

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3March 23, 2017RCEAIR F News

SQNLDR Tina Turner

SENIOR RAAF and US Air Force (USAF) Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) representatives met in Australia early this month to discuss combined air-field damage repair training opportuni-ties.

The combined training will be con-ducted as part of the Enhanced Air Cooperation (EAC), which builds on a range of joint air exercises and training activities already undertaken by the US and Australia.

COL Dwayne Robison, Chief of the Civil Engineering Division in the Directorate of Logistics, Engineering and Force Protection, HQ PACAF, led the PACAF team during the EAC key leadership engagement.

COL Robison and CO No. 65 Squadron WGCDR Jeffrey Howard held a series of meetings with the Combat Support Group senior leader-ship team at RAAF Base Amberley, in addition to participating in tacti-cal level demonstrations, displays and discussions at RAAF Base Townsville,

RAAF Base Richmond and Defence Establishment Orchard Hills, from March 6 to 10.

COL Robison and WGCDR Howard identified opportunities dur-ing RAAF-led exercises later this year for scenarios involving explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) and airfield engineering (AFENG) elements of the USAF and US Marine Corp (USMC).

Each year 65SQN conducts and participates in a number of exercises that develop, maintain and improve specialist EOD and AFENG capabil-

ities. The exercises will be used as a platform for building future EAC opportunities for broader air base recovery exercises.

WOFF Pete Douglass, of 65SQN’s EOD Flight, said USAF and USMC involvement in 65SQN-led exercises and other combined airfield damage repair (ADR) training activities would benefit the squadron.

“Exposing 65SQN members to USAF and USMC rapid airfield clear-ance techniques and equipment will also directly contribute to a more

robust airfield recovery capability within 65SQN,” he said.

WGCDR Howard said combined ADR training, built around scenarios in northern Australia, would strengthen Air Force’s interoperability and rela-tionships with USAF and USMC.

“The ADR capabilities of both air forces are critical for humanitarian and disaster relief operations in Australia and the South Pacific region as well as expeditionary operations and deploy-ments overseas,” he said.

Friends who fix airfields

AIR Combat Group (ACG) is keen to share its success in improving the qual-ity and quantity of fighter jet graduates in the past two years with the long-standing re-role program.

Commander ACG AIRCDRE Steven Roberton said the group was always on the lookout for new fighter pilots and had transferred training support initia-tives to No. 2 Flying Training School’s graduate and re-role fast jet trainee programs.

“We want women and men fly-ing the next-generation fighter jets. A structured and more thorough selection process for re-role candidates will be introduced to improve selection meth-odology, manage candidate prepara-tions and enable individual trainee risk assessment and management,” he said.

AIRCDRE Roberton said this would be supported by Performance Enhancement Program (PEP) mentoring and coaching and a tailored preparation and induction program for re-role can-didates before their Introductory Fighter

Course at No. 79 Squadron.“Graduation numbers have been at

historic highs with initiatives such as the PEP, fast jet trainee performance coaching/mentoring and No. 78 Wing’s Physical Conditioning and Injury Management Program,” he said.

“ACG has undergone a cultural change in the way we train fast jet pilots – even down to the language used in our training manuals. The current re-role paper-based application process will be supplemented by a one-week Fighter Jet Selection course to be held biennially at RAAF Base Williamtown,’’ he said.

“78WG will also develop a re-role preparatory course at 79SQN using the new LIFCAP (Lead-In Fighter Capability Assurance Program) simula-tor and basic skills assessment, PEP assessment of key mental skills, expo-sure to daily squadron working envi-ronments and exposure to Operational Conversion Unit) and operational squadrons.”

Pilot program spreads wings

COL Dwayne Robison and WGCDR Jeffrey Howard (third and fourth from left) and other personnel tour the facilities and equipment held at the 65SQN RAAF Base Townsville detachment.Photo: CPL Glen McCarthy

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4 March 23, 2017RCEAIR FPeacekeeping

SGT Dave Morley

PARTICIPANTS from as far away as Egypt and Jordan attended a peace opera-tions seminar at the ADF Peace Operations Training Centre at Weston Creek in Canberra from March 6-10.

Commandant Australian Command and Staff College AIRCDRE Matt Hegarty said in his opening address that the UN peace-keeping system was facing increasing challenges as the multidimensional aspects of contemporary peacekeeping operations became more complex.

“The scope and scale of UN peace-keeping is huge, with more than 117,000 military, police and civilian personnel deployed across more than a dozen peace-keeping missions,” he said.

“Increasingly, peacekeepers are being deployed to conflict areas in difficult oper-ating environments, where often there is little peace to keep, host state capacity is weak and local stakeholders are openly hostile to the UN’s presence.”

AIRCDRE Hegarty said the nature of peacekeeping had changed.

“Originally developed as a means of dealing with interstate conflict, UN peace-keeping has been increasingly applied to intrastate conflicts and civil wars,” he said.

“Peacekeepers are increasingly required to protect civilians and non-combatants in mission areas rather than observe buffer zones. Peacekeeping per-sonnel are mandated to protect civilians and safeguard the human rights of all those who they are called on to protect.”

SGT Dave Morley

COMMANDER Joint Health and Surgeon-General ADF AVM Tracy Smart’s first over-seas deployment was one she’ll never forget.

After six years in the Air Force she found herself part of the 300-strong AUSMED contingent to the UN Assistance Mission in Rwanda (UNAMIR II) in 1995, as senior RAAF officer, AME coordinator and OC Clinical Services.

She said the AUSMED mission was to provide health support to UNAMIR II’s 5500 troops and to the local population on an opportunity basis.

“The conditions we dealt with were differ-ent from anything we’d faced in Australia and included infectious diseases, malnutrition, exotic tumours, old war injuries and trauma from grenades, mines, gunshot wounds and motor vehicle accidents,” she said.

“We faced the risk of HIV, we were fatigued from long shifts and being on call, we had limited resources and support, and we had patients dying on a scale not experienced in Australian hospitals.”

AVM Smart, who was a presenter at the peace oper-ations seminar in Canberra, said there were occasions when they faced ethical dilemmas of “playing God” by prioritising patients.

“Western health providers are taught to save lives at any cost, to prioritise in accordance with medical, not mission, needs,” she said.

“The capabilities of clinical practitioners can exceed the planned logistic support to the mission.

“So we had to make decisions which were extreme-ly stressful.

“These types of events had long-term effects on many of my colleagues.”

AVM Smart said there were positives to come out of the Rwanda experience.

“We did the job we were trained for – saving lives. Each child we saved or left a positive imprint on had the potential to grow up and make a positive difference in their country – a small victory,” she said.

“I also believe these experiences made many of us stronger and more resilient as individuals, a concept known as post-traumatic growth.”

Complex times for peace ops

How resilience grows in a testing environment

‘Peacekeepers are increasingly required to protect civilians and non-combatants in mission areas.AIRCDRE Matt Hegarty

Commandant ACSCS e m i n a r c o o r d i n a t o r M A J

Gobalakirshna Govindasamy said the sem-inar aimed to familiarise selected ADF personnel, as well as staff from other agencies and international Defence part-ners, with current and future factors influ-encing participation in peace operations.

“The seminar panel consisted of 28 Australians from the ADF, Department of Defence, DFAT, AFP and Australian Civil-Military Centre,” he said.

“The 20 international participants were selected by International Policy Division from 10 countries across the South-East Asia, South Asia and Middle East region. Keynote speakers and panel members were selected from a wide range of military, police, civilian and academic backgrounds in order to provide a balanced blend of inputs for each day of the seminar.”

ADF peacekeepers at work in Rwanda in 1995.

AVM Tracy Smart addresses the peace operations seminar in Canberra; and (inset) in the field in Rwanda in 1995.

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5March 23, 2017RCEAIR F Peacekeeping

THE chance to broaden her understanding of the ADF’s role in peacekeeping operations with the UN and, in particular, the women, peace and security role in these operations, was the reason one Air Force officer applied to attend the peace opera-tions seminar in Canberra in early March.

Senior military training adviser at HQ DFR SQNLDR Zoe Goldsmith said the guest lecturers at the seminar “had a broad range of policy and practical experiences, allowing students to gain an appreciation not only of the key conceptual issues involved in peace operations but also how they are implemented on the ground”.

“Their stories were personal and they shared their experiences so willingly and honestly. Their presentations will remain with me for a long time,” she said.

SQNLDR Goldsmith appreciated the partici-

pation of foreign students. “These students from diverse countries such as Pakistan, Jordan and Myanmar provided a unique perspective on peace ops and willingly shared their extensive peace-keeping experience in operational theatres where the ADF has not been deployed,” she said.

“Being given the opportunity to network with these international members and also Defence graduates was one of the many highlights.”

SQNLDR Goldsmith was impressed with how the course tackled some of the challenges of peacekeeping operations, including working with local partner forces, addressing conflict-related sexual violence and integrating women, peace and security principles.

“This seminar has given me a sound under-standing of the roles and contributions of the many organisations involved in peacekeeping,” she said.

SQNLDR Zoe Goldsmith (fourth row, fourth from left) among participants in the peace operations seminar.

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SGT Dave Morley

ADFA cadets shared morning tea with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, Defence Minister Marise Payne and Minister for Women Michaelia Cash to celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8.

More than 150 people attended the event, including ADF senior leader-ship and other senior female members, as well as the cadets.

Mr Turnbull said the purpose of the event was to celebrate the achieve-ments of women in the ADF and at ADFA.

“We thank you, the women of the ADF serving here and overseas,” he said.

“Each of you are magnificent role models for young women and girls right across Australia.

“Women in Defence are making a huge contribution across the range of military planning, policy and operations in support of our national interest. This year, women make up more than 20 per cent of all recruits to the ADF.”

Senator Payne said more than 40 per cent of the Defence Graduate intakes in the Defence Organisation were now women. The number of

women in SES positions was also increasing and women were now fill-ing senior deputy secretary roles.

“Can I say to the female cadets who are here today that there are many women who’ve gone before you – some, many, still in place,” she said.

“In your future – and in your pre-sent – you represent their voice and aspirations, and your own, for what women can and will achieve in the ADF.”

OFFCDT Janet Mulder, who joined the Air Force in 2015, said International Women’s Day was an amazing opportunity for women and it reinforced the message that all women were capable of doing what she was doing in the ADF.

“Seeing all the high-ranking female officers attending this event is really motivating and inspiring for women like us,” she said.

“It shows we are able to achieve things that previously would be per-ceived as things only males could achieve. It’s really reinforcing the fact we have a future in the ADF and we’re able to do things we’d never have been able to do before.”

Flight camp for young women Page 11

6 March 23, 2017RCEAIR FInternational Women’s Day

Inspiration in the present and future

PTI CPL Candice Freeman holds a photo of Turia Pitt, who has inspired her to reach for her goals.Photo: CPL David Gibbs

OFFCDT Janet Mulder at the International Women’s Day

celebrations at ADFA.Photo: Jayson Tufrey

7March 23, 2017RCEAIR F International Women’s Day

FLTLT Natalie Giles

THE International Women’s Day Being Bold for Change campaign this year has challenged people to nomi-nate the area in which they will take “bold action”.

For PTI CPL Candice Freeman, who is deployed with the Air Task Group in the Middle East as part of Operation Accordion, celebrating women’s achievements is her bold action.

“International Women’s Day for me is about celebrating one woman’s journey and the barriers she has over-come to get where she is today,” CPL Freeman said.

“This year I have been particularly inspired by Turia Pitt.

“I read her biography and her

journey inspires me to train harder and push harder in my goals.”

For FLTLT Naomi Holmes, an operations officer deployed with the Air Task Group as part of Operation Okra, inspiration comes from a little closer to home.

“My mum, Jenny, inspires me every day with her kind-heartedness and her significant service to the com-munity through her volunteer work,” she said.

“This has inspired me to want to serve my country and make a differ-ence in the world by contributing to Operation Okra.”

International Women’s Day, held on March 8, is a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.

New South Wales and The Great War

When the Great War began in August 1914, the people of New South Wales took up the call to arms. NSW sent more people than any other state to serve overseas and many more worked and volunteered to support the war effort.

Written by historians Naomi Parry and Brad Manera, Will Davies and Stephen Garton, New South Wales and The Great War is an informative mix of stirring text, archival records and emotive photographs, that enable us to visualise our state’s war experience.

It is an authoritative history that uses therich visuals and written records held by the Anzac Memorial, the State Library of NSW, NSW State Records, the NSW Department of Education and the University of Sydney that reveal the impact of war on the ordinary citizens of NSW, in theatres of combat and at home in our cities, towns and rural communities.

His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Ret'd) Governor of New South Wales launched New South Wales and The Great War at Government House in November 2016, describing it as a "visually arresting and authoritative account of NSW during and after the Great War".

New South Wales and The Great War honours the sacrifice, the service, the dedication and patriotism of those men and women who left our shores. There are also great tales and everyday stories from home, as those who remained worked tirelessly to provide assistance and support throughout the war.

This is a book that every household should own, and an opportunity to pass on our state’s history to current and future generations.

All proceeds go to support the Anzac Memorial’s heritage conservation and collection of military artefacts, and new education programs.

Bulk purchases are available for a discounted price. Buy 10 or more books for $25 per book (plus P&H). Contact the office of Veteran’s Affairs on 9228 4952 for further information.

