AIRF RCEVol. 62 No. 1, February 6, 2020 The official newspaper of the Royal Australian Air Force

Operation Bushfire Assist

Specialedition

INSIDE: AUSTRALIA DAY HONOURS Pages 13-15 FINAL FAREWELL TO PC-9/A Page 16

ALLIN

Reports - Pages 2-11

Volunteer firefighters from Victoria’s Country Fire Authority board an Air Force C-17A Globemaster at RAAF Base Richmond. Photo: CPL Casey Forster

READ US ONLINE

Web: defence.gov.au/news/raafnews. While there, register to receive an email alert for each new digital edition.

EDITORIALDirectorDavid Edlington

Acting Managing EditorRichard Mihaich

EditorBenjamin Doherty: (02) 6266 7612

Deputy EditorMichelle Fretwell

ReportersSGT Max BreeSGT Dave MorleyCPL Sebastian BeurichCPL Veronica O’Hara

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

ADVERTISING AND SUBSCRIPTIONSMarketing ManagerTim Asher: (07) 3332 7651 or

0459 842 551

Assistant Marketing ManagerPam Clarke: (02) 6265 2427

advertising@defencenews.gov.au subscriptions1@defencenews.gov.au

DISCLAIMERAir Force News is published fortnightly by the Defence News Bureau. It is printed under contract by Spotpress Pty Ltd. The material published is selected for its interest. The views expressed in published articles are not necessarily those of Defence or Air Force News. Every advertisement is subject to Defence News Bureau approval and the Defence News Bureau may, at its discretion, refuse to accept an advertisement. The Bureau accepts no responsibility or liability in relation to any loss due to the failure of an advertisement to appear or if it appears in a form not in accordance with the instructions received by the Defence News Bureau. Defence does not endorse the products or services published in advertisements.

OTHER AIR FORCE AND DEFENCE CHANNELS

ISSN 1329-8909 (Print)ISSN 2209-2234 (Online)

AirForce.gov.au

youtube.com/AusAirForce

facebook.com/AusAirForce

twitter.com/AusAirForce

instagram.com/AusAirForce

AIRF RCE

2 Operation Bushfire Assist

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

TO A L L c o m m a n d e r s , s o l d i e r s , sailors, airmen and women: as the National Emergency Coordinator for ADF’s response to the bushfire crisis, I want to thank

Regular and Reserve members who have sup-ported this vitally important endeavour.

At the start of my tenure I asked you all to lean forward and support our emergency management services and the community.

I asked you to act, without being prompted.I asked you to make a difference.To every man and woman, you answered that

call.I have had recounted to me and have personally

witnessed actions that are too many in number to relay here.

Actions that are extreme in their diversity of scale, some massive, such as the evacuation of Mallacoota in Victoria, the recovery of downed aircraft in NSW and the provision of drinkable water on Kangaroo Island in South Australia, all the way to the smallest acts of kindness, such as helping people gain access to their properties or nursing injured koalas.

Regardless of their scale, all actions have been exceptionally meaningful to our community.

I have received nothing but praise from our Emergency Management Services, who have done such amazing work, and of course our communi-ties.

While I say thank you and good luck to those forces that have left or are leaving, it is important to note the job is far from over. There is still work to be done.

This work is arduous, relentless. We will continue to work with state and national

emergency and recovery agencies to finish what we started.

While we will continue to respond to local emergencies as they arise, it is the national and state recovery agencies that will lead the long-term recovery we now principally support.

We will have regular forces and volunteer reservists continuing this important work, although we will continue to respond and provide relief as emergencies arise.

This bushfire season is far from over.Our job is not done until the relevant state and

national authorities declare it so.Until that day, every day counts in making a dif-

ference to our community.I thank you again for your service and I person-

ally look forward to continuing our important work supporting Operation Bushfire Assist.

There is no greater honour than serving our nation.

Let’s continue to make our fellow Australians proud.

MAJGEN Justin Ellwood.

Thank you for jobs so well done

The RAAF extends its deepest sympathies to the family, friends and colleagues of the crew from the Coulson C-130Q Hercules lost on January 23. We recognise and honour the service and sacrifice of the crew and all those contributing to fighting bush-fires here in Australia.

Loss of Coulson C-130Q Hercules

Above and beyondFLTLT Jessica Aldred

Fire and Rescue crews from the Mid-North Coast region of NSW prepare to board a C-130J Hercules transport aircraft to assist fighting the bushfires. Inset: RAAF airmen, help an elderly evacuee at RAAF Base East Sale. Photos: SGT Christopher Dickson and CPL Nicole Dorrett

MAJGEN Justin Ellwood.

AIR Force people and aircraft have been on mission since September support-ing NSW, VIC and SA Governments and conducting many tasks, from evac-

uating Australians in fire-impacted communities to providing critical supplies and transporting firefighters.

The ADF and Air Force response was bol-stered over the Christmas period with more than 800 RAAF personnel contributing to the almost-5000 strong ADF response supporting federal and state authorities.

ACAUST AVM Joe Iervasi said the Air Force contribution was significant, both in the air and on the ground.

“Australian firefighters have been working tirelessly in difficult circumstances, and Air Force has continued to support them in their efforts,” AVM Iervasi said. “We had more than 800 personnel from around 71 units and every FEG come together to support the state authori-ties, to help fire-affected Australian communi-ties.

“Air Force has been supporting requests for bushfire support since September last year, and our aircraft played an important role in transporting evacuees, delivering fuel, food and water, and moving emergency services person-nel to where they were needed,” AVM Iervasi said.

“Many Air Force bases demonstrated their importance and function as capability elements

in their own right as they delivered emergency accommodation for evacuees and took on criti-cal tasks, such as refuelling firefighting aircraft and working as a staging point for Defence heli-copters. Our people demonstrated their profes-sionalism to the Australian people, as well as the state firefighting organisations - from airlift sup-port to aerial reconnaissance, logistics support, and engineering field work,” AVM Iervasi said.

“I am proud of our Air Force people step-ping up, particularly at posting and moving time, and coming together to support the state authorities responding to the bushfire crisis.”

Operation Bushfire Assist is the Australian Defence Force’s response in support of the ongoing bushfire crisis across NSW, VIC and SA.

LAC Benjamin Lee, from No 23 Squadron, puts a helmet on a young girl before she is evacuated from Mallacoota. Photo: CPL Nicole Dorrett

3February 6, 2020RCEAIR F Operation Bushfire Assist

Praise for dedication,selfless acts

REFLECTING on the contribu-tion Air Force is making to Operation Bushfire Assist, CAF AIRMSHL Mel Hupfeld said he

was proud of the tireless and incredible work being undertaken by Air Force members under difficult circumstances.

“Many Air Force members were recalled early from leave to enable the ADF to surge to support civilian emergency management and fire-fighting authorities,” AIRMSHL Hupfeld said.

“I am pleased that our Air Force mem-bers have d is t in-guished themselves in challenging condi-tions both in the air and on the ground, showing great skill and dedicat ion in delivering all that has been asked of them.”

Since New Year’s Eve, when fire condi-tions became cata-strophic, a range of Air Force aircraft have been providing air suppor t across several states, with up to three C-27J Spartans, up to two C-130J Hercules, one C-17A Globemaster, one P-8A Poseidon, and up to three B350 King Air aircraft deployed to assist.

They have been joined by Army and Navy rotary wing aircraft, as well as fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft from the Royal New Zealand Air Force, Koku-Jieitai (Japan Air Self Defense Force), and Republic of Singapore Air Force.

“Air Force has been working closely with civilian authorities throughout this crisis, with our aircraft and personnel consistently proving their flexibility, and delivering the right capability for the task at hand,” AIRMSHL Hupfeld said.

“Our bases, particularly East Sale, Richmond and Edinburgh, continue to play critical roles in supporting the fire-

Since September 2019, Air Force aircraft and people have provided support to state authorities and firefighters battling the bushfire crisis in NSW, Victoria and SA. From RAAF aircraft evacuating Australians from fire zones and providing critical aerial surveillance of fire fronts through to airfield engineers creating firebreaks, Air Force personnel mobilised to support the Australian community.