Get your copy now for only $35, delivered in time for Anzac DayVisit the State Library shop or online

shop.sl.nsw.gov.au/new-south-wales-and-the-great-war

Making a difference by taking bold action

FLTLT Naomi Holmes holds a picture of

her mother, who has inspired her to ‘make a

difference in the world’.Photo: CPL David Gibbs

SGT Dave Morley

DEFENCE members at Russell Offices were treated to an inspira-tional presentation on March 10 to celebrate International Women’s Day.

Former rugby league great and 2014 ACT Woman of the Year Katrina Fanning, a proud Wiradjuri woman from Junee, NSW, shared her story with more than 200 people over high tea.

She said she wanted to focus on being the change people wanted to see in the world.

“All of us impact someone and something every day – what impact that has is up to us,” she said.

“As a young person I faced a lot of adversity and was vulnerable to decision-makers, who at the time didn’t always have my best interests at heart.

“This gave me a determination to be as big a part of the decision-making process as possible, and what better place than the public service?

“I soon also became focused on being the voice for many Australians who couldn’t be at the decision-mak-ing table, but that seat at the table can test you in ways you didn’t see coming.”

Ms Fanning said another thing she had learnt in her journey was the value of what it took for true commitment

“Find things you’re passionate about, where you want to make an impact and why,” she said.

Be the change you want to see

“This understanding will help dur-ing the tough times.”

Ms Fanning’s final advice was, “the most important conversation you will have every day is the one you

have with yourself, by yourself, about yourself”. Ms Fanning received the Public Service Medal for outstanding service in Indigenous affairs in the 2015 Queen’s Birthday honours list.

CDF ACM Mark Binskin, ACT Australian of the Year nominee Katrina Fanning and Defence Secretary Dennis Richardson cut the cake at an International Women’s Day morning tea at Russell Offices in Canberra. Photo: CPL Dan Pinhorn

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8 March 23, 2017RCEAIR FNews

A COMMEMORATION of the WWII Bangka Island massacre at the Australian War Memorial (AWM) in Canberra on February 16 was a stark reminder of what military nurses endured when car-ing for the wounded in wartime.

Rhonda Davies, wife of CAF AIRMSHL Leo Davies, took part in the ceremony marking the 75th anniversary of the massacre.

In 1942 Japanese soldiers ordered 22 Australian Army nurses into the sea and killed them with machine guns. Only one of the women, Sister Vivian Bullwinkel, survived.

Mrs Davies and FLTLT Lisa Swanwick, wife of WOFF-AF Rob Swanwick, were invited to lay an Air Force wreath beside the Pool of Reflection at the AWM in honour of Sister Lorna Florence Fairweather, who died in the massacre.

The ceremony was especially moving for Mrs Davies, who is a nurse.

“It is truly humbling to be here today

to reflect on and honour these stoic nurses whose lives were dedicated to others. Yet sadly they lost theirs,” Mrs Davies said.

“I understand the calling and dedica-tion of these nurses. In times of great need and tragedy, we see the true capac-ity and strength of the human spirit. These women are exemplars.”

FLTLT Swanwick, a logistics officer, said it was important that personnel remember “our remarkable wartime nurses who take on the care-giving role, as they do so at great personal and emo-tional risk”.

“Participating in today’s ceremony has been a great privilege and honour – a heartbreaking and moving occasion I will never forget,” she said.

At the end of each day the Australian War Memorial farewells visitors with the Last Post Ceremony. Further details on the ceremony can be found at https://www.awm.gov.au/events/last-post-ceremony/

Reflection on lives lost in duty of care

From left, nursing officer and aide de camp to the Governor-General FLTLT Pamela Wittman, Mrs Rhonda Davies, nursing officer and aide de camp to CAF FLTLT Emma Dingle, and FLTLT Lisa Swanwick at the Pool of Reflection. Photo: Adam Kropinski-Myers

SQNLDR Bruce Chalmers

CROWDS five deep welcomed back military working dogs (MWD) to this year’s Clipsal 500 after an absence of three years.

Daily displays by 3SECFOR dogs were just one part of the ADF’s presence at the three-day Adelaide event early this month.

ADF Oval, in the centre of the track, played host to Air Force dis-plays by personnel from RAAF Base Edinburgh and the Army’s 1st Brigade.

W h i l e t h e A u s t r a l i a n International Air Show was dem-onstrating fifth-generation aircraft, the Clipsal 500 display highlighted how the fifth-generation hardware of Army, Navy and Air Force is integrated by the work of the Air Warfare Centre, under Plan Jericho.

A cyber-security display by No. 462 Squadron drew much attention.

Electrical engineer FLGOFF Max Jeffries said visitors were fas-cinated by the Norse cyber-attack map, “which shows some of the cyber attacks occurring on the inter-net in real time”.

Paws return to applause

“They were all surprised at the constant amount of activity around the world and how vulnerable their own computers could be,” he said.

Younger patrons enjoyed trying on a fighter pilot’s helmet, getting inside an Aerolite 10 life raft, band-aging a No. 2 Expeditionary Health Support training mannequin and posing behind a range of weapons displayed by 3SECFOR.

A No. 79 Squadron Hawk 127

performed an aerial display and fly-over during a combined services rendition of the national anthem.

AC Rhys Mitting said the crowds were impressed by the G-Wagon he displayed and the Air Force Bushmaster protected mobil-ity vehicle.

“Their attention was mainly on the weapons systems and their abil-ity to communicate across all plat-forms in the battlespace,” he said.

3SECFOR handler AC Danny Westwood orders MWD Atlas to grab CPL Andrew Smith at the Clipsal 500. Photo: CPL Colin Dadd

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LEADING the Air Force contingent in the Sydney Mardi Gras parade on March 4 was an “exhilarating” experience for WGCDR Vince Chong.

Taking part in his fifth parade, OIC Defence Contingent WGCDR Chong said he was “incred-ibly proud of Defence’s support for diversity and inclusion”.

Up to 160 members from the Air Force, Navy and Army, along with Defence public servants and family and friends, took part in the parade, with around 100 volunteering to march in uni-form.

The theme for this year’s Mardi Gras was Creating Equality, and personnel who marched demonstrated their support for members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) Defence community.

“Defence’s presence at this iconic national festival for LGBTI people demonstrates our ongo-ing commitment to inclusive culture and support for the diverse people who operate and sustain our advanced military capabilities,” WGCDR Chong said.

LGBTI champion and First Assistant Secretary Defence People Group Richard Oliver and his wife Louise marched with the contingent.

Personnel have marched in uniform since 2013 and their participation is one of the significant efforts VCDF VADM Ray Griggs said Defence had made over the years to improve its culture of inclusion.

Inclusion is critical to our combat capability, which relies on team cohesion and respect.

An inclusive culture also promotes a broader range of perspectives to enhance operational plan-ning and activities, and helps to ensure Defence was more representative of the community.

9March 23, 2017RCEAIR F News

Taking inclusion in stride

Air Force personnel assemble in Hyde Park before participating in the 2017 Mardi Gras parade. Photo: PO Yuri Ramsey

FLTLT Tanya Carter

ASK any Air Force officer and they will tell you that adventure training was one of the most challenging, exciting and memorable aspects of their initial officer training.

So it was with much anticipation that Initial Officer Course (IOC) par-ticipants travelled from RAAF Base East Sale to Buchan State Forest in Victoria for Exercise Wirraway in early March.

This is a physically and mental-ly challenging two-day exercise that exposes officer trainees to self-mas-tery, resilience and leadership in an environment outside their comfort zone.

Initial officer trainee FLGOFF Mahatia Minniecon found the experi-ence personally rewarding.

“I learnt a lot about myself dur-ing this exercise and during the criti-cal self-reflection phase. I particularly

enjoyed the opportunity to bond with and learn things about the other mem-bers of my section during adventure training,” she said.

Students participated in caving, abseiling and navigation, and con-structed a field living environment.

FLGOFF Minniecon participated in an abseiling activity at Rocky Knob, under the supervision of the Officers’ Training School adventure training staff.

She and the other students were then encouraged to tackle a 30-metre “caving ladder” climb back to the top of the cliff face.

“We had to climb a ladder, which provided a significant physical chal-lenge. My hands were in excruciating pain as I was coming close to the top and the physical pain was making my mind weak,” FLGOFF Minniecon said.

“It did cross my mind to just give up and I found myself repeating ‘fail-ure is not an option’ over and over

again in my head, until I reached the top.

“This exercise forced me out of my comfort zone. Making it to the top removed any self-doubt I had in my abilities. I am into week three of Initial Officer Training and I am get-ting used to getting comfortable with the uncomfortable.”

FLGOFF Minniecon originally

completed the Indigenous pre-recruit-ment course at HMAS Cerebrus in 2014 before being accepted into the Air Force undergraduate program as a nursing officer in 2015.

She has completed her rotations through emergency and general medi-cine.

Her post-graduate studies include a transition into a speciality practice

program in the field of advanced medi-cal surgical nursing.

On completing the Initial Officer Course, FLGOFF Minniecon will be posted to RAAF Base Richmond’s Health Centre.

For more information, visit http://intranet.defence.gov.au/raafweb/sites/OTS/ComWeb.asp?page=1313401

Pushing through the pain

Initial officer trainee FLGOFF Mahatia Minniecon takes part in adventure training in the Victorian high country.Photo: FLTLT Charles Tomlinson

10 March 23, 2017RCEAIR FTraining

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11March 23, 2017RCEAIR F Training

THE future pilots of the Air Force took to the skies at the flight camp for young women at RAAF Base East Sale early this month.

The camp, which coincided with International Women’s Day on March 8, introduced girls and young women between the ages of 16 and 24 to a potential career in the Air Force.

Twelve participants engaged in various activities, including flying in a CT-4, oper-ating a joint battlefield airspace controller simulator and testing out their pilot skills in a King Air simulator.

Genevieve Forshaw said the camp was “an experience I didn’t want to miss”.

“It was the chance to see what life in the Air Force is really like,” she said.

“I want to become a pilot – fast jets are my goal.

“The opportunities we were all given was beyond anything I could dream of.”

Paris Capel was excited about her flying experience. “My favourite activity was fly-ing in the CT-4. I loved the weight you feel when you’re pulling Gs and the freedom you have doing aerobatics. I almost stalled on my first loop while upside down but saved it,” she said.

Felicity Hull said the experience changed her perspective on an Air Force career “in a positive way”.

She said it showed “how women can be just as emotionally, mentally and physically strong as men”.

The flight camp is an initiative aimed at increasing diversity within the ADF. Its specific goal is to increase the number of women in the Air Force from the present level of nearly 20 per cent of personnel.

Flight camp gives young women a taste of life in our ranks, PLTOFF Anthony Lufi reports

Pilots of the future fly high

Above: Paris Capel leaps to safety during an activity as part of

the flight camp for young women.

Right: LAC Nicholas Bell explains the

various weapons on display to the flight camp participants.

Photos: CPL Veronica O’Hara

12 13RCEAIR FCentrepiece March 23, 2017

TWENTY personnel from 1SECFOR were on the ground in a different scenario from the air combat operations normally associ-ated with Cope North.

Working alongside the US Air Force’s (USAF) 763rd Security Forces Squadron enabled them to conduct multiple missions and training serials over the three weeks.

They practised everything from inser-tions from a C-130J Hercules to village clearances during the exercise.

1SECFOR, based at RAAF Base Williamtown, also ran a trial of overseas deployment of military working dogs (MWDs) as the security requirements of future aircraft changes.

Two canine companions – a MWD named Outlaw and an explosive detec-tion dog named Vito – were also deployed for the exercise, something not seen since operations in Timor in the early 2000s.

Australia’s strict quarantine laws mean animals, particularly those that supplement RAAF’s security forces, do not regularly deploy with the rifle flights.

LAC Daniel McCormac, Outlaw’s han-dler, said being integrated in the section provided more options for the section com-mander to achieve the mission.

“We can get called up to search build-ings or track some of the role players. It was great to train with the team and have

the dogs out on patrol with us,” LAC McCormac said.

“It’s quite significant to take the MWDs overseas with us. It’s something that doesn’t happen very regularly. I am lucky it was me and Outlaw first.

“We do also have to think about their welfare. In the humidity of places such a Guam they get hot really quickly and man-aging their health and wellbeing is vital.”

1SECFOR, along with its counterparts from the USAF Security Forces, completed a series of ground training exercises as part of the humanitarian assistance and disaster relief component of Cope North.

THE E-7A Wedgetail provided the eyes and ears of the airspace as part of Exercise Cope North.

It was the third time No. 2 Squadron had taken part in the annual air combat exer-cise, run out of Andersen Air Force Base in Guam.

In a move designed to enhance inter-operability between the allies, US Air Force (USAF) air riders experienced the Australian version of airborne early warn-ing and control (AEW&C).

LT Gary Day, of 961st Airborne Air Control Squadron, travelled on a mission in the Wedgetail and said it was great to see the similarities between the Australian and US aircraft.

“The Wedgetail and the E-3B Sentry flown by the 961st perform very similar tasks with some slight differences. The most obvious is that we have a bigger crew, which allows some duties to be shared out differently. This changes the tempo during the mission,” he said.

“However, the Wedgetail flight deck, due to an integrated tactical display, has more independent awareness during the mission, allowing it to stay aware of any

threats or potential route changes which may be required. The E-3 flight deck requires communication from the mission crew to gain awareness of external threats.

“We learnt something new and we can teach the Aussies a thing or two and make the E-C2 great again.”

The USAF and RAAF AEW&C aircraft alternated controlling duties in the airspace throughout the exercise.

The Andersen base provided 2SQN with training areas with plenty of space close to the airfield.

Detachment commander for the exercise SQNLDR Lee-Anne Stanway said Cope North gave the crew the experience of con-trolling in a unique airspace.

“It is beneficial to operate with our regular partners, the USAF and JASDF, in a different airspace than what we are familiar with at home,” she said.

“We were so close to the activity that we were working hard almost as soon as we got to altitude.

“It also meant we had more time on sta-tion and more time to get our mission crews experienced as experts in their roles.”

AERO-MEDICAL evacuation (AME) procedures were put to the test during Exercise Cope North as Australian medical specialists moved patients to Andersen Air Force Base in Guam.

The patients, all role players, required different levels of care as No. 3 Aero-Medical Evacuation Squadron (3AMES), with the US Air Force and Japanese Air Self-Defense Force participated in combined AME serials from Tinian Island.

Key aero-medical procedures were shared among the combined group of specialists during the serials, allow-ing the three nations to witness each other’s teams and collaborate to reach best-practice solutions.

FLTLT Shaun Robertson, a nursing officer with Health Services Wing and the lead AME planner for the exercise, said this experience was invaluable.

“With a focus on aero-medical

evacuation, we increase our ability to respond. We can standardise our pro-cedures, tactics and training across the board,” he said.

“We set out to demonstrate just how flexible our capabilities can be by combining our teams and equipment into one trilateral AME system.

“Operationally, this allows a rapidly mobile, exchangeable capability that could see an AME team consisting of RAAF, US and Japanese clinical staff board a US aero-medical aircraft and successfully evacuate their patients.”

FLTLT Robertson said more tri-lateral training such as Cope North would strengthen and reinforce the relationships between each aero-medical squadron.

With large distances to cover in the Pacific, AME is a key task for humani-tarian assistance in the event of envi-ronmental disaster.

BONDS FORGED IN FLIGHT

Exercise Cope North proved its worth as a building block of allied cooperation, FLTLT Shaun Donnelly reports

MORE than 100 aircraft from the Australia, Japan and US air forces gathered at Andersen Air Force Base in

Guam for the annual trilateral Exercise Cope North, from February 15 to March 3.

Fighters, tankers, bombers and con-trol aircraft took to the skies to partici-pate in a series of training sorties.

Aimed at enhancing the interoper-ability and cooperation of allied forces, Cope North combined air combat, air mobility and ground operations in a single ongoing scenario.

G P C A P T T i m A l s o p , t h e Commander of Air Task Group deployed to Guam, said the exercise developed the ongoing relationship between the three air forces.

“The key objective was to enhance our ability to operate together in every-thing from combat readiness to humani-tarian assistance and disaster relief,” he said.

“Cope North offers the best train-ing scenarios for the crews to operate together. The integration reinvigorates the strong bonds of friendship between individuals and is the building block of successful future cooperation.

“From the aero-medical evacuation training to the command and control aircraft and the fast jets, all have been willing to share their skills and experi-ence.”

Australia contributed 11 F/A-18 A/B Hornets from No. 81 Wing, an E-7A Wedgetail from No. 2 Squadron and a C-130J Hercules from No. 37

Squadron. All provided support person-nel to enable flying operations.

The aircrew were exposed to large-force employment scenarios that can-not be achieved in Australia. These included counter air, strike and support missions.

Alongside the flying squadrons, No. 382 Contingence Response Squadron and 1SECFOR worked with the US Air Force’s 736th Contingency Response Group during the exercise.

The ground training operations focused on increasing the rapid reaction to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations on Tinian Island.

This was the sixth year the RAAF has participated in Cope North.

Security in staying grounded

Wedgetail proves to be an eye-opener for US air riders

Specialists share the load

FSGT Paul Richards, of 2SQN, shows US Air Force members around the E-7A Wedgetail.

SQNLDRs Andrew McWilliams and Seamus Shepherd prepare a simulated patient for aero-medical evacuation during a training serial.

LAC Kieran Livingston, of 1SECFOR, is first off the C-130J Hercules at Tinian Airfield.

An Australian C-130J Hercules as the sun rises over Andersen Air Force Base.

Aircraft from the Australian, US and Japanese air forces take to the skies in formation for Exercise Cope North. Photos: SGT Amanda Campbell

AC Gabriel Ramon maintains security while

a simulated body is extracted from the jungle

during a field training exercise as part of Cope

North.

International engagement

Feature RCEAIR F March 23, 201714

TEN officers and airmen are playing an important role in the development of the Afghan Air Force

(AAF), as part of Train, Advise, Assist Command – Air (TAAC-Air).

The AAF, still in its relative infancy, has been contribut-ing air power effects in recent years to help defeat terrorism in Afghanistan.

As part of the NATO-led Resolute Support, TAAC-Air Director of Operations GPCAPT Terence Deeth said the RAAF team was working side by side with their AAF counterparts to build a sustainable air force for their future.

“We are working shoulder-to-shoulder with the Afghans to build a more professional, capa-ble and sustainable Afghan Air Force, not only for the fight now, but to create security and stabil-ity in Afghanistan for the future,” GPCAPT Deeth said.

TAAC-Air Rotary Wing Maintenance Officer WOFF Pete Ranson said the Australian team has learnt it was important for the AAF to develop their own solutions to sustain their air force into the future.

“Not all Western air force solutions are right for the Afghans,” WOFF Ranson said.

“We encourage them to come up with their own solutions and then enable them to carry it out.

“The ultimate aim for us, as

Helping the Afghan Air Force take flightOur personnel are working shoulder-to-shoulder with Afghans to rebuild their fledgling AAF so it can fly independently again, FLTLT Jessica Aldred reports

advisers, is to work ourselves out of a job.

“We want to leave an air force that is able to sustain itself and come up with its own solutions.

“We understand each other and we can provide advice that is unique to small air forces like the RAAF.”

The AAF has built its capacity for kinetic and air transport tasking over the past 12 months.

The Australian team has worked from the top levels of command through to aircrew to ensure they can plan, prioritise and engage their tar-gets, using the right aircraft for the specific task.

GPCAPT Deeth said the progress made recently has been gratifying.

“They’re thinking, planning and executing their missions well,” he said.

“They also maintain a civilian cas-ualty mitigation perspective at the forefront of their minds when they fly their missions.

“It’s important for the Afghans to build the security and stability of their nation, so that Afghanistan never again becomes a haven for international terrorism.

“Australia has a big part to play in helping them to achieve that.”

FLGOFF Matthew Sturgiss said advising senior Afghan Air Force logistics officers in Kabul was a long way from manag-ing the No. 382 Squadron warehouse at RAAF Base Amberley.

Embedded as the supply adviser within the NATO-led coalition at Train, Advise, Assist Command – Air (TAAC-Air), FLGOFF Sturgiss advises the Afghan Air Force (AAF) 1st Logistics Squadron.

He supervises all of the Afghan Air Force’s Kabul warehouses and is the first line of supply for all AAF units across Afghanistan.

“I help them coordinate their incom-ing provisions and support with logistics planning,” FLGOFF Sturgiss said.

“My time at 382SQN helped prepare me for this, as I planned for three exer-cises in my first 18 months there.”

FLGOFF Sturgiss said communication is the most important part of his relation-ship with the AAF logistics officers.

“Good communication is essential for my job here,” he said.

Long way from home for logistics officer

“It can be challenging advising lieu-tenant colonels sometimes as a junior officer, but they are welcoming, they take

my advice and they really help us to help them.” FLGOFF Sturgiss spends four days a week with the AAF logistics team,

meeting with the officer-in-charge to dis-cuss everything from daily issues to long-term goals and providing support to the warehouse team.

Understanding the AAF logistics pro-cess and supporting them to find improve-ments can be challenging but FLGOFF Sturgiss has enjoyed the experience.

“They have their own way of doing things and you just need to work with them,” he said.

“I’m trying to work out how it will work best for them.

“They also have challenges we don’t face at home – they don’t always have power 24 hours a day and their supply system is still paper-based.

“It has been so rewarding to see the improvement in how they approach logistics.

“Their system is simple but it will work for them.”

The Australian personnel at TAAC-Air are deployed to Afghanistan under Operation Highroad as part of Joint Task Force 633.

Train Advise Assist Command – Air advisers FLTLT Thomas Murdock, centre, SQNLDR Dan Stapleton, right, and their Czech counterpart discuss their day as they return to base.

Logistics adviser FLGOFF Matthew Sturgiss stands at the main logistics warehouse.

FeatureRCEAIR F March 23, 2017 15

Helping the Afghan Air Force take flight

FOR life support fitter FSGT Rod Smylie, working as the aircrew flight equipment (AFE) adviser for the Afghan Air Force (AAF) is both challenging and fulfilling.

FSGT Smylie is currently deployed to Train, Advise, Assist Command – Air (TAAC-Air) in Kabul, Afghanistan, for Operation Highroad working to build a capa-ble and sustainable AAF.

The coalition team of three AFE advisers – part of Australia’s com-mitment to the NATO-led Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan – mentors 24 Afghan AFE person-nel in life support including care of all equipment for fixed and rotary wing aircraft.

The team also provides critical life support to 70 coalition aircrew.

FSGT Smylie said he knew the life support equipment role was critical to the AAF being able to support itself into the future.

“Life support is important. If we don’t teach the Afghans this, the

aircrew won’t have the equipment to fly,” FSGT Smylie said.

“It’s important for them to build their own sustainable Air Force for the future, so we don’t just teach them our way of doing things.

“We help them come up with their own solutions.

“The Afghans continue to improve and I can see the changes since I started here.”

Deploying to Afghanistan to work in a coalition air force envi-ronment has been a highlight for FSGT Smylie.

“Operating with coalition air forces has been great, although they do some things differently to us,” he said.

“It’s been eye-opening and is so different to any other deployments or exercises on offer than in Air Force.

“It’s also been a great a chance to work with different aircraft including attack helicopters, some-thing I don’t get to do at home.”

Life support critical in building an independent service

Afghanistan Air Force Cayuse Warrior helicopters prepare to

take-off for a mission from Hamid Karzai International Airport,

Afghanistan. Photos: SGT Ricky Fuller

Aircrew flight equipment adviser FSGT Rod Smylie fits an Afghan Air Force pilot for his new helmet.

‘We are working with the Afghans to build a more professional, capable and sustainable Afghan Air Force, not only for the fight now, but to create security and stability in Afghanistan for the future.

GPCAPT Terence Deeth TAAC-Air Director of Operations

International engagement

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FeatureRCEAIR F March 23, 2017 17

A BRISTOL Bloodhound mis-sile was the star of the show when No. 30 (City of Sale) Squadron celebrated its 75th

anniversary on March 9.The missile and a plaque dedicat-

ed to the squadron and the men and women who have served in its ranks were unveiled in a ceremony at RAAF Base East Sale.

Current squadron members attend-ed the ceremony along with past mem-bers, who have contributed to its his-tory and its legacy.

A function was held that even-ing to further commemorate the milestone. Among the guests were Commander Combat Support Group AIRCDRE Ken Robinson, OC No. 96 Wing GPCAPT Martin Smith, OC Air Training Wing GPCAPT Mark McCallum, Wellington Shire Mayor Carolyn Crossley and members of 30SQN Association.

The squadron was formed in 1942 as No. 30 (Long Range Fighter) Squadron at RAAF Base Richmond. It flew the Beaufighter aircraft in the Pacific during WWII before being dis-banded in 1946.

It was re-formed in 1948 and used Beaufighter, Beaufort, Wirraway, Anson and Mustang aircraft to oper-ate target towing, radar calibration and cloud seeding capabilities.

The squadron was again disbanded in 1956, being the first and last unit to fly the Beaufighter aircraft.

30SQN was again re-formed in 1961 to receive the Bristol Bloodhound Mk 1 surface-to-air mis-sile and launchers into service.

When air defence moved away from missiles, the squadron was dis-banded for the third time in 1968.

30SQN was most recently re-formed in 2010, to provide and coordi-nate aviation support to operations and training at RAAF Base East Sale.

CO 30SQN WGCDR Mart in Quirke said the squadron was “Lazarus” with a quadruple bypass and each time it re-formed it reinvented itself to meet the challenges of the day.

“We are proud of the legacy we have inherited,” he said.

“It is a rich and significant history that we have been gifted, and one we will protect and promote and contrib-ute to in the years to come.”

Masters of reinvention‘Lazarus’ squadron has changed with the times, FLTLT Stephanie Anderson reports

WGCDR Sharyn Bolitho, a previous commanding officer of 30SQN and instrumental in acquiring the Bristol Bloodhound missile, and Ivan Hawthorn, a sergeant at 30SQN during the Bloodhound era, unveil the 75th anniversary commemorative plaque.

The Bristol Bloodhound missile unveiled at RAAF

Base East Sale.Photos: PO Rick Prideaux

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DEFENCE is approaching the end of the formal First Principles Review (FPR) implementation period, one

of the biggest reforms undertaken in Defence since the Tange Review of the 1970s.

The focus of the FPR was to ensure Defence is fit for purpose, able to respond to future challenges and deliver against its outputs with the minimum resources necessary.

The review was directed by government and has the full sup-port of senior leadership, includ-ing the three Service Chiefs who have embraced its concept of ‘One Defence’.

In the new Air Force Strategy 2017-2027 , CAF AIRMSHL Leo Davies discusses a period of increasing strategic uncertainty, rapid change and complex opera-tional challenges.

“The Air Force’s future suc-cess depends on being a valued and effective part of a much more joint ADF, and of One Defence more broadly,” AIRMSHL Davies says.