Do you want a PHAT Tax Return?

• Investment properties• Members who have served overseas• Late lodgement of tax returns• Members who have been medically discharged

1300 763 575or visit us online at

www.phatreturns.com.au

Maximum returns - We know all the specific deductions, so you get a great tax return every year

Phone consultations - All tax returns are completed over the phone, so you don’t have to leave your base, ship or assignment

We have extensive experience across all ranks and specialities, including:

DEFENCE FORCE TAX SPECIALISTS

As of January 22.

CAF AIRMSHL Mel Hupfeld with FLTLT Joshuah Goewie, officer in charge of air movements at RAAF Base East Sale and RNZAF FLTLT James MacIntosh. Photo: CPL Kylie Gibson

FLTLT Jessica Aldred fighting efforts – from providing accom-modation and meals for firefighters and evacuees to refuelling and logistics – becoming essential airheads to reach the fire zones.

“Our people have also consistently demonstrated their professionalism and skill, conducting evacuee airlift, aerial surveillance, logistics, air move-ments, providing health support, clear-ing roads and making firebreaks, and maintaining a high level of aircraft ser-viceability in especially difficult condi-tions.”

AIRMSHL Hupfeld reiterated that the bushfire crisis, and Air Force’s role in responding to it, is ongoing, with a number of weeks remaining in the 2020 bushfire season.

“Air Force is a small part of the total bushfire response effect, and our work – alongside that of the rest of the ADF and Defence – will continue to comple-ment the significant work of the state authorities and the personnel working for those agencies for or the remainder of the 2020 bushfire season.

The bushfire crisis is the Australian Defence Force’s main effort under Operation Bushfire Assist, with several thousand full-time and reserve person-nel providing direct support in the field, at sea, in the air and from Defence bases across fire-affected regions.

OPERATION BUSHFIRE ASSIST

KOALAS MOVED BY C-27J SPARTANS

MORE THAN 800 AIR FORCE MEMBERS JOINED WITH ARMY, NAVY AND OUR INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS TO SUPPORT STATE AUTHORITIES ON OPERATION BUSHFIRE ASSIST IN NSW, VIC AND SA

IN REAL TERMS, THIS IS EQUAL TO THE WEIGHT OF 66 C-27J SPARTANS IN THEIR ENTIRETY

6,882 PASSENGERS

300+ FLIGHTS

UP TO 11 RAAF AIRCRAFT IN SUPPORT

MORE THAN 850 FLYING HOURS

13

Carrying evacuees, firefighters, essential services workers, and supplies including food, water and fuel

AIR FORCE UNITS PROVIDED PEOPLE, EQUIPMENT AND AIRCRAFT TO SUPPORT THE RECOVERY AND RELIEF EFFORT71

2,494,536 LBS OF CARGO

Transitioning?Remain Defence and Government ready for your next career move.

Keep your security clearance! Send us an email for more info:

DISP@adcg.com.au

4 Operation Bushfire Assist

Keen eyes on safety as traffic increases

FLTLT Andrew Willersdorf, a pilot with No. 35 Squadron, performs pre-flight checks on his C-27J Spartan before delivering cargo and passengers from RAAF Base East Sale to Mallacoota.Photo: CPL Kylie Gibson

FLGOFF Claire Burnet

RAAF C-27J Spartan loadmaster CPL Antonia Guterres has been hands-on in helping deliver supplies to fire-affected communities in isolated regions of Victoria.

From No. 35 Squadron at RAAF Amberley, CPL Guterres is part of a team that worked RAAF East Sale supporting the local emergency services.

“Getting the first group of evacuees out of Mallacoota was an experience I’ll never forget,” CPL Guterres said.

“They were all so grateful and the chil-dren were great, I gave them some lollies to help lift their spirits during a turbulent time. My role as a Spartan loadmaster is quite varied; anything from checking the aircraft over pre-flight, loading and correctly weighting cargo, undertaking in-flight sup-ply drops and even helping with search and rescue operations.”

During Operation Bushfire Assist, Spartan crews have been responsible for moving hundreds of evacuees and firefight-ers as well as police officers, medics, vet-erinarians, emergency service contractors not to mention cats and dogs, and koalas.

“I grew up in Springwood in Brisbane and worked in recruitment before joining the ADF in 2018 as a loadmaster, so this has been an incredible and memorable experience early in my Defence career,” CPL Guterres said.

“My team also flew 30 AUSNET line workers from Albury to a small Corryong

FLGOFF Brent Moloney

FLTLT Ben Young’s team deployed to the Transportable Air Operations Tower at Bairnsdale Airport in early January at short notice after the ADF was called to support Victorian State Emergency Services to fight bush-fires and provide community aid.

FLTLT Young works with a small team of air traffic controllers from No. 44 Wing, to provide an airfield flight information service for civilian and military aircraft.

“We’re making sure their situational awareness com-ing in and out of the aerodrome is safe and efficient, because it has been getting quite busy now with the increased effort,” FLTLT Young said.

Significant fluctuations in weather had an adverse effect on flying conditions across much of the affected area during the past week, making the Transportable Air Operations Tower a critical component for the continued emergency efforts in Gippsland.

The service that FLTLT Young and his colleagues provided from Bairnsdale Airport improved the situation for pilots operating in the area and allowed for sustained flying operations during challenging conditions.

“We’ve already had pilots say to us that what we’re providing is a fantastic service and it’s really helped the way they’ve been able to operate in and out of Bairnsdale,” FLTLT Young said.

“It’s a great feeling to come and actually do what we train for. The day-to-day air traffic services is our job but the reason why we wear the uniform is to get out here and help when Defence is called upon.”

FLTLT Ben Young, on a mobile control tower at Bairnsdale airport. Photo: PTE Michael Currie Sharing the load to

deliver crucial supplies

ANSWERING THE CALL:

OUR PEOPLE

RAAF C-27J Spartan loadmaster CPL Antonia Guterres has praised the camaraderie between everyone involved in the bushfire emergency. Photo: CPL Kylie Gibson

airfield so they could begin restoring power to the town.

“At Merimbula, we brought home the same group of firies that we dropped there

early in the operation, we were all happy to see each other again. The camaraderie between everyone involved in this bushfire emergency is pretty special.”

5February 6, 2020RCEAIR F Operation Bushfire Assist

Proud to take the pilot’s seatFLGOFF Claire Burnet

FLTLT Andrew Willersdorf was on his Christmas break with family in Queensland when the bushfire emergency began to unfold.

The C-27J Spartan pilot from the Sunshine Coast was watching the scale of the bushfires on television when he decided to contact his boss to offer help.

“Our job as members of the ADF is to be ready when the government needs us and we spend a lot of time train-ing and conducting missions for situations like this,” FLTLT Willersdorf said.

More than 800 Air Force personnel from about 71 RAAF units and a number of aircraft are working in sup-port of Operation Bushfire

Assist, including up to three C-27J Spartan, up to two C-130J Hercules, one C-17A Globemaster, one P-8A Poseidon, and up to three B350 King Air aircraft.

This operation is FLTLT Willersdorf’s second in Australia, the first being Operation QLD Flood Assist in 2019.

“I arrived at RAAF Base East Sale from Amberley a week ago and have been busy flying firies, police, and Parks and Wildlife Victoria members into the bushfire-affected com-munities of Mallacoota and Merimbula,” FLTLT Willersdorf said.

FLTLT Willersdorf’s aircraft is a C-27J Spartan – small, nimble and capable of using short runways made of dirt.

“The Spartan is particularly

suitable for sustained opera-tions like this because it is light on the ground and won’t damage airfields during con-stant take-off and landing rota-tions,” he said.

Air Force aircraft are conducting a range of tasks, including providing critical sup-plies of water, fuel, food, medi-cal and veterinary supplies, as well as transporting firefight-ing and essential services personnel into and out of fire zones, evacuating members of fire-impacted communities, and surveillance and recon-naissance.

Spartans have been particularly busy throughout Victoria with over 119 flights moving 139,001 pounds of cargo, 1014 passengers, 25 dogs, five cats and 13 koalas.