The formal implementation phase of the FPR is scheduled to be completed by June 30. Head of One Defence Implementation AVM Neil Hart has co-led the FPR implemen-tation office with Roxanne Kelley and now Darren Box, who is the newly appointed First Assistant Secretary Governance and Reform.

AVM Hart says while there is still difficult work left to complete the implementation phase, it is important that Defence reaches a “point of no return” on its trans-formation journey to One Defence becoming business as usual by June 30.

“Key to the One Defence approach is working together as an effective team, leveraging the range of skills available, with a focus on delivering overall Defence and ADF capability outcomes, rather than the previous emphasis on increasingly complicated processes to coordinate independent activity,” he says.

“This holistic approach is criti-cal to the development of advanced capabilities, systems, enablers and workforce so the ADF is prepared and ready to meet the challenges of the future.”

The point AVM Hart makes is that the work isn’t just about chang-ing processes, structure and mindset to satisfy FPR implementation, but about being more able to realise the opportunities created in the Defence White Paper 2016, along with the Integrated Investment Program and the Defence Industry Policy Statement.

“Through this combination, the government has given us a once-in-a-generation opportunity to ensure Defence and the ADF have the most effective capabilities for success on future operations,” AVM Hart says.

“We have a long-term plan that is fully costed to support advanced capabilities, with an emphasis on critical enablers, including infra-structure and information technol-

ogy, and the supporting organisa-tional changes.

“These components together give us a real opportunity to build an organisation that will deliver on our Defence priorities. We have a clear statement of what we need to do, what the future might look like, and what we need from our work-force to get there.”

AVM Hart also stresses the importance of building partnerships.

“This isn’t just about buying trucks, ships, aircraft and systems. This is about generating joint forc-es and creating partnerships with defence industry, who know more about the technologies behind the advanced systems and capabilities than Defence, and is critical to effi-cient sustainment,” he says.

AVM Hart is also leading a strategic restructure to introduce an integrated ADF Headquarters (ADFHQ) as an element of the FPR.

“The integrated ADFHQ will provide simpler, more productive arrangements for strategic manage-ment of the ADF. It will ensure the deep expertise within individual ser-vices and organisations are effec-tively harnessed through integrated teams to develop and generate joint forces,” he says.

“This is similar to the highly effective and integrated approach of HQJOC, which brings together individual expertise to support the planning and employment of joint forces.”

The new ADFHQ structure will give greater attention to our criti-cal military enabling services of logistics, health and education. It will also include arrangements that allow more comprehensive develop-ment and building of essential mili-tary capabilities in the information environment, such as military intel-ligence, cyber and electronic war-fare, and operational space capabili-ties – priority areas of the Defence White Paper.

AVM Hart reiterates that what made the FPR different from pre-vious reviews, was it had the sup-port of the senior leadership from its inception and throughout imple-mentation.

“Since July 1, 2015, CDF and the Secretary have held weekly meetings with members accountable for the FPR to examine and guide the progress of supporting activities, which has driven implementation,” AVM Hart says.

“Having the review team con-tinue as an Oversight Board, chaired by David Peever, helped Defence understand the intent of the review and maintained a level of independ-ence and transparency for govern-ment.

“Every month, Ms Kelley and I, and now Mr Box and I, attend the Oversight Board meeting to pro-vide an update on the delivery of recommendations and be guided on the intent of the review. That continuity allowed for discussions between Defence senior leaders, the

Oversight Board and government and helped make sure we were stay-ing on the right track.”

AVM Hart says what also set this review apart from the others was a comprehensive review in a whole-of-government context, whereas others had generally been more narrowly focused.

“This review focuses on out-comes, including building enabling capabilities and services and ensur-ing they are not under resourced from exclusively focusing on plat-forms,” he says.

AVM Hart agrees it is a fair point that in the early days of the implementation many changes were Canberra-centric.

“Many folks commenting on the FPR two years ago would say that this didn’t affect them. But much of that early work created a neces-sary foundation for where we are now, what we are starting to see and what we will see as we go forward, especially base services and person-nel services with more customer-focused support – where we will start to make a difference in the eve-ryday activities for our important workforce in the field. This in turn will let them focus on delivering, generating, preparing and training for our advanced capabilities.”

He says the FPR is underpinned by a set of seven principles, which he sums up with three key ques-tions.

“Is what we are doing outcome oriented? Is it simpler? And is it transparent? If we can answer ‘yes’ to all three of these questions, then we are on the right path to One Defence,” he says.

“If we can tailor processes and management structures to deliver effective outcomes, then we can help ensure soldiers, sailors and air-men have the right weapon in the right spot, with effective platforms, systems and networks, and the right information and intelligence advice.”

AVM Hart says substantial investment is programmed for the Air Force and its air lift capability.

“Over the next decade, the Air Force will introduce 12 E/A-18G Growlers, up to 100 F-35A Lightning II, seven high-altitude MQ-4C Tritons, two additional KC-30A air-to-air refuellers, eight P-8A Poseidons, and supporting C2 systems, among other capabilities,” he says.

“With the new equipment, we now have to adapt our people, pro-cesses and tactics to make sure that we can fully utilise those advanced capabilities.

“We are moving away from the FPR implementation, which was a period that gave us a foundation for the One Defence approach, but this is not an end state if we are to main-tain our edge.”

At the time of printing, Defence had delivered 55 out of 75 recommenda-tions.

Change for the future

AVM Neil Hart is leading the team responsible for implementing the recommendations of the First Principles Review. Photo: Jayson Tufrey

Head of the One Defence implementation team AVM Neil Hart is focused on ‘One Defence’ becoming business as usual, Ewa Dimond reports

Feature RCEAIR F March 23, 201718

‘With the new equipment, we now have to adapt our people, processes and tactics to make sure that we can fully utilise those advanced capabilities.

AVM Neil HartHead of One Defence Implementation

A free travelling exhibition that tells the storyof Australia's involvement in the First World War,

featuring artefacts from the Australian War Memorial.

BOOKYOUR FREE TICKETS NOWATwww.spiritofanzac.gov.au

Newcastle Entertainment Centre29 MAR - 4 APR 2017

International Convention Centre Sydney15 - 27 APR 2017

finaltourdates

@spiritofanzac spirit of anzac #spiritofanzac

THE Spirit of Anzac Centenary Experience (SACE) travelling exhibition is entering its final stretch after more than 18

months touring the country.The immersive and interactive

exhibition of WWI artefacts has vis-ited 21 regional, rural and capital city locations and is currently finishing up in NSW.

SACE will open in Newcastle on March 29 for seven days before a 13-day finale at the Sydney International Convention Centre from April 15-27.

By the end of the Geelong SACE exhibition in February, Defence will have supported SACE with some 1100 individual personnel in the order of around 20,000 hours – or 45 per cent of the volunteer force.

A number of Air Force personnel have been so taken by their initial volunteering event that they put their hands up to assist in subsequent locations.

SGT Greg Bower said he was looking forward to the Newcastle and Sydney exhibitions after supporting SACE in Orange this month. Prior to the Orange exhibit, SGT Bower attended the previous nine exhibitions in a row.

“The thing that stands out the most

Experiencing the AnzacsAfter more than 18 months of educating people across the country, an exhibit on WWI gears up for its finale in Sydney, Claudia Harrison reports

to me in my travels with SACE is that no matter from which background people come, they are all united and share the same feelings once they have been through the experience,”

SGT Bower said. “It is quite incred-ible actually, and a little bit hard to explain to those who haven’t experi-enced SACE.”

Not surprisingly, personnel in uni-

form have been the ones most eas-ily recognised by the public, receiving the most of the hugs, handshakes and words of appreciation from more than 300,000 visitors to date.

WGCDR Terry Fisk said there was reward enough in helping to bring the stories of WWI to communities across Australia.

“Seeing the positive reaction of those attending the exhibition, it is the interaction with the public and their powerful and insightful stories about their relatives from WWI and other military conflicts that provides the most compelling reason for me to con-tinue supporting the exhibition across multiple sites,” he said.

Three other RAAF supporters, FSGT Cliff Marshall and SQNLDRs John Buckley and David Mustard have also volunteered numerous times.

FSGT Marshall was happy to call himself a “serial volunteer” when talk-ing about his involvement with SACE.

“I come from a proud service fam-ily and have been proud to be part of exhibitions that commemorate the significance of our armed forces con-tributions towards peace, regional security and humanitarian assistance,” he said.

More information about SACE, includ-ing how you can book a free ticket for Newcastle and Sydney, is available at www.spiritofanzac.gov.au

LACW Penni Nankivell and SGT Greg Bower at the Spirit of the Anzac Centenary Experience at Goldfields Oasis Kalgoorlie-Boulder.

FeatureRCEAIR F March 23, 2017 19

ANY MORE LIKE FAMILY AND WE’D IRON YOUR CREASES.

At Defence Health, we’re all about taking care of those in the fold. That’s why we o� er tailored health cover with higher benefi ts exclusively for ADF families. Our ADF Total Package gives you our best value protection with comprehensive hospital cover and access to an extensive range of extras treatments with generous annual limits.

Join the family. Call 1800 335 425 or visit defencehealth.com.au

FEBRUARY TRIAL RESULTSNCODefence Force Magistrate1 x Assault – DFDA s 33(a)1 x Prejudicial Conduct – DFDA s 60(1) Member was accused of assaulting a civilian by touching the civilian on an intimate place.Member was also accused of bringing discredit on the Defence Force by making an offensive statement, while in uniform, to the civilian in a public place.Member pleaded not guilty to the charges but was found guilty of the charges. Member was fined $2000 (with $1000 suspended) and severely reprimanded.1 x Act of Indecency Without Consent– DFDA s 61(3) and Crimes Act (ACT) s 60(1)Member was accused of committing an act of indecency on a superior officer. Member pleaded guilty to the charge and was found guilty of the charge.Member was reduced in rank by one rank.2 x Failing to Comply With a General Order – DFDA s 294 x Assaulting Another Person in a Service Ship – DFDA s 33(a)Member was accused of failing to comply with a general order by entering a designated area without authority.Member was also accused of assaulting another member in the designated area by touching the member in various places. Member pleaded guilty to the charges and was found guilty of the charges.Member was sentenced to 28 days of detention (wholly sus-pended) and reduced in rank by one rank.

OTHER RANKDefence Force MagistrateRestricted Court Martial1 x Dangerous Driving of a Vehicle on Service Land – DFDA s 40A(2) Member was accused of driving a vehicle in a dangerous manner causing the vehicle to collide with a barrier. Member pleaded guilty to the charge and was found guilty of the charge.Member forfeited seniority in rank and was ordered to pay reparation of $6446.55 (to be paid in instalments).1 x Assault – DFDA s 33(a) 1 x Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm – DFDA s 33A Member was accused of assaulting another member.Member was accused of assaulting the member, causing physical injury to the member.Member pleaded guilty to the charges and was found guilty of the charges. Member was sentenced to 42 days of deten-tion (with 14 days of it suspended).

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

20 March 23, 2017RCEAIR FPersonnel

SQNLDR Jaimie Abbott

TIME is running out to apply for the next ADF Arts for Recovery, Resi l ience, Teamwork and Skills (ARRTS) program.

The four-week triservice program is designed for members who have been wound-ed, injured or became ill during service.

Held at the University of Canberra from May 15-June 9, it will feature a series of arts workshops aimed at supporting the rehabilita-tion and recovery of Defence personnel facing service-related health and wellbeing issues.

SGT Cathryn Houtsma completed the last program and chose to do acting and perfor-mance, one of four creative streams on offer, as a way to complement and enhance recovery.

“It has given me so much more confidence, acting has really taken me out of my com-fort zone,” said SGT Houtsma, a Personnel Capability Specialist.

The other streams including creative writ-ing, music and rhythm, and visual arts. The no-rank, no-uniform four-week program is now in its third year and was developed out of the ADF play The Long Way Home.

3CRU Air Surveillance Operator LAC Phillip Courtney was also a participant in the last program and said the level of support he received on his creative writing journey was fantastic.

“It’s just been so enjoyable where I can be in an environment where I can spend four weeks with other people who are going through similar issues and just have some fun,

Conquering the art of recovery

it’s a great program,” LAC Courtney said.Participants have various injuries ranging

from post-traumatic stress disorder to physical wounds and they will benefit from improve-ments in health, increased self-esteem and motivation.

Heads of ARRTS, BRIG Wayne Goodman said ADF personnel did not need to have any prior experience or training in the Arts.

“You can come here without even having sung in the shower, you don’t need to know anything about it, you can just come here and be yourself, it is so far removed from a regu-lar military environment,” BRIG Goodman said.

That aspect was something which Ground Support Equipment Fitter SGT Ivan Macdonald enjoyed.

“Although it took me about a week and a half to ‘de-tune’ as I was wandering around and waiting for someone to tell us what to do – it’s just been so good to just be free,” SGT Macdonald said.

The next ARRTS program will be held at the University of Canberra.

To apply for the next program, email ADF.ARRTS@defence.gov.au, or phone Nina Craven (02) 6265 5923 to find out more.

Participants in the AARTS program rehearse at the University of Canberra late last year. Photo: Grace Costa

The annual Rent Allowance (RA) review is coming soon. This review checks yourpersonal circumstances and confirms your ongoing RA eligibility.

You can get ready for the review now by updating your personal circumstances inOnline Services, and obtaining a current rent receipt or tenant ledger from your realestate agent.

From 23 March if you are selected for the review:

• you will receive an email notification and be notified via your dashboard in OnlineServices

• you then need to log in to Online Services, upload your tenant ledger and answereight simple questions.