“In South Australia, my

aircraft flew Country Fire Service volunteers from Port Augusta and Mount Gambier to Kangaroo Island then took the current team of volunteers back for some time off,” FLTLT Willersdorf said.

FLTLT Willersdorf said this operation was rewarding for ADF personnel because they were directly helping Australians and making a real difference in people’s lives.

“It’s been eye-opening to see the amount of devastation these bushfires are causing and humbling to witness the selflessness of volunteers and community spirit,” he said.

“Being a pilot in the Air Force is always diverse and rewarding, but giving back to our own Australian communi-ties makes me very proud to be part of the ADF.”

Puttingin thehours

FLGOFF Evita Ryan

AS AN aircraft loader CPL Corey O’Shannessy is used to doing his job all over the world.

Even though he has completed three deployments to the Middle East, his deployment to RAAF Base Amberley was one he’s been particularly proud to undertake.

Leading a small mobile team from No. 13 Squadron in Darwin, CPL O’Shannessy and his team supported No. 23 Squadron’s air movement tasking.

Air movements from the base at Amberley significantly increased in response to the operation as Air Force moved heavy equip-ment and personnel to New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia, including Kangaroo Island and all other regions devastated by the bushfires.

“I think I speak for the rest of my team in that we’re all proud to come down from Darwin to help out with Operation Bushfire Assist,” CPL O’Shannessy said.

“The team here in Amberley has been doing a great job. We’ve been running two shifts a day, roughly eight to nine hour shifts.

“I’m really proud of the efforts that everyone has put in so far. My heart goes out to everyone who

Privilege to be part of the effort at home

Leading a team from

Darwin, CPL Corey

O’Shannessy worked out of

RAAF Base Amberley.

Photo: SGT Peter Borys

FLGOFF Clarice Hurren

WORKNG tirelessly in the Red Cross North Melbourne Disaster Response Centre during the bushfires is SGT Andrew Boyle, a mem-ber of the RAAF Band for over 26 years.

Red Cross volunteers are operating in a number of recovery centres, visiting homes, attending community activities and provid-ing both practical and emotional support and information.

A R e s e r v i s t s i n c e J u l y 2 0 1 8 , clarinettist SGT Boyle undertook training with the Red Cross in late-2019 in prepa-ration for the summer fire season. He was then called u p a f t e r New Year’s D a y i n response to the unfold-ing bushfire situation in Victoria.

“ T h e D i s a s t e r R e s p o n s e C e n t r e i s p r o v i d i n g much needed r e s o u r c e s to evacua-tion centres across the state and referrals to emergency and recovery services,” SGT Boyle said. “It’s all about connecting people, and likely that I will continue to be involved for weeks.”

The recovery process is extensive, and the Red Cross will be providing ongoing support for those impacted by the bushfires.

“The care provided by the Red Cross is incredible, many volunteers are working long hours,” SGT Boyle said.

“My work here has enabled me to build on Defence skills and apply them in a different context.”

“In tough situations like this, you have to work under pressure, well in a team and be an efficient, reliable and responsible person.”

SGT Andrew Boyle, left, with PTE Nicholas Fabbri at the North Melbourne Red Cross Disaster Response Centre.

For more information visit airforceshop.com.au/coins

A part of BrandNetAir Force Shop at Military Shop

65 Kembla Street Fyshwick Canberra 02 6123 2930

CALL US FOR A FREE QUOTE

We really love helping create unique medallions and after so many years of

working with Air Force organisations our designers know just how to apply the official

badges to achieve outstanding results.

has been affected by the bushfires. Hopefully we can help get them back on their feet soon.”

Growing up in Old Bar, near Taree on the mid-north coast of NSW, CPL O’Shannessy worked as a baker for 12 years before hang-ing up his apron and joining the Air Force in 2009.

“I decided to take a differ-ent avenue and the idea of loading aircraft, travelling around the world and no two days being the same

appealed to me,” he said. In sup-port of Operation Bushfire Assist, a mobile air load team from New Zealand integrated with CPL O’Shannessy’s team.

“I enjoy working with coa-lition forces,” he said. “I’ve worked with New Zealand air loaders in the Middle East and they’ve always been great. I appreciate them coming here to support us. I’d gladly do the same to support them.”

6 Operation Bushfire Assist

FLTLT Jessica Aldred

AUSTRALIA’S aerial firefighting retardant supplies were boosted during Operation Bushfire Assist thanks to the strong relationship between the United States Air Force and RAAF.

An Air Force C-17A Globemaster III collected the first 20-tonne load of critical fire retardant powder from Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, and delivered it to RAAF Base Richmond on January 18 to support state and fed-eral emergency authorities.

A second load of retardant arrived on January 19 on a RAAF KC-30A multi-role tanker transport. A total of 117 tonnes were to be delivered as part of Operation Bushfire Assist.

CAF AIRMSHL Mel Hupfeld thanked the USAF and US stakehold-ers.

“The Royal Australian Air Force deeply appreciates the assistance being provided by the United States Air Force,” AIRMSHL Hupfeld said. “This is yet another example of the strength of friendship between our two countries.”

The fire retardant supply is used by civilian Large Air Tanker and Very Large Air Tanker (VLAT) aircraft during bushfire fighting missions in Australia.

The delivery has been timely, with the arrival of a DC-10 VLAT and a C-17A with essential VLAT spare parts into Canberra on January 17 to mark the first of four new aerial firefighting aircraft announced by the Federal Government recently.

Helping your mates out

No. 1 Joint Movement Unit coor-dinated the many supporting organi-sations required to manage the com-plex re-supply, working with the USAF, Emergency Management

Australia, Australian Border Force, the Department of Agriculture and RAAF air movement teams on the ground.

C O 1 J M U , C A P T F i o n a McNaught, RAN, said she was proud

of her team’s professionalism “There was extensive international engage-ment and inter-agency coordination involved in the movement and deliv-ery of the DC-10 spares and the fire

retardant from the US to Australia,” CAPT McNaught said.

“The professionalism and efficien-cy of all organisations and individuals involved was nothing short of superb.”

Members of the 99th

Logistics Readiness Squadron

and the RAAF push a

pallet of fire suppressant

up the ramp of an Australian

C-17A Globemaster

III at Nellis Air Force

Base. Photo: Senior

Airman Jeremy Wentworth

www.hamel.edu.au 1300 7 999 14

info@hamel.edu.au Have your experience formalised with recognition of prior learning … BSB61015 Advanced Diploma of Leadership and Management BSB51918 Diploma of Leadership and Management CPP50611 Diploma of Security and Risk Management 1 BSB51415 Diploma of Project Management BSB50215 Diploma of Business All Qualifications Assessed & Issued by Hamel Institute RTO 32399 1 Superseded

7February 6, 2020RCEAIR F Operation Bushfire Assist

Kiwis fly for AussiesFROM a distance, they look like

the Australian military’s MRH-90 helicopters.

But a closer look past the bushfire haze reveals shiny, dark-grey paint and the Kiwi roundel of the Royal New Zealand Air Force.

Three of these multi-role helicop-ters, known by Kiwis as the NH90, began arriving in Australia in early January to help with bushfire relief.

The reality of the fires hit NH90 Maintenance Supervisor SGT Brent Davidson immediately.

“As soon as we got off the plane, you could smell the smoke and you knew it was really happening,” SGT Davidson said.

The NH90s were unloaded from C-17A transport aircraft in Richmond, reassembled and flown to HMAS Albatross.

They’ve flown combat engineers and the NSW Rural Fire Service inland to assess areas and dropped Army medics at the Snowy Mountains along with other utility operations.

From his position in the back of an NH90, loadmaster SGT Byron Hodge had a front-row view of the devastation. “It was surreal seeing the size of the smoke cloud and the vast area that was on fire,” SGT Hodge said.

NH90 pilot FLTLT Loïc Ifrah said they tried to stay away from as much of the smoke as possible.

“The reduced visibility is quite marked, but our experience of flying at night helps.”

Meanwhile in the back seat, SGT Hodge keeps an eye out through the haze for other aircraft and nearby ter-rain. “When the doors are open the smell of the smoke is quite pungent and after a while you stop smelling it, which is a bit worrying,” he said.

“We have an environmental sys-tem for protection when the doors are closed, but when you’re doing jobs with the doors open, the smell is unmistakable.”

Apart from some mission equip-ment, there’s not much difference between Australia’s MRH-90s and the Kiwi’s NH90s, now flying from the same airfield at Albatross.

“As soon as people see the Kiwi flag on the uniform people thank you a lot, they’re really appreciative of us being here,” Sergeant Hodge said.“We hope you guys would help us out if we needed it.”

New Zealand personnel have been digging in during their neighbours’ time of need, SGT Max Bree writes.

Eamon Hamilton

DEPLOYING NH90 helicopters overseas is well-rehearsed for the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF).

On January 5, New Zealand Defence Minister Ron Mark announced the deployment of three NH90s from RNZAF Base Ohakea’s No. 3 Squadron.

The following day, a Royal Australian Air Force C-17A Globemaster arrived to collect the first NH90 for the 2300km trip across the Tasman Sea.

Efficiency from the No. 3 Squadron maintenance team is critical to ensuring the NH90s can be quickly deployed, ‘reassembled’ at its destination, and flown on disaster relief missions.

Fortunately, No. 3 Squadron was used to deploying abroad, its Maintenance Flight Commander, SQNLDR Rebecca Willis said.

“We’ve previously deployed via an Australian C-17A, and on board HMNZS Canterbury, on a number

Skills on show for transport, assembly

of occasions,” SQNLDR Willis said. “Last year, we took three NH90s to Exercise Talisman Sabre [in Queensland] and we deployed two aircraft in support of the Solomon Islands election in 2019.”

The NH90 can accommodate up to 18 passengers or lift several tonnes of equipment, making them useful in carrying Defence person-nel, emergency services, or even

civilian evacuees in areas ravaged by bushfires.

Each helicopter weighs 6.7 tonnes for transport (up to 11 tonnes in flying configuration) and the C-17A carried one NH90 at a time to Australia.

To fit inside the C-17A’s cargo bay, the NH90’s main and tail rotor blades are removed, and the air-craft’s tail section needs to be ‘folded’

during the loading and unloading process.

Loadmasters, air movements personnel and RNZAF technicians carefully move the helicopter onto the C-17A’s cargo ramp using a winch and secure it to the floor of the cargo cabin.

For the three-hour trip across the Tasman, the C-17A also carried RNZAF personnel, servicing equipment and the heli-copter’s rotor blades, which were individually packed into purpose-built trunks

On the evening of January 6, the C-17A touched down at RAAF Base Richmond with the first NH90 on board.

RAAF Base Richmond was chosen over Nowra as the location to reassemble the NH90s because it had parking space and spare hang-ars for No. 3 Squadron to work in.

By the evening of January 10, all three NH90s had been assembled at RAAF Base Richmond and flown to Nowra.

RNZAF CPL Damo Herlihy prepares the main rotors on a NH90 in a hangar at RAAF Base Richmond. Photo: SGT Christopher Dickson

RNZAF pilot FLTLT Loïc Ifrah,

left, and loadmaster SGT Byron Hodge with

an NH90 helicopter.

Photo: SGT Max Bree

FLGOFF Evita Ryan

SIMILAR equipment and procedures make the process of integrating into other air load teams much easier than one might think.

That’s why RNZAF FLTLT Emily Hall and her team of three LACs were able to hit the ground running at No. 23 Squadron’s air movements terminal within 24 hours of arriving at RAAF Base Amberley in Ipswich, Queensland.

“We watched the impact of the bush-fires and felt powerless” FLTLT Hall said, speaking on behalf of her Mobile Air Load Team (MALT).

FLTLT Hall and her team were quick to act when they were given the opportu-nity to support Operation Bushfire Assist.

“They were all on leave when I called them, but everyone flew out to Australia the next day.”

Temporarily accommodated at RAAF Base Amberley and working from the base’s air movement’s terminal, FLTLT Hall and her team felt right at home.

“The procedures are the same, the

No hesitation to get on board

culture’s the same, even the banter’s the same – it’s like being at home,” FLTLT Hall said. “Only this time, we can do our job, do what we’re good at whilst actual-ly having a positive impact on Operation Bushfire Assist.”

A major part of the efficient and effective movement of personnel and materiel to support Air Force’s activi-ties, operations and exercises, aircraft load teams working from RAAF Base Amberley have been running two shifts a day and working eight to 10 hours a shift to support Operation Bushfire Assist.

RAAF and RNZAF air

movements personnel

work together at

RAAF Base Amberley,

Queensland.

defencebank.com.au1800 033 139

*Terms and conditions and interest rates are available at defencebank.com.au. Fees and charges may apply. No minimum deposit. Bonus interest for balances up to $100,000. To receive the Salute account, the member must deposit $1500 (minimum) into a Defence Bank Everyday Access account each month of the 12 month period. After the 12 month period the interest rate will revert to the Salute account base interest rate. Before acquiring any product please consider whether it is right for you. Defence Bank Limited ABN 57 087 651 385 AFSL / Australian Credit Licence 234582.

We Saluteour ADF in the line of fire.Our Salute account rewards those who are on deployment, have reached 15 or 25 years of service or have transitioned with bonus interest for 12 months.*

If you’ve recently been deployed as part of Operation Bushfire Assist you may be eligible for the Salute account.

It’s our little way of saying ‘thank you’. Talk to us today. Or when you can.

WHO IS HELPING YOU WITH YOUR FINANCE GOALS IN 2020?

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

Contact us to get started today!Call 1300 784 246

Credit Licence #476980

9February 6, 2020RCEAIR F Operation Bushfire Assist

FLGOFF Evita Ryan

THEY may be a small team of Air Force plant operators and tradies but No. 65 Squadron’s capability is as mighty as the equipment they operate.

As the Air Force’s airbase recovery function, No. 65SQN personnel are experienced in maintaining, constructing and recovering airbase infrastructure such as landing strips, building pads and clearing greenfield sites. They also have the ability to repair structures and establish power and water connections.

As part of Operation Bushfire Assist the squadron worked alongside the Army’s 2nd Combat Engineer Regiment to construct a 70km fire break near Tumut in the north-west foothills of the Snowy Mountains.

Travelling down the Hume Highway with the first of the plant equipment to be transported to Tumut, Works Supervisor CPL Ryan McMurtrie reflected on this opportunity to be a part of Operation Bushfire Assist over the coming days and potentially weeks.

“Our unit is proud to be assist-ing the affected communities in the Tumut area,” he said.

“We’re proud to support and

FLGOFF Evita Ryan

IT WAS volunteering with his pop and seeing the work of the ADF clearing out flood-damaged homes during the 2011 Queensland floods that inspired LAC Clay Brown to join Air Force.

A plant operator for No. 65 Squadron in Townsvi l le , LAC Brown and his 850J dozer worked with Army’s 2nd Combat Engineer Regiment to build a 70km firebreak in the Bondo State Forest near Tumut, NSW, for Forestry Corporation of NSW.

They were joined by addition-al plant operators and their heavy machinery from No. 65 Squadron in

Townsville. The firebreak was con-structed adjacent to a fire trail in the Bondo State Forest to help protect the nearby pine plantation.

Depending on the terrain, the team was able to clear roughly 1km a day.

“Some of it’s flat but most of it is either up or down and some patches have big boulders that are hard to push over, as well as some large trees,” LAC Brown said.

“We started on Sunday 12 January and it feels like slow progress until you look back and realise how far you’ve actually gone.”

Before joining the Air Force in 2012, LAC Brown was a concrete labourer, working with his uncle

as well as in mines in Dalby and Chinchilla, west of Brisbane.

He grew up in Wynnum and Manly in Brisbane’s southern bayside and originally applied to be an Air Force carpenter before being offered a plant operator role.

LAC Brown said it was the feeling of helping out the communi-ty and emergency services during a time of need that drove his choice to join the ADF. “That’s what got my attention – the disaster relief work and humanitarian aid that the ADF pro-vides,” he said.

LAC Brown was unable to help his own local community in Townsville when the city and surrounding areas

flooded in early 2019 because of training commitments. One year later, the phone call to pack his bags and get ready to support Operation Bushfire Assist came as a surprise.