Get ready now to avoid missing the RA review deadline. Visit our dedicatedRA review web page for further information.

dha.gov.au/rareview

The RA review deadlineis coming.

139 342

Dropping in on scienceOP E R AT I O N S o u t h e r n

Discovery has concluded its second season of enabling deep-field science projects

through its support of the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD).

Between November last year and February, C-17A Globemasters from No. 36 Squadron flew six missions to the Wilkins Aerodrome runway in Antarctica, delivering 84 passengers and 57.5 tonnes of cargo.

On return flights, they brought back 85 passengers and 29.5 tonnes of cargo, and carried loads including AAD helicopters, snow vehicles and a member requiring aeromedical evacu-ation.

Drums containing 8000 litres of aviation fuel were also airdropped for a science project that will investigate the contribution of the East Antarctic ice sheet to sea-level rise.

AAD operations manager Robb Clifton said fuel had traditionally been delivered by locally based helicopters or ski-equipped aircraft.

“It takes a suitable weather window and numerous flights over several days to move the same amount of fuel as delivered by the C-17A in a single mission,” Mr Clifton said.

“Supporting deep-field science pro-jects with fuel, equipment and rations is often our biggest challenge.”

FLTLT Justin McFadden piloted the fuel airdrop mission on December 1.

The aircraft flew a 7600km round trip and delivered to a drop zone 500km west of Wilkins Aerodrome.

“The drop consisted of 10 con-tainer delivery store bundles, totalling

40 drums of aviation fuel,” FLTLT McFadden said.

“The mission was 11 hours long, departing Avalon Airport in Victoria and landing at Hobart. The fuel plan-

ning was quite complex due to the fluid and unpredictable weather pat-terns to the south.”

The C-17A crew dropped their sup-plies on the bull’s-eye.

“We caught a break in the weather and were able to drop in visual condi-tions, placing the first container 25 metres from the intended point of impact,” FLTLT McFadden said.

“There were no damaged or leak-ing drums and the AAD personnel were very happy and appreciative of Defence’s efforts.”

A r m y ’s 1 7 6 A i r D i s p a t c h Squadron, which prepares these loads, went to considerable effort to ensure the fuel drums wouldn’t burst on land-ing. Another consideration was how the aerial delivery equipment (ADE) was managed following the drop.

Parachutes and rigging lines can be dragged by winds, snagged on loads or on ground features, or otherwise ren-dered unsuitable for future use.

LCPL Ashleigh Shannon, an air dispatcher with 176 AD SQN, worked as part of the team that pre-pared the 44-gallon drums for airdrop to Antarctica.

“We had to prevent any damage to our equipment without an air dis-patcher on the ground to help with recovery,” LCPL Shannon said.

“We created an informational video highlighting key aspects of recovery of parachutes and other ADE to help maintain their serviceability.

“The video that was made for AAD will be useful for years to come and hopefully we will be able to deliver their goods again.”

Our Globemaster has proved an efficient lab assistant to Antarctic researchers, Eamon Hamilton reports

A C-17A conducts an airdrop over the Antarctic as part of Operation Southern Discovery.Photo: Justin Hallam

FeatureRCEAIR F March 23, 2017 21

‘Look forward

“Lest We Forget” art exhibition Thursday 20th April to Sunday23rd April 2017. Morpeth Gallery, 5 Green Street Morpeth NSW2321, free entry. Stunning paintings of classic planes, by aviationartist John A Bradley. Prior to 1982, John worked as an,AvionicsTechnician,Aircraft Inspector. This gave John the technicalexperience to accurately portray his subjects.These originals are also available as Giclee reproductions or canvasprints which will last 100 years and look like an original paintingyou do not have to frame them with glass so there is no reflection.Originals and Reproductionshttp://www.morpethgallery.com/anzac/www.morpethgallery.com info@morpethgallery.comPhone (02) 49331407Morpeth Gallery 5 Green Street Morpeth NSW 2321

War Bird Art

EVERYONE seems busy. Yes, life is busy.

But waking up feeling more exhausted than when going to bed

is a drag.If some of the smallest tasks become

an effort – if it’s hard to concentrate on simple jobs – it may be time for some lifestyle changes to boost energy levels and improve your quality of life.

Low energy can have a cumulative effect and the consequences can affect work, safety and relationships with work mates, supervisors and loved ones.

CPL Sophie Woolford, a PTI at RMC, said some people needed more sleep than others while others learnt to cope, but the body and mind became drained without enough rest.

“While asleep, the body repairs itself and regenerates to be able to function at its opti-mum performance levels,” she said.

“It’s also impor-tant to relax. The world never stops and neither do those emails from work.

“Allocate some time every day to rest the mind. Turn off the phone. Watch a movie, read a book, or just take a slow walk.”

Exercise and movement are the best ways to raise energy levels.

A gym session, a swim, or a walk around the block can increases energy as it will improve blood flow and increase the production of energy-releasing hor-mones while improving the metabolism.

CPL Woolford said sugar was not our friend.

“Although it can be tempting, it’s a short-term pick-me-up, and look out for the crash,” she said.

“Eat natural whole foods to maintain

more natural energy levels. We also need protein, fibre, calcium, carbohydrates and good fats.

“Everyone is different, but without a balanced diet of fruit, vegetables and whole foods, there may be a gap in the nutritional intake.”

When the body becomes deficient in one or more essential nutrients, it can become tired, sluggish and no longer functions at its best.

Even if a diet is balanced, if meals are not eaten regular-ly, or are heavy in processed carbohydrates, it will leave the body lethargic and sluggish.

A lack of energy can be a symptom of a nutritional defi-ciency, which may not be relat-ed to diet and can be detected by a simple blood test at the local garrison medical centre.

CPL Woolford said stress puts pres-sure on every area of the body and the effects were mentally and physically exhausting.

“It’s always an immediate solution to remove the cause of stress, but there are ways to manage the responses to stress,” she said.

“Drink more water, as dehydration can leave the body feeling drained.

“A medical check should be booked with a doctor if you’re suffering with continually low energy levels.

“If the doctor gives the all-clear, then try and implement these steps to improve your energy levels and enjoy a life of quality, today.”

Boosting yourselfChanging your diet to include key nutrients could be just the thing to restore the spring in your step, CPL Mark Doran reports

Without a balanced diet of fruit, vegetables and whole foods, there may be a gap in the nutritional intake.

For more energy try a balanced diet of fruit and vegetables as well as whole foods.

– CPL Sophie Woolford,RMC PT

22 March 23, 2017RCEAIR FHealth & Fitness

23March 23, 2017RCEAIR F Sp rt

CPL Mark Doran

EXCITEMENT is building for a squad of 53 athletes who attended the training camp in Canberra from March 9-14 to be selected to compete in the next Invictus Games.

The 2017 Invictus Games will be held in Toronto from September 23-30 with participation of more than 550 serving and former military personnel from 17 nations.

The ADF has 19 soldiers, sailors and airmen and the RSL has 34 veter-ans in the initial squad, which will be reduced to a final team of 43.

SQNLDR Danny Jeffery, of No. 81 Wing, hopes to be selected for this year’s games.

After deploying on seven opera-tions in Afghanistan, East Timor and the Middle East, he has injuries to his spinal cord and knees as well as depression and PTSD.

SQNLDR Jeffery said adap-tive sports became a part of his reha-bilitation when he returned from Afghanistan in 2013.

“I was fortunate to be able to com-pete in London in 2014,” he said.

“In 2015 I deployed to the Middle East on restrictions as my psycholo-gist, doctors and I thought I was good to go.

“I had a relapse in theatre.“The system looked after me and I

went through a recovery program with the United States Air Force before I was sent home.”

SQNLDR Jeffery said the setback meant he had to begin his recovery

AIR Force Jets withstood a last min-ute onslaught from the Macksville Sea Eagles to win 26-20 in a rugby char-ity shield match at Bellingen, NSW, in late February.

The game was a curtain raiser to the annual SGT Matthew Locke rugby league match in memory of Bellingen local, SGT Locke, who was killed in action while serving in Afghanistan.

With about 15 minutes on the clock, the Jets were ahead 26-8 until the Sea Eagles found some late form, according to Air Force captain CPL Mitch Knowles.

“They had a last minute surge, their halves were pretty good and out wide their centre played really well,” he said.

“We started strongly but in the sec-ond half our team has a tendency to switch off.”

CPL Knowles said Air Force field-ed a number of new players in key positions and knew consistency would be difficult for the full 80 minutes.

“We try to only worry about our-selves and how we’re going to per-form,” he said.

“You can think about what the other team’s like, but until you’re out on the field, you don’t really know.”

Money raised went to charities including Solider On, The Grub Club, Bellingen Junior Rugby League and Dorrigo Swim Club.

Jets hold off Sea Eagles

Reaching for success

again. “This year is another opportu-nity for me to reach my goal of return-ing to full-time work with Air Force,” he said.

“The Invictus Games is a magical tool for the recovery of mental and physical injuries.

“My message is to reach out and ask for help as soon as possible,

because it doesn’t mean the end of your career. Don’t hide in the shadows – mental health is not something to be scared of.”

SQNLDR Jeffery hopes to compete in wheelchair tennis, wheelchair rugby, archery, seated volleyball, shot-put and discus in the 2017 games.

Head coach WOFF Tony Benfer,

who competed in the Invictus Games in London and Orlando, has taken on a coaching role for the 2017 games because he said he realised he was near the end of his competitive career.

“This is also a good way to give back to the Invictus Games and Defence athletes,” he said.

“It’s still a learning curve for me, but I’m learning how to be a good administrator as the years I spent as an Air Force PTI helped me reach this point. With our quality coaches and regular training sessions we are build-ing a competitive team for the Invictus Games who will go to Canada and give it a real hard crack.”

WOFF Benfer was an infantry sol-dier with Army for seven years before joining the Air Force in 1991 as a PTI.

In 2007 he was the victim of a hit and run, leading to a below knee amputation.

WOFF Benfer competed in swim-ming, wheelchair basketball, wheel-chair rugby and indoor rowing at last year’s games.

He said the 2017 squad was an athletic group of veterans and serving members.

“There were so many applicants with injuries or disabilities who put their names down and said they wanted to be on the team,” he said.

He said the hardest part was the selection decision.

For more at www.invictusgames2017.com/

Head coach WOFF Tony Benfer exercises with the athletes during the Invictus Games training squad camp. Photo: CPL Mark Doran

© Image courtesy of Department of Defence

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

rsldefencecare.org.au

SP RTMarch 23, 2017

SMASHINGBARRIERS

Teams vie for Invictus

Games selection Page 23

SQNLDR Danny Jeffery, of 81WG, before a match

of wheelchair tennis during the Invictus Games

training squad camp.Photo: CPL Mark Doran

Force of the future 1

BOLD VISIONOur future as a fifth-generation force on

stage at the Australian International Airshow

LACW Jamie Lee Thanjan and LAC Nathan Goulding of 36SQN experience the Plan Jericho Hologram on display in a C-17A

Globemaster at the Australian International Airshow.Photo: CPL Craig Barrett

RCEAIRF March 23, 2017

SPECIAL LIFT-OUT

Feeling the need for speedOur personnel did not hold back in helping shape one of the most impressive AIAs in 25 years, CPL Mark Doran writes

A USAF F-22 Raptor turns it on for the crowd at Avalon.Photo: CPL Craig Barrett

RCEAIRFMarch 23, 20172 Force of the future

AFTER 10 months of careful planning, the 2017 Australian International Airshow (AIA) was a spectacular experience

for a record-breaking crowd of more than 210,000 – the largest in the event’s 25-year history.

An arsenal of jet fighters, bomb-ers and heavy lift aircraft was joined by attack helicopters and troops for a series of breathtaking routines and sim-ulated combat manoeuvres.

The event, held between February 28 and March 5, also featured a collec-tion of aerobatic daredevils, whose high flying antics and precision manoeuvres left the crowd spellbound.

Historic aircraft from the classic years of aviation and a collection of WWII aircraft also took to the skies. On the ground military re-enactment groups recreated famous land battles while the aerospace showcase featured the technology of tomorrow.

Commander ADF Task Group AIA GPCAPT Terry Van Haren said prep-aration for the site at Avalon Airport began five weeks earlier with No. 65 Squadron laying AM-2 matting to form taxiways and areas for aircraft opera-tions and maintenance.

“Air Force engineers erected tents, constructed the military village and set up the kitchens and mess,” he said.

“They were then assisted by com-bat support teams from No. 381 Contingency Response Squadron and other units to organise communications and IT.

“When the aircraft and trucks began arriving on February 24-27, the ADF personnel were in the midst of the action.

“There were more than 65 semi-trailers and four C-17A Globemasters loaded with equipment needed to estab-lish the air base set up alone.”

The task group actually declared it was ready for AIA on February 26, two days before the opening of the four-day defence trade and industry exposition on February 28.

GPCAPT Van Haren said the trade displays focused on Australia’s aviation industry with more than 600 compa-nies showcasing their technologies and services to a national and international audience.

“At the same time CAF ran his sym-posium with 17 of the visiting air force chiefs and representatives,” he said.

“There was a lot of interest around Plan Jericho, especially among the min-isters and visitors from other govern-ment organisations, as they looked at the innovation and integration of Air Force’s air power.”

Behind the scenes there was also a major effort especially for the security of the high value Air Force assets and the people who visited AIA on the three days it was open to the public.