“I thought they were joking – I was on leave in Townsville, watching all the damage the fires caused and wish-ing there was something I could do to help,” he said.

“To be a part of this operation is just amazing and it’s rewarding to assist the selfless volunteers who are out fighting fires.

“I’m definitely happy with how things turned out for me, career wise.

“As a kid, I loved playing with Tonka trucks and diggers in the sand.

It’s every boy’s dream to be able to drive the big ones.”

Leaving his wife and two kids at home so he could support Operation Bushfire Assist, he said the families in the background didn’t always receive the recognition they deserved.

“The firies, Defence personnel, all the partner organisations, they’re all doing a really great job, but let’s not forget about the families back home,” he said.

“They’re all doing it tough as well as they’re missing their loved ones who are helping out the regions in need and there are plenty of people in those fire-affected areas who have felt the impact of these bushfires.”

On the

front lines

LAC Clay Brown, from No. 65 Squadron, after clearing grass and small trees to create a fire break in Bando Forest near Tumut, NSW. Photo: LCPL Brodie Cross

Small blades team makes a big impact

be working alongside emergency services personnel, especially exhausted NSW Rural Fire Service volunteer firefighters.

“Our team trains to operate in difficult environments to help build and maintain infrastructure, including providing power, water, shelter and road access.

“We’re privileged to be playing an integral part in protecting and rebuilding these communities.”

Part of the Air Force’s Combat Support Group, 65SQN is based

out of RAAF Base Richmond in Sydney, with elements in Orchard Hills and RAAF Base Townsville, Queensland.

The squadron’s airbase recovery team and blade teams consist of plant operators, trades-persons (primarily electricians, plumbers and carpenters) and a works supervisor.

They operated a dozer, load-er, grader and chainsaws to con-struct the fire break near Tumut.

LAC Eric Schafer

prepares his vehicle

to transport plant

equipment from RAAF

Base Richmond to Tumut. Photo: SGT Christopher

Dickson

11February 6, 2020RCEAIR F10 OPERATION BUSHFIRE ASSIST

DESPITE heavy smoke and poor visibility, C-27J Spartan crews from No. 35 Squadron made essential contributions to airlift

missions for Operation Bushfire Assist.On New Years’ Eve, bushfires

tore through national parks in eastern Victoria, cutting off the coastal town of Mallacoota.

In response, 35SQN sent three C-27J Spartans and a detachment of 34 person-nel to RAAF Base East Sale to work alongside Defence units and state agen-cies as part of Operation Bushfire Assist.

Their missions included delivering supplies and specialist personnel into Mallacoota, and evacuating members of the civilian community.

The mission to Mallacoota was also supported by Australian Army Chinook, MRH90 and Black Hawk helicopters, contracted Search and Rescue helicop-ters and HMAS Choules.

The first Spartan landed in Mallacoota on the evening of January 3 and evacuated 25 people, but heavy smoke thwarted the first attempts to land in Mallacoota on January 4.

Video of a Spartan crew flying through an eerie red glow generated by the smoke garnered international media

Three C-27J Spartan crews battled horror conditions during their missions to the Victorian town of Mallacoota, Eamon Hamilton writes.

attention.Improved conditions on January 5

allowed Defence aircraft to evacuate 381 people, with eight Spartan missions carrying out 243 people.

This included 73 children and 15 infants, along with 13 dogs and three cats.

As of January 8, the Spartan detach-ment had carried 472 people and nearly 18 tonnes of cargo and supplies.

This included generators and diesel bladders flown into Mallacoota to help provide power for the community.

The flights have also delivered disas-ter relief specialists, including health and medical personnel.

A C-27J Spartan pilot with 35SQN, FLTLT Sean Joyce, said the biggest chal-lenge to the mission had been the smoke from the bushfires and the weather.

“Initially all the smoke that was being blown in from the fires in the vicinity of Mallacoota [and it] was making it very difficult to land at the airfield,” FLTLT Joyce said.

“A cold front has come through and brought in some associated cloud and rain as well, which has made it even more challenging.”

Even with a forecast of heavy smoke

and poor weather, Spartan crews have launched missions on the chance that visibility around Mallacoota would be good enough for them to safely land.

“We’ve been really well prepared – we built up as many different approach options for getting into Mallacoota that we could,” FLTLT Joyce said.

“On some days the visibility has been down to 500m or less, when you wouldn’t even attempt to get in.

“We were utilising all of the tools we have available to get in – and on some

days, none of those will get us there.“On other days, we can make it in,

and we’ll work a full crew duty day just to get as much as we can in and out of Mallacoota.”

This included flying an extended crew duty day on January 5, allowing an additional 90 people to be flown out of Mallacoota before bad weather closed in on the following days.

While the flight from Mallacoota to East Sale takes less than an hour, Spartan crews did what they could to

make the trip enjoyable for passengers.This included providing children with

lollies provided by the Australian Red Cross, along with pop-pers and colouring-in books donated by the local community.

“It’s pretty clear to us that they’ve been through a lot, but once they’re able to get on the plane and get airborne and they know they’re being evacuated out to a safe part of the community, they’re pretty relieved,” FLTLT Joyce said.

“They’re really glad to get all the help.”

Flying into small regional airfields is a mission that plays to 35SQN’s strengths with the C-27J Spartan.

“At Mallacoota [we have] a smaller physical footprint than larger transports, so we can have multiple aircraft on the ground there at the same time with other assets like Chinooks and Black Hawks,” FLTLT Joyce said.

On these missions, the Spartan is able to take about 30 passengers or up to 2700kg of cargo.

35SQN’s Detachment Commander at RAAF Base East Sale, SQNLDR Mark Seery, said crews carefully managed the Spartan’s weight, fuel and tyre pressure when operating from Mallacoota.

“What you don’t want to do is land on a runway and put any holes in the surface or damage it in any way so that other aircraft can’t use it,” SQNLDR Seery said.

“No. 35 Squadron has been landing on the unsurfaced dirt runway and taking off on the sealed runway.

“Our light footprint has made us really effective in operating from Mallacoota.”

The Spartan’s work has been made easier by a No. 4 Squadron Combat Control Team delivered to Mallacoota on January 5.

The team has helped coordinate passengers for the Spartans, provide weather and airfield information, and assess the condition of the runways.

“There are no weather reports available from Mallacoota, so a Combat Control Team from No. 4 Squadron has been providing us those reports each day,” SQNLDR Seery said.

“This is the first time we’ve worked on such a large scale with other Defence units, especially a Combat Control Team and Mobile Air Load Team, on a disaster relief mission.”

Braving a red sky warning

See footage at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZqW3lmcJL4

Air Force C-27J Spartan pilots from No. 35 Squad-ron, work in arduous conditions as they assist evacuees during the bushfires in Mallacoota. Photo: FLTLT Luke Georgeson

Elite team crucial tosuccessEamon Hamilton

A COMBAT Control Team (CCT) from No. 4 Squadron was instrumental in supporting bushfire relief flights to the stranded community of Mallacoota in Victoria.

Arriving on January 5, the four-per-son team enabled the evacuation of more than 500 people from the town’s small airfield, supporting 70 aircraft sorties and the delivery of over 20 tonnes of supplies and equipment.

Ordinarily, CCTs are deployed to the frontline as a link between ground forces and aviation units, according to 4SQN Flight Commander, SQNLDR C.

“A CCT is comprised of combat controllers who have specialist skills in reconnaissance, assault zone control, survey and management of an airfield,” SQNLDR C said.

“They provide a range of capabilities including determining the serviceability of airfields for aircraft operations, pro-viding meteorology observations and co-ordinating multiple aircraft arriving in a short period of time.”

Many of these skills translate directly into supporting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions, especially at airfields with little or no support infra-structure.

This proved to be the case at Mallacoota on New Year’s Day, after devastating bushfires tore through National Parks in eastern Victoria and left thousands of people isolated.

To evacuate the stranded population and provide emergency supplies and equipment, Defence deployed HMAS Choules and a number of aircraft units to Victoria.

As the scale of support required at Mallacoota Airfield became clear, 4SQN was engaged to provide a CCT that would help coordinate relief efforts on the ground.

“Within 20 hours of being recalled, No. 4 Squadron had a four-person CCT deployed in support of bushfire relief operations in Mallacoota,” SQNLDR C said.

“We deployed to Mallacoota Airfield to provide an initial 24-hour shift at a remote landing zone.

“That extended into the team spend-ing a total of 96 hours on site.”

At Mallacoota, the CCT provided support often taken for granted at other airfields – including terminal and weather information, aircraft parking manage-ment, and marshalling.

“The team also provided command, control and liaison between the Joint Task Force and the local emergency ser-vices,” SQNLDR C said.

“This helped to coordinate evacuees out of Mallacoota, and logistics require-ments for the town.”

Mallacoota’s airfield has two run-ways – one constructed with an asphalt surface, the other unsurfaced – and

typically only supporting light aircraft movements throughout the year.

The relief efforts included several missions by Air Force C-27J Spartans each day, along with CH-47 Chinooks from the Australian Army and Republic of Singapore Air Force.

Army S-70A Black Hawks and MRH-90 Taipans were also used to support the evacuation, along with King Air 250 Air Ambulances and AW139 search and rescue helicopters from CHC.

This required the CCT to continue to observe the condition of the runways, parking apron, and where able, conduct minor repairs to the surfaces.

“The CCT provided ongoing air-field assessments, and arranged tactical airfield lighting to be used in low-light conditions,” SQNLDR C said.

To provide accurate weather data, the CCT had to cut a padlock and security

chain on weather observation equipment at the airfield in order to install fresh bat-teries.

“The Bureau of Meteorology weather station at Mallacoota was unservice-able due to a loss of mains power and depletion of its emergency batteries,” SQNLDR C said.

“CCTs provided critical weather observations to enable rotary and fixed-wing aircraft planning and operations.

“Upon delivery of specialist supplies, the CCT restored battery power to the weather station and the promulgation of essential flight data for civilian and mili-tary aircraft operations.”

The support from 4SQN has been welcomed by other Defence units.

SQNLDR Mark Seery, who led the No. 35 Squadron detachment of C-27J Spartans at RAAF Base East Sale, said the CCT’s work was invaluable.

“This is the first time we’ve worked on such a large scale with other Defence units, including a Combat Control Team and Mobile Air Load Team, on a disaster relief mission,” SQNLDR Seery said.

“No. 4 Squadron has been instrumen-tal in providing passenger coordination and direction for aircraft movements at Mallacoota, and assisted with pretty much any specialist support needed at Mallacoota. The more efficient we were at Mallacoota, the quicker we could turn-around and fly another mission back from East Sale.”

For the CCT members on the ground however, the opportunity to engage with a community during a disaster operation has given fresh perspective on the work they do.

The CCT team leader at Mallacoota, FLTLT T, said the team was proud of the work it had done in support of the com-munity. “Living and working with the local community in Mallacoota has been incredibly rewarding,” FLTLT T said.

“Their resilience and good humour in the most challenging of circumstances is a testament to the strength of their com-munity.”

RAAF Base East Sale became a central air hub for the ADF’s Operation Bushfire Assist efforts in Victoria.

The base was used as a staging point to receive flights of evacuees from Mallacoota and outlying areas such as Omeo.

Defence also provided substantial logistic, catering, accommodation and transport support across the bushfire-af-fected regions.

CO No.30 Squadron WGCDR James Allen said an Evacuee Reception Centre (ERC) had been established at RAAF Base East Sale to facilitate displaced

residents gaining access to Victorian state assistance.

The ADF’s efforts included the evacu-ation of vulnerable and affected persons, transportation of firefighting crews into and out of bushfire-affected areas, trans-portation of essential cargo and support-ing Bairnsdale Airport in their relief ef-forts.

Evacuation flights out of Mallacoota Airport were conducted by ADF aircrews

The Combat Control Team at Mallacoota Airfield.

Around the clock at East Sale hubFLGOFF Brent Moloney and mobile airlift teams ferrying resi-

dents to safety.Vital deliveries of fuel, food, medi-

cine and water left RAAF Base East Sale regularly to assist firefighting efforts and provide comfort and aid to affected resi-dents.

ADF crews also bolstered efforts at neighbouring Bairnsdale Airport, provid-ing aircraft refuelling, aircraft rescue and firefighting capabilities and a mobile air traffic tower set up to provide aerodrome flight information services.

Joint ADF efforts out of RAAF Base East Sale included the use of C-27J Spartans, CH47F Chinooks, UH-60 Black Hawks and MRH-90 Taipans.

Accommodation at RAAF Base East Sale and logistics support was provided to civilian agencies assisting the Victori-an bushfire effort, including the Country Fire Authority, medical staff and veteri-narians.

“ADF crews are working continu-ously in support of the Victorian bushfire efforts, whilst always keeping devas-tated bushfire-affected residents in our thoughts,” WGCDR Allen said.

ADF personnel load injured koalas onto a C-27J Spartan at RAAF Base East Sale. Photo: CPL Nicole Dorrett

Fuel-time job to keep communities connectedFLTLT Bel Scott

TENS of thousands of litres of fuel was airlifted using Army CH-47 Chinooks and RAAF C-27J Spartans from RAAF East Sale into fire-devas-tated communities across east Gipps-land and north-eastern Victoria.

The fuel is used for generators to maintain power to the communities until main power sources are restored.

The Australian Army’s 9th Force Support Battalion has a team of 18 personnel manning a pop-up bulk fuel installation on base to fill smaller blad-ders with diesel and unleaded petrol.

Officer In Command, CAPT Dan Cateley, oversees the safety of the site and when/who they deliver fuel to in support of Operation Bushfire Assist.

“In Mallacoota, a small element of the same team is on the ground man-aging the transported fuel, some days working up to 20 hours to keep power running,” CAPT Cateley said.

The Spartans use something called drum fabric collapsible that can hold 1800 litres of diesel and weighs 200 kilos empty.

“Then the rubber bladder is moved by the Mobile Air Load Team (MALT) and loadmasters control the load onto the aircraft safely,” CAPT Cateley said.

At least six people have to remain with the 136,000 litres of fuel at all times, even camping nearby so they can provide an immediate response if needed. There’s also a 40,000-litre bladder filled with water and firefight-ing gear is ready to go in case of an accident.

PTE Liam Gallagher said it had been his first deployment to assist with the bushfires.

“It’s been fairly full-on but the commander has been looking after our section’s wellbeing,” PTE Gallagher said.

“I’ve really enjoyed seeing all the in-ternational support from New Zealand and Singapore come to our country’s aid, they brought more helicopters to help move fuel, supplies and people.”

A diesel bladder is loaded onto a c-27J Spartan at RAAF Base East Sale. Photo: CPL Nicole Dorrett

SALERUNOUT20

19

Request a quote on a car you love to see how much you could save!

Looking for a different car?

Quoted prices include: Finance Rego CTP Fuel Maintenance Insurance

*Based on the following assumptions: living in NSW 2560, salary: $70,000 gross p.a., travelling 15,000 kms p.a., lease term: 60 months, using the Employee Contribution Method for FBT purposes. Images shown may not be the exact car that the calculations have been based on. All figures quoted include budgets for finance, fuel, servicing, tyres, maintenance, Vero by Suncorp comprehensive motor insurance, Hydro Platinum Pack and re-registration over the period of the lease. Also includes, for Suzuki, Audi and BMW models only, 2 year Platinum Warranty insurance. Vehicle residual, as set by Australian Taxation Office, payable at the end of lease term. The exact residual amount will be specified in your vehicle quote. Vehicle pricing is correct at the time of distribution but may be subject to change based on availability. † Negotiated Smartleasing buying power discount on chosen vehicle may vary.

Find out how much you could save with a novated car lease.