Personnel from 1, 2 and 3SECFORs along with the dog-handling teams worked in the background to provide 24-hour security with a deterrent and response capability.

The security force team worked closely with the Victoria Police and other agencies to provide a layered defensive posture and a safe environ-ment.

Military air traffic controllers worked alongside their civilian coun-terparts to assist in the management of the airshow while ADF personnel were also members of the firefighting, refuel-ling, air movements and air operations teams.

GPCAPT Van Haren said open days were well received by the public.

“We estimate about 70,000 people flooded through the gates by midday on March 3 to see the arrival of the F-35A

Lightning and stayed into the evening for the flying displays and fireworks,” he said.

“It wasn’t just about Air Force big-ticket items, as the Army and Navy had equipment on show as well.

“Other popular displays included the dog handing demonstration and the Air Force puppies generated a lot of interest.

“ T h e N o . 3 A e r o - M e d i c a l Evacuat ion Squadron’s C-130J Hercules display was a favourite, while the Air Force Cadets, Defence Force Recruiting and the unmanned aerial vehicle stands were kept very busy.”

Crowds were also wowed by foreign aircraft displays including the USAF’s potent war machine, the F-22A Raptor, which gave an amazing demonstration of its combat flying capability.

France, Japan, New Zealand, Canada, the UK and Singapore also showed off their military hardware in flying or static displays.

GPCAPT Van Haren said AIA was a clear indication of the Air Force strat-egy of becoming a fifth-generation air force.

“It was also a highlight for the members of the task force to have per-sonal contact with the public who asked many questions and were impressed by our aircraft, capabilities and systems,” he said.

“There was a great effort by No. 28 Squadron as the media operations team, which produced high quality imagery, much of which was posted to social media to give us a bigger and long last-ing audience.”

As the airshow came to a close, videos posted by 28SQN had recorded more than 1 million views on Facebook alone.

Air Force social media became a big hit at the AIA with about one million followers. Here’s what some said:

A HIT WITH ONE MILLION

‘It was great working with all the different aircraft and seeing the types of the aircraft we have with the ADF.

LACW Charmaine Peebles6SQN

Photo: CPL Mark Doran

Feeling the need for speed

People flock to see the C-27J Spartan, C-130J Hercules and C-17A Globemaster.Photo: CPL Ben Dempster

Force of the future 3RCEAIRF March 23, 2017

  350 aircraft  79 military aircraft from eight air

forces  158 official delegations including

79 international delegations from 45 countries

  40 ADF air displays during the four trade days

  50 ADF air displays during the three public days

  1246 personnel including support-ing contractors

  1Nearly 900 ADF personnel  127 ADF ground displays staffed

by 200 people  1More than 10,000 movements

coordinated through the com-mand post

  119,900 meals delivered by the deployable catering capability with 11.6 tonnes of meat, chicken and seafood

AIA FAST FACTS:

‘It was exciting to see the F-35A Lightning and the F-22A Raptor and I enjoyed seeing the ground displays and other aircraft.

LAC James Vinton65SQN

Photo: CPL Mark Doran

The Warbirds put on a spectacular performance for the spectators at the

Australian International Airshow.Photo: CPL Craig Barrett

KC-30A is on top of the world

Giant step forward

RCEAIRFMarch 23, 20174 Force of the future

Eamon Hamilton

FUTURE upgrades to Air Force’s fleet of KC-30As will see it become the world’s most advanced aircraft of its kind.

They include the introduction of air-to-air refuelling technology and communications systems that have never before been fitted to an opera-tional tanker aircraft.

An agreement announced dur-ing the 2017 Australian International Airshow will see Airbus Defence and Space develop the systems for the Australian KC-30As, building on capabilities demonstrated on deploy-ment to Operation Okra.

CAF AIRMSHL Leo Davies said the first milestone was development of Automatic Air-to-Air Refuelling (A3R) technology.

“We are delighted to contribute to the research and development of A3R with Airbus to automate the process for boom refuelling without the need for control by our on-board air refu-elling operator,” AIRMSHL Davies said.

“This will reduce fatigue of air refuelling operators during tanking missions, and expedite the refuelling formations of receiver aircraft.”

Delivery of A3R to the KC-30A would make it the first operational tanker to potentially employ such a capability.

Since the inception of aircraft refu-elling booms in 1948, they have been controlled by an operator inside the tanker aircraft.

A3R would include a software upgrade to the tanker aircraft that allows it to identify a receiver aircraft through external cameras mounted on the tanker.

The tanker aircraft would then automatically “plug” the receiver aircraft’s fuel receptacle using the tanker’s the refuelling boom.

Air refuelling operators will continue to manage and monitor the KC-30A’s refuelling systems, with A3R reducing fatigue levels during missions.

To date, Airbus Defence and Space have conducted initial trials with A3R technology, with physical contacts between a tanker and receiver aircraft planned for the near future.

Fernando Alonso, head of military aircraft in Airbus Defence and Space, said the opportunity to develop the KC-30A coincided with Air Force’s Plan Jericho.

“We’re ready to move forward,” Mr Alonso said.

“We expect to develop some semi-automatic modes along the way, to expedite delivery to operators.”

The research and development partnership with Airbus Defence and Space is for the life of the platform, and there are options to partner other developments in future.

“The KC-30A also offers tremen-dous combat potential at the heart of the integrated Air Force of the Future, including using the platform as a com-munications node, to maximise air power delivery,” Mr Alonso said.

The KC-30A is already a constant presence within the battlespace during air-to-air refuelling missions, dem-onstrated over Iraq and Syria during Operation Okra.

New systems would capitalise on the “real estate” onboard a KC-30A during tanking missions, using it as a node within the battlespace to re-transmit secure information from far away.

Airbus Defence and Space is also exploring hardware and software sys-tems to monitor KC-30A performance in real time, to provide enhanced condition-based maintenance and improve platform availability.

Eamon Hamilton

FINAL Operating Capability (FOC) for the KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport fleet was announced by CAF AIRMSHL Leo Davies at the 2017 Australian International Airshow.

The type first entered service with No. 33 Squadron in mid-2011, and since then the fleet of five aircraft has ably demonstrated its ability to sup-port Defence operations at home and abroad. Initial Operating Capability was declared in early 2013.

Defence Minister Senator Marise Payne declared the commencement of FOC as significant.

“This is a milestone for the fleet, which is now able to refuel a range of aircraft from our Air Force and our international partners,” she said.

The declaration confirms the KC-30A’s ability to conduct air-to-air refuelling with its 18-metre-long refu-elling boom, as well as the delivery of key infrastructure and equipment to operate the tanker.

The KC-30A has already been used by 33SQN crews to great effect, delivering more than 33,000 tonnes of fuel to other aircraft since September

2014 under Operation Okra in the Middle East region.

“It is on the frontline, making sure the Hornets can take the fight to Daesh effectively,” Senator Payne said.

On top of this, the KC-30A was responsible for ferrying Air Force’s first EA-18G Growlers and F-35A Lightning IIs for their debut appear-ance at the AIA.

“Just one KC-30A can support the deployment of four fighter aircraft over 5000km, with 50 personnel and 12 tonnes of equipment,”

“It is an extremely versatile air-craft that is suited to the long ranges of the Australian continent.”

AIRMSHL Davies said FOC for the KC-30A was a critical component of our aviation capability.

“The achievement signifies that our boom refuelling capability is now also fully operational and compatible with a wide range of Australian and international aircraft,” AIRMSHL Davies said.

“It has been transporting passen-gers and equipment, and refuelling with its ‘hose and drogue’ technology for some time.

“This tanker has come a long way

since its introduction, undertaking sig-nificant operational, test and evalua-tion activities with a range of coalition aircraft, including United States Air Force F-35A Lightning II aircraft.

“This was a vital test of the KC-30A to ensure we are prepared for our future force, including our F-35A arriving in late 2018.”

The fleet of five KC-30As flown by 33SQN will grow with an addi-tional two aircraft due for delivery in late 2017 and late 2019 respectively.

In Australian service, the KC-30A has refuelled the F-35A Lightning II, F/A-18A/B Hornets, F/A-18F Super Hornets, F/A-18G Growler, C-17A Globemaster and E-7A Wedgetail.

International aircraft have includ-ed Hornets and Super Hornets from the United States Navy and Marine Corps; Rafale jet fighters from the French Air Force; Typhoon strike jets from the United Kingdom; and Tornado aircraft from Germany.

The KC-30A has also used its refuelling boom to refuel a United States Air Force B-1B bomber, and a Republic of Singapore Air Force F-16D Fighting Falcon.

CDF ACM Mark Binskin, CAF AIRMSHL Leo Davies, and Defence Minister Marise Payne arrive at the 2017 Australian International Airshow on a 33SQN KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport.Photo: CPL Ben Dempster

A KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport and two F/A-18A Hornets fly in formation at Australian International Airshow.Photo: CPL Nicci Freeman

An ‘awesome’ job

Force of the future 5RCEAIRF March 23, 2017

CPL Mark Doran

AIR Force’s EA-18G Growler air-borne electronic attack aircraft made its public debut at the Australian International Airshow with a team of No. 6 Squadron maintainers to ensure the aircraft looked and performed at its best.

Australia’s newest joint electronic warfare capability is a heavily modi-fied version of the F/A-18F Super Hornet.

It can provide force-level electronic warfare support by disrupting, deceiv-ing or denying access to an adversary’s electronic systems, including radars and communications systems.

Air Force is the only foreign operator outside of the US and by the middle of 2017, all 12 of Australia’s Growlers are expected to have arrived at RAAF Base Amberley.

FLTLT Mark Storey i s the Armament Officer with 6SQN and said he was an Air Force engineer in charge of the squadron’s armament personnel.

“My primary role is anything related to the stores, suspension and egress,” he said.

“As a non-tertiary qualified engi-

neer, I did the four-and-a-half-month armament engineers course before posting to 6SQN.

“I completed my on-the-job train-ing on the FA-18F Super Hornet before going to the US to receive a three-month training package on the Growler at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington.

“To me, the Growler is still a Super Hornet, but there are subtle yet distinct differences.

“The make up of the maintenance crew is dependant on the mission and amount of aircraft and can vary from 17 to 23 with this type of deployment (Avalon), without aircrew.”

FLTLT Storey said he was excit-ed when the first Growlers arrived in Australia and pleased to be a part of the squadron.

“It’s a big deal for Air Force and the squadron,” he said.

“Being a part of the airshow as the detachment engineer was also impor-tant and I felt fortunate to be a part of the team at Avalon.

“It’s been great dealing with the public and sharing my passion for the aircraft.”

The Growler can launch missiles

attracted to emitters, but it can also jam radios and radars. This allows aircraft or troops to destroy a target or pass through safely.

LAC Lorne Browne, an armament technician with 6SQN, said he was responsible for the Growler’s arma-ment systems, including the ejection seats, fuel tanks and the air-to-ground missiles.

“After the 52-week armament sys-tem course, I began working on the Super Hornet where I worked on the 20mm cannon and the bombs as well as the other explosive systems,” he said.

“The job is awesome. I have been doing it for five years and love the work. It’s exciting to be a part of the Growler team and work on a new plat-form with a new capability.”

LAC Browne said the best part of being involved with the airshow was engaging with the public, talking about the aircraft and explaining his role.

“Most of the skills I learnt on the Super Hornet are transferrable to the Growler,” he said.

“It’s a user-friendly aircraft – the maintenance can be challenging at times, but we get through as a team.”

‘It’s been a fantastic, high-tempo operation from the first day and it was most satisfying

dealing with the public.CPL Paul Scandura

22SQN

Photo: CPL Mark Doran

LAC Lorne Browne and FLTLT Mark Storey of 6SQN discuss the characteristics of the EA-18G Growler at AIA.

Photo: CPL Mark Doran

Two EA-18G Growlers make their historic debut at the AIA.

Photo: CPL Ben Dempster

‘We are delighted to contribute to the research and development of A3R with Airbus.CAF AIRMSHL Leo Davies

The appearance of the F-35A at Avalon was a chance for Australians to see the future in the ‘flesh’, CPL Mark Doran and Leigh Watson write

F-35A pilots (from left) WGCDR Andrew Jackson and SQNLDR David Bell meet Ollie Rahdon (left) and Ruby and Cale Martin at Avalon. Photo: CPL Veronica O’Hara

RCEAIRFMarch 23, 20176 7Force of the future

Strike fighters come to life

THE return flight of the F-35As to the US replicated the 1934 flight of Australian aviation pioneer Sir Charles Kingsford Smith, who flew his single-engine Lockheed Model 8D Altair aircraft, named Lady Southern Cross, on the first west-to-east aerial crossing of the Pacific Ocean.

The journey of the Lady Southern Cross (illustrated by the red dotted line) is compared in this graphic to the journey of the F-35As (illustrated by the purple line). The F-35As’ total flight time to the Australian International Airshow was about 20 hours at a maximum altitude of greater than 30,000 feet and an average speed of 450 knots. The Lady Southern Cross’s flight time was 52 hours at an altitude of less than 15,000 feet and an average speed of 150 knots.

The F-35As were refuelled in flight by a KC-30A tanker and made overnight stops at Andersen Air Force Base on Guam and Hickam Air Force Base in Hawaii, before complet-ing the transit to Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, on March 10.

While it was a smooth tran-sit for the F-35As, the Lady Southern Cross found it more arduous. The wooden monoplane was half the length and one tenth of the weight of an F-35A, with only a sixth of the top speed.

A TALE OF TWO SORTIES

IT WAS a privilege for test pilot SQNLDR David Bell to touch down at the Australian International Airshow on March 3 in one of the

first two F-35A aircraft to debut in Australia.

SQNLDR Bell said it was a great opportunity to show the Australian public that the F-35A wasn’t just on paper.

“It’s flying and there are now about 200 of them. It was great to talk to peo-ple about how the jets are performing and our impressions of it,” SQNLDR Bell said.

“Most people wanted to know how the F-35A compared to the Hornet and Super Hornet and there were some who asked more pointed questions based on critical media reports.

“It was good to be able to talk to them and provide perspective on reports that weren’t correct or were completely out of context. Everybody was positive and happy to see the F-35 fly.”

The 16,000 kilometre trip to Australia via Hawaii and Guam for WGCDR Andrew Jackson in A35-001 and SQNLDR Bell in A35-002 took about 20 hours of flying.

They flew alongside an Air Force KC-30A multi-role tanker transport, which provided air-to-air refuelling about every 45 minutes.

The arrival of Australia’s two F-35As was a significant undertaking, with Air Force personnel in Canberra, Amberley, Williamtown and Avalon working closely with CASG, Lockheed Martin and the US Air Force (USAF).

CAF AIRMSHL Davies thanked everyone for their significant work.

“Many Australians don’t realise just how close our F-35A capability is to arriving in Australia permanently. To be able to bring the aircraft out to the airshow was a great opportunity to showcase this aircraft to the Australian public,” he said.

F-35A for the information ageSQNLDR Bell, of the Air Combat Transition Office, is attached to the 61st Fighter Squadron at Luke Air Force Base in Phoenix, Arizona.

He was posted to Arizona nearly two years ago, where he spent two months on a conversion course to transfer his pilot skills from the F/A-18 Classic Hornet to the F-35A.

Now he is an instructor with three other Australians at the multinational Pilot Training Centre, teaching Italian, Norwegian and USAF pilots to fly the F-35A.

SQNLDR Bell said the first differ-ence for the pilots was the F-35A had only one seat.

“We spent a lot of time training in the simulator but the first solo flight on the new aircraft was a highlight of the conversion training,” he said.

“The main difference from the F/A-18 is the sheer volume of information the jet collects. It presents it to the pilot in a usable fashion but we still need to know what’s important and when and how the information can be used to the best advantage.

“Because it’s a stealth aircraft the tactics we use are different to the Classic Hornet so getting across those and learning how to manage the infor-mation are the two biggest challenges.”

SQNLDR Bell said prioritisation was a core skill of flying any fighter.

“With the F-35A it’s very easy to stare down at the screens, because there’s so much information there and we get it at much longer ranges than

we previously did. We need to force ourselves to look outside from time to time as well as attend to other priority tasks,” he said.

As Australia’s first instructors on the fifth-generation aircraft SQNLDR Bell and the other Australian pilots in the US will have important leadership and training roles as future instructors for the F-35A.

They will form the nucleus of instructional staff for training the initial cadre of Air Force pilots who will form the first F-35A squadron at RAAF Base Williamtown.

SQNLDR Bell is instructing about eight pilots at a time on five- to six-month courses at Luke Air Force Base.

“The classes overlap but there are about five or six classes a year who graduate as instructor pilots from the Pilot Training Centre,” he said.

“Some finish two months early and are posted to the 34th Fighter Squadron (the first F-35A unit in the USAF) at Hill Air Force Base in Utah.”

With its unparalleled sensors, net-work and stealth technology, the F-35A will meet Australia’s future air combat and strike needs, providing a net-worked force-multiplier effect in terms of situational awareness and combat effectiveness.

SQNLDR Bell said the big step for-wards for Air Force was the informa-tion-gathering capability of the F-35A.

“It can also share the informa-tion with other aircraft, including the EA-18G Growler, P-8A Poseidon and the E-7A Wedgetail, as well as inte-grating with Navy and Army units,” he said.

“It means if someone sees some-thing I can’t see they can share it with me and vice versa. Everybody’s level of situational awareness will increase as quality information is received in a timely fashion allowing us to make quick and better-informed decisions.

“The challenge I am looking for-ward to when we bring the jets back to Australia and put them through their paces is to make sure they can operate with our other platforms.”

More Australians will soon be learning to fly the jet in the US and maintainers and engineers are already learning new skills.

When the first F-35As begin to arrive in Australia permanently in 2018 they will be assigned to No. 3 Squadron at RAAF Base Williamtown.

Their initial task will be to ensure the logistics supply chain has been established to operate the aircraft on a daily basis, and to integrate the new aircraft into Air Force and the ADF.

By December 2020 the F-35A will have its initial operational capability with enough aircraft and pilot instruc-tors to train all Australian pilots on home soil, as well as the ability to be employed in combat scenarios.

F-35A for the futureThe F-35A is part of Air Force’s evolu-tion to a fifth-generation networked force.

Australia’s first F-35A pilot, SQNLDR Andrew Jackson, said it was easy to fall into the trap of thinking the F35 was just another aircraft.

“The shell of the aircraft gets it to the fight but it’s so much more than an F/A-18 Hornet replacement,” he said.

“We haven’t begun to scratch the surface of the F-35 capability. There’s more information, better information, faster information. It’s a real force multiplier.”

Australia’s F-35A chief engineer,

Image: courtesy Lockheed Martin

WGCDR Vince Palmeri, was excited to see the aircraft fly.

“It’s such a capable aircraft and it will become even more capable in the future through its upgrade program,” he said.

“The aircraft itself is being built through low-rate initial production (LRIP). Our first two aircraft were in LRIP6 back in 2014 and our next eight aircraft will be in LRIP10 in 2018.

“This means the F-35A continues to advance as it’s built. As part of our purchase agreement our LRIP6 aircraft will be updated to LRIP10 standards before they arrive in Australia for their RAAF service.

“We are already planning for some

of these hardware modifications, which will occur early next year.

“The upgrade will take about four months for each aircraft and will include upgrades to increase the aircraft’s resistance to lightning, pro-viding an equivalent level of safety to other combat aircraft.”

It was the threat of thunderstorms that prevented the F-35As’ fly-over at Avalon on March 5.

WGCDR Palmeri said it was great to see the aircraft fly on Friday and Saturday, but due to the thunderstorm forecasts, “we didn’t want to take any unnecessary risks with safety on Sunday”.

Air Force also cancelled an F/A-

18F Super Hornet fly-past over Tamworth and Peak on the same day, due to the same weather forecast.

The F-35A deployment was excep-tionally smooth with no technical issues throughout either of the 20-hour transit flights. The aircraft will also be upgraded with software modifications throughout its life.

“Our first two F-35A aircraft are currently using software Block 3i, which was loaded in September last year,” WGCDR Palmeri said.

“The next upgrade will be to the Block 3F software by the end of this year, which will provide further capa-bility.”

One of Australia’s first F-35A Lightning II aircraft, A35-001, arrives at the Australian International Airshow.Photo: CPL Ben Dempster

RCEAIRFMarch 23, 20178 Force of the future

COMBAT Support Group (CSG) was out in force at the Australian International Airshow at Avalon, working on the ground and behind

the scenes to ensure the personnel and air-craft at the show were well taken care of.

More than 200 CSG personnel support-ed the air show. Most of them were part of the Combined Task Unit 640.4.3, which provided airfield engineering, force protec-tion, logistics, equipment operation and maintenance, refuelling, communications, catering, air movements, health care and administration as part of its support to the flying elements of the show.

It took 10 months of planning to organ-ise the world’s fourth-largest air show. It took seven weeks to implement the event and up to 10,000 tasks were carried out through the command post during the show.

Ground Component Commander ADF WGCDR Gary Sadler said the component performed exceptionally well under chal-lenging circumstances.

“The combat support element in particu-lar received significant praise for both the standard of the catering and support form the forward command post staff,” he said

“Overall, it was a successful event for the ground component and combat sup-port element, and the commitment shown by CSG personnel on the ground was out-standing.”

96 Wing provided ground support equip-ment for aircraft and airfield safety. This included everything from forklifts and air-craft stairs to tankers, airfield sweepers and a portable aircraft arrestor system.

The equipment came from around Australia and meticulous planning was required to ensure the bases were not affect-ed and flying operations were guaranteed continued and reliable support.

The deployable catering capabil-ity (DCC) was set up for the first time at Avalon, and produced more than 1500 meals a day with additional hotboxes for on-duty personnel.

The DCC is a full commercial kitchen. It was fully operational within two days and operated 24 hours a day, providing regular meals and an around-the-clock breakfast, snack and sandwich bar. Feeding upwards of 1400 personnel a day, the DCC team

produced more than 20,000 meals during the show.

No. 3 Aero-Medical Evacuation Squadron held a display of the AME capa-bility inside a C-130J Hercules, demonstrat-ing the support Health Services provides to both operations and humanitarian aid and disaster relief.

No. 65 Squadron was the first unit into Avalon in early February, laying out more than 209 tonnes (equivalent to 10km) of aircraft matting for taxiways, aprons and pathways.

65SQN also constructed and outfitted three deployable aircraft maintenance and logistic support hangars, set up multiple Base X tents, and ensured compliance with Victorian safety regulations.

It was the last unit to leave Avalon after it dismantled the infrastructure it had pains-takingly constructed.

The force protection security element for Avalon consisted of 66 personnel, as well as military working dogs (MWDs) and explosive detection dogs (EDDs). It was responsible for 24-hour aircraft security and security for the CAF symposium and VIP program.

It conducted an airfield defence guard static display and another SECFOR element provided personnel to conduct a live display of the SECFOR capability deploying from fly-in fly-out aircraft.

The MWDs featured in public dis-plays during the air show and the EDDs were used for explosive detection at public venues for the VIP program. They were also used for crowd sweeps and infrastructure explosive detection.

Commander CSG AIRCDRE Ken Robinson said the achievements of his per-sonnel at the air show was a testament to their professionalism and dedication.

“Our personnel were at Avalon for weeks, set up capabilities for 24-hour sup-port to air show participants and were a part of the displays to show the public exactly what it means to be a member of the Air Force,” he said

“I’m incredibly proud of CSG’s hard-working personnel and I look forward to seeing them deliver the same level of sup-port in the operational environment.”

Support personnel worked long and hard, often behind the scenes, to keep the airshow running, FLTLT Stephanie Anderson reports

CPL Mark Doran

IT MAY have not been flying, but the aero-medical evacuation configuration of an Air Force C-130J Hercules was a drawcard for many of the visitors to the Australian International Airshow.

The capability displayed by mem-bers of No. 3 Aero-Medical Evacuation Squadron (3AMES) demonstrated how critical-care patients are transported when the Air Force assists with opera-tional and humanitarian emergencies.

During the three-day trade period, more than 33,000 international del-egates from 45 countries travelled to the exhibition. When the gates opened to the public in the last three days, about 177,000 people watched the world’s best aircraft take to the skies.

SQNLDR Riannon Quemard, of 3AMES, said there was a lot of inter-est in the Hercules and Plan Jericho by

manufacturers and industry representa-tives during the trade days.

“Traditionally during AME our communication is limited to within the aircraft while flying,” she said.

“Under Plan Jericho our focus is on connecting and networking with those on the ground using the aircraft’s wi-fi system and telemedicine to reach back for clinical information and advice from specialists.

“We’ve been using Skype, but there is further development happening in this area. Missions always evolve when we are in the aircraft, so it’s also impor-tant to receive information as fast as possible so we know what we will face when we land.”

The trade displays focused on Australia’s aviation industry. More than 600 companies showcased their tech-nologies and services to a national and international audience.

SQNLDR Quemard said there was also interest in the Hercules’ oxygen capabilities.

“At the moment, we are using cylinders but Air Force is developing the concept of using liquid oxygen. Industry representatives spoke to us about the technology they had and gave us their opinions on what Air Force could use,” she said.

The public were impressed to learn the Hercules could carry five critical-care patients or 97 standard litters, SQNLDR Quemard said.

“They were also surprised by how much we can do for critical-care patients in the back of the aircraft. I think I sold them on the Herc.

“The best part of being involved in the air show was being able to portray our passion about what we do in a busy aero-medical evacuation squadron.”

Around the clock

Herc impresses as an ambulance in the sky

1SECFOR personnel provide security with a Bushmaster protected mobility vehicle and quad bikes as an Air Force P-8A Poseidon lands during a display at the Australian International Airshow at Avalon.Photos: CPL Mark Doran

SQNLDR Riannon Quemard demonstrates the characteristics of the C-130 Hercules medical configuration to a young visitor to the air show.

Force of the future 9RCEAIRF March 23, 2017

CPL Mark Doran

RESERVISTS with the ADF Regional Health Advisory Group attended the Australian International Airshow at Avalon on March 5.

The main aim of the reservist medical profession-als’ visit during their annual conference was to see Defence assets and under-stand the connectivity of Air Force’s Plan Jericho.

It also gave them the opportunity to explore the newer Air Force, Army and Navy assets in a joint envi-ronment and talk to the peo-ple who operate them.

The group of 110 people was a mix of general prac-titioners, cardiac surgeons, anaesthetists, nurses, dieti-cians, forensic scientists and one forensic archaeologist.

They were also joined

by 30 possible recruits, who were able to see the type of military hardware they might work with and ask questions about life as a reservist.

Director RAAF Health Reserves (Vic/Tas) and chair-man of the ADF Regional Health Advisory Group, GPCAPT Chris Potter, said as an Air Force officer he was excited to have a close look at the new C-27J Spartan and the P-8A Poseidon.