1300 116 846 | airforceleasing.com.au

Skoda Kodiaq 132TSI Sportline

$ 550* PER FORTNIGHTINC. $188 OF RUNNING COSTS

save $5,074

on purchase price†

Mitsubishi EclipseCross Exceed Wagon 1.5T

$ 454* PER FORTNIGHT

INC. $162 OF RUNNING COSTS

save $3,630

on purchase price†

$ 480* PER FORTNIGHTINC. $177 OF RUNNING COSTS

Skoda OctaviaRS 180TSI Wagon save

$4,564

on purchase price†

Volkswagen Golf110TSI Highline

$ 402* PER FORTNIGHT

INC. $141 OF RUNNING COSTS

save $2,726

on purchase price†

Volkswagen Tiguan132 Comfortline

$ 522* PER FORTNIGHT

INC. $192 OF RUNNING COSTS

save $2,638

on purchase price†

Smartleasing ad_AIR FORCE_2019 Runout_Jan 2020.indd 1 20/12/2019 3:22:57 PM

Supporting Australia’s Reservists and their Employers

Do you or your employer receive Employer Support Payment Scheme (ESPS) payments?

The way to lodge an ESPS claim online is changing

By March 2020, AUSkey and myGov will be replaced by myGovID

To lodge a claim Employers of Reservists and self-employed Reservists will need to begin transitioning from AUSKey to myGovID now

Further information can be sought at www.abr.gov.au/mynewkey

13February 6, 2020RCEAIR F Australia Day Honours

THE SAFE resolution of an in-flight emergency over Iraq has led FLTLT Brendon Carraro to be recognised in the 2020

Australia Day Honours list.FLTLT Carraro was awarded the

Commendation for Distinguished Service (CDS) for his actions as the captain of a RAAF C-130J Hercules transport aircraft during a mission in the Middle East region (MER) on August 27, 2017.

The aircraft – call sign MAMBO 21 – was on a night mission in support of Operation Okra when the crew experienced a massive failure of the aircraft’s electrical system and primary flight instruments.

The incident was the first failure of its kind for any C-130J Hercules in the worldwide fleet. However, the crew was able to use backup instruments to safely land with its 29 passengers at Baghdad International Airport.

In being awarded the CDS for his actions, the citation for FLTLT Carraro stated he demonstrated superior pilot-ing skill, airmanship, and leadership in “a safe and successful night landing of his seriously degraded aircraft”.

The citation also read that “His conduct of a safe night landing at an Iraq airfield saved his aircraft, his crew and the 29 passengers on board”.

But FLTLT Carraro said he was under no illusions the safe landing in Baghdad was anything but a team effort.

“Without my co-pilot and loadmasters feeding me the right infor-mation at the right time, we would not have had such a favourable outcome,” FLTLT Carraro said.

“The crew’s actions were critical to achieving a safe landing and are com-mendable.

“The actions of our two aircraft maintainers and two airfield defence guards on board were equally notable following the evacuation of the aircraft on the ground.”

FLTLT Carraro is currently posted to RAAF Base East Sale in Victoria.

Originally from Newcastle, he worked with BAE Systems Australia at RAAF Base Williamtown before join-ing the Air Force in March 2011.

“I was working as an avionics air-craft maintenance engineer, maintain-ing Air Force fast jets when I decided that I’d rather fly them than fix them,” FLTLT Carraro said.

After completing Officer Training School at RAAF Base East Sale, FLTLT Carraro graduated the RAAF’s Advanced Pilot Training Course in March 2013.

He was then posted to No. 37 Squadron at RAAF Base Richmond in Sydney’s north-west to learn to fly the C-130J Hercules transport aircraft.

Introduced to RAAF service in 1999, the C-130J Hercules can carry more than 100 passengers or up to 20 tonnes of cargo.

The Hercules can operate every-where from small, semi-prepared air-fields to major international airports, making it an important logistics link for Defence.

That includes conducting missions in the MER, where deployed Hercules crews have carried ADF and Coalition personnel continuously since February 2003.

During that flight in 2017, FLTLT Carraro was on his third deployment to the MER.

The crew consisted of two pilots – including FLTLT Carraro – three load-masters, a pair of aircraft technicians, and two airfield defence guards.

In the cockpit, a bank of screens displays essential information from the aircraft – everything from engine data to navigation information and detected faults.

Calm and commended FLTLT Brendon Carraro displayed great composure during an emergency over Iraq, Eamon Hamilton writes.

The first indication of a problem on MAMBO 21 was when numerous faults were reported by the aircraft instantaneously, many of them conflicting in nature.

“While addressing those faults and assessing whether to proceed with the mission, the cockpit lit up like a Christmas tree,” FLTLT Carraro said.

“The number of faults increased exponentially beyond the aircraft computer’s ability to report them and electronic information being presented to the crew appeared unreliable.”

The primary flight displays used by the pilots to fly the Hercules – including their heads up and heads down displays that show speed, altitude and flight data – ceased to function.

The fault also affected engine instrumentation, radio control panels, and the status of critical aircraft systems like landing gear brakes, and hydraulic systems.

Navigation displays were also inop-erable as the crew of MAMBO 21 flew in night skies over Iraq.

The extent of failures encountered by the crew were so unprecedented that no checklist or response existed for the situation.

FLTLT Carraro immediately directed the aircraft to be configured for landing, with flaps extended and landing gear lowered, and the crew declared a Mayday call on the radio.

Their best option was to divert to the nearest suitable airfield, Baghdad International Airport, about 50km away.

“We were fortunate that we were actually very close to an airfield and we then conducted a number of height-loss orbits in order to achieve a suitable glide path for landing,” FLTLT Carraro said.

“It took just under 15 minutes before we landed.”

FLTLT Carraro said the crew’s professionalism in response to these failures was exemplary.

“The co-pilot’s professionalism while communicating our requirements to air traffic control, and providing me support throughout the emergency was exemplary. It enabled me to focus on flying the aircraft,” FLTLT Carraro said.

“The three loadmasters on board were crucial to developing situational understanding as aircraft systems continued to degrade.

“They identified the hydraulic system failures that occurred on the aircraft, and provided considerations to

the pilots for landing. Flying the aircraft was achieved by feel and through the standby instruments. I navigated visually through my night vision goggles while improvising some spatial awareness by utilising the GPS on my iPad.”

The crew managed a safe landing into Baghdad without any damage to the aircraft and passengers were safely evacuated by the loadmasters and airfield defence guards.

Investigations into the faults revealed an unprecedented failure had occurred with the computers on MAMBO 21. Two back-up computers on the aircraft reported contradictory information with the aircraft’s two primary mission computers, leading to

a degradation across aircraft systems in the cockpit.

The failure had never before been experienced in more than 20 years and 1.3 million flight hours of C-130J operations by any operator.

The Hercules maintenance team that repaired MAMBO 21 was award-ed with a Chief of Joint Operations Group Gold Commendation in November 2018 – the first time such a group award had been presented to Air Force.

In late 2017, FLTLT Carraro completed his tour with 37SQN on the C-130J Hercules, and was posted to East Sale.

As of January 2020, he is posted to the Central Flying School at RAAF

Base East Sale, and is awaiting a Flying Instructor Course. Once he graduates from this course, he’ll join No. 1 Flying Training School at East Sale as a qualified flying instructor.

The job will see FLTLT Carraro teaching the next generation of Air Force, Navy and Army pilots how to fly.

“Despite all of the training, nothing could have prepared anyone for the challenges we faced during this incident,” he said.

“I’ve learned that a thorough under-standing of systems and rules will enable an individual to make the best risk-based decisions to achieve a favourable outcome in time-critical situations.

“Making those calculated risk-assessed decisions is something that all leaders and pilots should be prepared to do.”

In October 2019, FLTLT Carraro was notified that he would be awarded the Commendation for Distinguished Service.

“I was both humbled and speech-less when notified that I was being nominated,” he said.

“The ripples of this event are still evident for me today.

“The support from my wife Teresa, my family, close friends and the C-130J teams I’ve deployed with have been outstanding and for that I am extremely grateful.”

His wife, FLTLT Teresa Carraro, is a logistics officer in the Air Force, and said she was proud of her husband being awarded the Commendation for Distinguished Service.

“The award nomination was very unexpected, but it is representative of who he is and the remarkable pilot and leader that I have seen him become,” she said.