“We don’t normally get to see many RAAF assets in Melbourne and watching the F-35A Lightning II flying was a fascinating bonus,” he said.

“We were also able to bring a medical perspective to the air show, which helped us understand the occupa-tional stresses on the human body, the environment they work in and what happens when things go wrong.”

‘It was absolutely fantastic to see the technology and capabilities of the F-22A Raptor.

CPL Todd Reynolds1CCS

CPL Mark Doran

AN AMALGAMATED force of Air Force person-nel, Victoria Police and other agencies provided security for the Australian International Airshow.

Air Force’s airfield defence guards, military working dog handlers, security police, and air base protection flight personnel were on site 24 hours a day, ensuring the safety of the public and the ADF’s high-value assets.

They also showcased their weapons sys-tems through static displays and took part in the air show’s flying displays. The C-130 Hercules and the C-17 Globemaster provided security for

the extraction of ground troops by the Army’s MRH-90 Taipans.

SGT Bradley Clayton, of 1SECFOR at RAAF Base Williamtown, said five teams of military working dog handlers held public demonstra-tions with their dogs in action twice a day while maintaining their core security and asset-pro-tection role.

“During the three trade days industry per-sonnel who manufacture some of our equip-ment provided my personnel with a much broader knowledge and understanding of the current in-service assets we utilise,” he said.

“When the gates opened to the public there

was a constant flow of people visiting our dis-play and asking a lot of questions. The public love the ability to see and touch our in-service weapons systems and gain an understanding of our security role.

“Senior Defence personnel and other gov-ernment agencies also took a keen interest in SECFOR’s capability and how we provide sup-port to other ADF elements.

“The best part of the air show for my team was the ability to interact with the public and provide that hands-on weapons display. For the public it is something they probably would never have the ability to do.”

A deft display of safety and security

Examining assets from a medical perspective

RCEAIRFMarch 23, 201710 Force of the future

A Spartan era unfolds

‘It was the public who were the best part of the airshow, but it was also incredible to see the aircraft and capa-bilities of the ADF as it showed me paths my career with Air Force could go.

ACW Casey Childs35SQN

Photo: CPL Mark Doran

Eamon Hamilton

THE next 12 months could prove a banner year for No. 35 Squadron (35SQN) as it brings the C-27J Spartan to service.

During the 2017 Austral ian International Airshow, senior figures within Australia’s C-27J Spartan pro-gram spoke to media about what the future holds for the battlefield air-lifter.

Four aircraft are currently oper-ated from RAAF Base Richmond by 35SQN.

Commander Air Mobility Group AIRCDRE Richard Lennon said the full fleet of 10 aircraft was expected to be in Australia by early 2018.

“Our priorities for the C-27J in 2017 are to increase cooperation with the Australian Army, and to bring more of our training back to Australia,” AIRCDRE Lennon said.

“We can expect to see the 35SQN participating in Exercise Talisman Sabre 17 in July.”

“We’re also planning for 35SQN to get out into the region more this year, with training in Papua New Guinea and the Pacific Ocean region.”

Initial Operating Capability for the Spartan was declared in December 2016, clearing the Spartans to conduct basic tactical airlift missions, as well as some airdrop of cargo and para-troops.

However, the road to Final Operating Capability will include realising the full potential of the Spartan as a Battlefield Airlifter, as well as construction of permanent squadron facilities at RAAF Base Amberley.

At present, 35SQN operates from interim facilities at RAAF Base Richmond. Aircrew and tech-nicians are trained in Texas under the training services provider, L-3 Communications.

AIRCDRE Phil Tammen, Director General of Airl ift and Tanker Systems, spoke to media at Avalon about how Capability Acquisition and

Sustainment Group (CASG) was sup-porting the Spartan into the future.

“This year, we will release a ten-der for industry to provide Air Force with training devices for the C-27J,” AIRCDRE Tammen said.

“Training devices will be installed at RAAF Base Amberley, and will include a Full-Motion Simulator for the C-27J cockpit, a Cargo Compartment Trainer, and other desktop training solutions.”

These devices would be similar to those being provided for the C-17A and C-130J, and would reduce the requirement for real aircraft to be used for training and currency events.

Moving further into the Spartan’s future, AIRCDRE Tammen said Defence was already looking to how best to support and develop the C-27J’s potential.

“We are working with Defence Science and Technology Group to test the aircraft structure to ensure we get the maximum life-of-type from the C-27J,” AIRCDRE Tammen said.

Such a program would entail col-lecting performance and usage data from the Spartans and testing a sam-ple of the aircraft structure to destruc-tion.

From this testing, new aircraft usage management practices and structural enhancements would allow the aircraft to be used to greater effect.

Defence was also working close-ly with the aircraft’s manufacturer, Leonardo, and other C-27J operators to consider future development of the type.

This includes a near-term goal of installing a Mode 5 Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) system, which would enable the Spartan to more effectively operate with coalition forc-es.

“CASG and Air Force will also work with Leonardo on a C-27J avi-onics upgrade, to be delivered in the next 10 years,” AIRCDRE Tammen said.

Visitors line up to view 35SQN’s C-27J Spartan static display at the Avalon International Airshow. Photo: CPL Nicci Freeman

Force of the future 11RCEAIRF March 23, 2017

Leigh Watson

THE importance of a networked and integrated future force is well under-stood, but Air Force will rely on rela-tionships with industry and interna-tional partners to achieve it.

The Austral ian Internat ional Airshow included two events aimed at increasing relationships across new areas – an international breakfast on March 1 and an industry breakfast on March 2.

Welcoming Defence Industry Minister Christopher Pyne on March 2, CAF AIRMSHL Leo Davies said net-working and building relationships was important to building the future force.

“I am absolutely convinced that our Air Force cannot grow on its own. We will need our technicians and opera-tors to take full advantage, but we will also need industry to show us what is possible; we will need CASG to sup-port us; and we need smart airmen to come through the door for the future,” AIRMSHL Davies said.

“We talk about fundamental inputs to capability [FIC]. The aerospace industry is a FIC in the Air Force con-text and we’re on the right track.

“The experts from industry that are here – are those companies, those industries that are providing us with the parts, the ingenuity, the sustainment factors that allow our aircraft to keep flying, to provide an option for govern-ment as we are currently doing in the Middle East right now.

“I’m rather excited about what the future does hold. A great example for industry is how do we grow a Low Observable technician to look after the F-35A? I don’t know how to grow one,

but I think there are many industry peo-ple in this room who do. We need to team with you to understand how that will grow,” AIRMSHL Davies said.

Minister Pyne thanked industry for its involvement. “Everyone in this room is part of our national Defence industry project. It’s an incredibly exciting time to be in Defence and in Defence industry in particular,” he said.

“What I’ve heard from so many people is that they’ve never felt so val-ued and engaged as they are right now, as part of our national Defence industry project.

“The Defence White Paper with the Integrated Investment Plan, and the Defence Industry Policy statement, all working together has been the differ-ence between the success we’re seeing now, and the excitement we’re seeing in the sector, versus what’s been hoped for in the past.

“Rather than industry talking about how difficult is to get to see people in Defence, I’m now hearing from cap-tains of industry, from small and medi-um enterprises, that Defence is engag-ing with them in a way they haven’t been before.”

Speaking at the international break-fast on March 1, Air Commander Australia AVM Gavin Turnbull said relationships and partnering would be essential.

“Our oldest platform as we turn 100 will be the C-130J Hercules. For an air force of our size, that recapitalisation is probably unprecedented, and in our Air Force an enormous change,” AVM Turnbull said.

“We have to grow from an organi-sation that was created last century and borne out of WWII.

Leigh Watson

THE Australian International Airshow was an opportunity for Australian Air Force Cadets (AAFC) from around Australia to view the latest aviation ca-pabilities, and even consider a future career in aviation.

Visiting a group of cadets, CAF AIRMSHL Leo Davies was presented with the first AAFC Avalon Flight Plan and Log Book by Commander of AAFC, GPCAPT (AAFC) Mark Dorward, who said the airshow was an excellent opportunity for cadets.

“Some of the leading edge tech-nologies that some of the cadets are involved in are certainly great to see,” GPCAPT Dorward said.

He said the product was a great recruiting tool for people who visited the AAFC display and it was also a “record of service for us all to use”.

CAF congratulated the cadets on their involvement in the AAFC and at the airshow.

“This log book is a great way to capture for you what you’ve achieved, and what’s coming next. We’re trying to provide you with more flying op-portunities and more enjoyment for the work that you do. But it’s you – the ca-

dets – who make it happen,” he said.“Cadets is a fantastic way to un-

derstand what the Air Force is about, and what an aviation career might be about.

“By being part of the cadet move-ment, you begin to start to understand those values that we must uphold. But you also learn essential core values that will be good use for you through-out your life.”

CAF took the opportunity to mix with the cadets and answer questions, but said: “I can answer any ques-tions you’ve got, but what invariably happens is a couple of photos and selfies!”

The Flight Plan and Log Book can be used by cadets as a personal re-cord of their AAFC experiences.

It provides AAFC members with information about AAFC activities and benefits, including leadership, solo fly-ing, Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, and the TAFE Certificate III in Business.

The notebook also includes detailed information for parents. The Flight Plan and Log Book was trialled at the airshow, and if successful, con-sideration will be given to distributing to Cadet Wings Australia-wide.

Forging a future with industry

A ‘fantastic’ start

CAF AIRMSHL Leo Davies displays the Flight Plan and Log Book with Australian Air Force Cadets Elly Samas and Sam Occhipinti at the Australian International Airshow. Photo: CPL Craig Barrett

Defence Industry Minister Christopher Pyne at an industry event held during the Australian International Airshow. Photo: CPL Nicci Freeman

“We have realised that a sea change will occur. Air Force is undertaking the work needed to transform our-selves into a networked and integrated fifth-generation force.”

He said that would involve a whole range of partnering and activities with militaries around the world, including building ties with industry.

“In a networked and integrated future Air Force, it won’t matter who

has the missile, who has the sensor and who is carrying that weapon,” AVM Turnbull said.

“What will matter is who is mak-ing the decision and where the but-ton is that enables that weapon to be launched, who is providing the target-ing solution and it doesn’t matter where that decision-maker is – inside an F35, inside an air warfare destroyer or in joint operations command.”

RCEAIRFMarch 23, 201712 Force of the future

SQNLDR Paul Warner

IN welcoming the first two PC-21 training aircraft to Australia during the AIA, there was excitement for both the aircraft and the training system for which it plays a key role.

After pulling out all the stops to make an appearance at the air-show, the aircraft were welcomed by Defence Minister for Personnel Dan Tehan, the Member for Gippsland Darren Chester, and CAF AIRMSHL Leo Davies.

AIRMSHL Davies said the air-craft itself was only part of the story.

“Lockheed and ‘Team 21’ have been generating a training system for us that allows us to fly this air-craft to the full extent of its capabili-ties,” he said.

“It is the complex fighting envi-ronment we need to train for - this aircraft, the training system and our selection process will ensure the men and women we train to be avia-tors will reach their highest poten-tial.

“This really is the start of us becoming a fifth-generation Air Force.”

CAF congratulated ‘Team 21’ partners Lockheed, Pilatus and Hawker Pacific and the new aircrew training project office for their work on the project.

“A big thank you to CASG who have delivered the project and got us to the point of being able to deliv-er these two aircraft,” AIRMSHL Davies said.

Air Force, Army and Navy avi-ators will graduate from this new training system.

Mr Tehan said he was excited to see WGCDR Andrew “Jacko” Jackson fly and land the F-35A dur-ing its AIA debut.

He emphasised that this would not have been possible without RAAF training systems.

“Young men and women will be able to train, and train safely, in the PC-21, a very ‘jet-like’ plane,” he said.

“Our Air Force pilots are among the best in the world, and the Government’s investment in the PC-21 system is part of our commit-ment to continue investing in pro-ducing highly skilled and talented Australian Defence Force personnel.

“This new system will train more people, faster, and to a higher stand-ard than our current aircraft.

“I congratulate Air Force in ensuring we get the best products for the people who go into harm’s way to keep our nation safe.”

Mr Chester said he was looking forward to the PC-21 commencing flying operations at RAAF Base East Sale

“I am very proud of the role my electorate plays in the training of Australia’s pilots,” Mr Chester said.

“RAAF Base East Sale is a valu-able part of our community and we look forward to producing a gen-eration of pilots trained on the new system.”

The PC-21 departed the airshow for its new home at RAAF Base East Sale for testing before accept-ance into Air Force service.

All systems goAir Force’s new PC-21 pilot training system comprises electronic classrooms, personal learning devices, cockpit proce-dures trainers and flight training devices systems.

Modernised pilot training, incorporating blended learning in the classroom and flying, will maximise learning and prepare Defence pilots for processing information needed to oper-

ate fourth and fifth-generation aircraft.

Networked electronic class-rooms distribute lesson content downloadable to the personal learning device. This device aids pilots to learn theory and aircraft operations using video and simulated demonstrations.

The cockpit procedures trainer, with an out-the-window front view from a mock PC-21

cockpit, simulates flying se-quences and procedures.

Trainee pilots will practise in a realistic PC-21 cockpit, flying simulated missions in the flight training device, where the flying instructor will bring together everything the trainee needs to operate the aircraft safely and efficiently.

PC-21 TRAINING SYSTEM PUSHES RIGHT BUTTONS

Graphics: Pilatus

CAF AIRMSHL Leo Davies with the PC-21s at the Australian

International Airshow.Photo: CPL Nicci Freeman