More reports and full

list –Pages 14-15

The crew of Mambo 21

stand in front of a Royal

Australian Air Force C-130J

Hercules at Baghdad

International Airport. FlLTLT

Brendon Carraro,

the aircraft captain, is

pictured third from the left

(wearing a cap).

SWITCH TO GREAT VALUE HEALTH INSURANCE TODAY

Who can join Defence Health? Current or previous members of the Australian Defence Force Current or previous employees of the Department of Defence Extended family members of those listed above – parents, partners,

children, grandchildren and siblings

Get a quote online at defencehealth.com.au or call 1800 411 747

14 Australia Day Honours

HONOURS LIST – AIR FORCE

Member of the Order of Australia (AM) – Military Division

AIRCDRE Wendy Blyth For exceptional service to the ADF in C-130J Super Hercules sustainment reform; and in P-8A Poseidon capability development and system sustainment.

AIRCDRE Philip Gordon For exceptional service in aero-space capability development, air combat preparedness and operations management and con-trol for the ADF.

GPCAPT Leanne LeeFor exceptional service in airworthiness practice, F-35 operational certification, and E-7A airborne early warning and control sustainment for the ADF.

AIRCDRE Kenneth Robinson For exceptional service to the ADF in international engagement, per-sonnel management and adminis-tration, and combat support devel-opment and sustainment.

AIRCDRE Gerald van Leeuwen For exceptional service to the ADF in aerospace capability develop-ment, major capital acquisition, and air combat sustainment.

Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) – Military Division

WOFF Rudolf VitaszFor meritorious service to the ADF in leadership and cultural develop-ment.

WOFF Benjamin Wright For meritorious service in person-

nel recognition administration, major public relations initiatives, and organi-sational development in the RAAF.

Commendation for Distinguished Service (CDS)

FLTLT Brendon Carraro

For distinguished performance of duties in warlike operations as Pilot in Command of MAMBO21, a RAAF C-130J, on August 7, 2017 whilst deployed on Operation Okra.

Conspicuous Service Cross (CSC)

SQNLDR Janine FetchikFor outstanding achievement in the

provision of legal services to the RAAF.

SQNLDR Duncan FlemingtonFor outstanding devotion to duty as the Commander of the Joint Task Force 639 Air Component Coordination Element during Operation Resolute from January 2016 to December 2018.

SQNLDR Clare Fry For outstanding achievement in aircrew human factors performance management and air safety accident investigation for the ADF.

SGT William GillFor outstanding achievements in

unmanned aerial system capability enhancement in the RAAF.

SQNLDR Sean HamiltonFor outstanding achievement in fight-er aircraft tactics development and training in the RAAF.

WGCDR Matthew HarperFor outstanding achievement in air combat capability management for the ADF.

SQNLDR Craig KeaneFor outstanding devotion to duty in AP-3C aircraft electronic warfare capability development for the ADF.

SGT Benjamin MasonFor outstanding achievement in E-7A

Wedgetail aircraft communications information systems and security support for the ADF.

Conspicuous Service Medal (CSM)

GPCAPT Robert ElliottFor meritorious achievement in leading, planning and delivering critical intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and target-ing effects for Joint Operations Command.

FSGT Tanya FraserFor meritorious devotion to duty in organisational administration and management as the Administrator for Specialist Legal Reserve Services in the RAAF.

WGCDR Kylie GreenFor meritorious achievement in logistics employment initiatives, operational preparedness, and force generation development for the RAAF.

CPL Lachlan O’KaneFor meritorious achievement as the surveillance technician in Air Task Group 630.1.4 whilst deployed on Operation Okra from August 2018 to February 2019.

SQNLDR Brayden PirloFor meritorious devotion to duty in development and delivery of the first technical cyber threat intelli-gence capability for the ADF.

SGT Justin ReganFor meritorious achievement in air surveillance in the Defence Signals Intelligence and Cyber Command.

Australian Defence Force members gather with residents of Kangaroo Island during the Australia Day ceremony held at Kingscote. Photo: LCPL Brodie Cross

Posting soon or just posted to a new location? Is your partner looking for work?Help is available through the Partner Employment Assistance Program.

In each posting location, partners of ADF members can apply for up to $1500 funding to contribute towards employment-related initiatives such as resume preparation, job search and job interview techniques, as well as job placement advice. It can also assist with professional re-registration costs when moving from one state or territory to another.

Want more information? Visit www.defence.gov.au/dco, call 1800 624 608 or email defencefamilyhelpline@defence.gov.au

DCO 073-2018

073-2018 ADV PEAP.indd 1 12/12/2018 11:25:52 AM

15February 6, 2020RCEAIR F Australia Day Honours

CPL Veronica O’Hara

AFTER several years developing airmen in his roles as Group Warrant Officer and Senior Enlisted Adviser, WOFF Rudi Vitasz received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the Military Division.

WOFF Vitasz was recognised for meritorious service to the ADF in leadership and cultural development in the Australia Day Honours on January 26.

When Plan Jericho and the new personnel performance system were introduced, he saw the need for a coaching program to upskill supervi-sors in conducting developmental exchanges with their subordinates to improve goal-setting skills and support professional development.

“We implemented a coaching pro-gram to upskill our personnel and pro-vide them the skills needed to coach others, it is important as an innovative and forward-leaning organisation that we inculcate a coaching culture and positive mindset,” WOFF Vitasz said.

“For me, it’s about our people – investing in our people to bring the best out of them.

“The more diverse the workforce, the greater the perspective of thought and ideas.

“If you show your people that you’re invested in them and want them to succeed, then generally they’re will-

CPL Veronica O’Hara

IN THREE years, SGT William Gill’s concept of an unmanned aerial system (UAS) is a step closer to applying the capability within SECFOR’s squadrons.

In March, the airfield defence guard will receive a Conspicuous Service Cross for his achievements in implementing an unmanned aerial capability in Air Force.

“I developed a concept of operations utilising small UAS to enhance security tasks at airfields, domestically and expe-ditionary,” SGT Gill said.

A 12-month trial with militarised platforms recently finished after his idea three years ago started with a common DJI drone to prove the concept.

“Now we’re hoping to take the next step forward – to purchase and fit out each SECFOR SQN with a UAS for a business-as-usual capability,” he said.

SGT Gill said the capability would reduce the time and resources needed to do routine tasks of searching perimeters or the bush around an airfield.

“Because of the man hours to conduct airfield searches, a UAS would save time, resources and mean you’re not working your workforce as much,” he said.

A leader by example

ing to do what they’re needed to do and for us that’s generating air power.”

At ACG, WOFF Vitasz has been visibly improving the leadership culture, identifying areas needing improvement and driving performance initiatives and cultural change to bring this about.

Along with advocating for family programs, cultural and gender diver-

sity and females in non-traditional roles, WOFF Vitasz said coaching and mentoring had also played a big part. His routine visit to an ACG unit resulted in a lasting impression for one junior airman.

“In 2018 I visited one of our ACG units and spoke with a bunch of techos on the hangar floor,” WOFF Vitasz said.

“I was blown away by the conver-sation with one in particular. They displayed a maturity well beyond their years, was incredibly intelligent and switched on and I thought, ‘there’s a classic example of a fifth-generation airman’ – this airman has potential and talent and one who could really benefit from mentoring and be an awesome role model for other techos as well.

“I invested time and provided opportunities for this airman to be exposed to other parts of our organisa-tion and be immersed in parts of the business that they would not normally be exposed.

“Only recently I discovered the huge, positive impact that this opportu-nity had on them.

“It was quite profound.”

WOFF Rudi Vitasz

has been recognised

for his efforts in helping Air Force members

develop their skills as well as improving

leadership culture.

Photo: CPL Veronica O’Hara

Taking tech to new heights

“It’s using technology to enhance a security benefit for a base.”

Simply speaking, a UAS is a UAV that incorporates other systems to pro-vide an enhanced capability.

SGT Gill believes this trial opens the doors for Air Force units.

“The ground work is established now – operating permits and training require-ments – this information can be used

by other squadrons or FEGs that wish to have a UAS capabil-ity,” he said.

The trial went beyond air base security operations.

SGT Gill said they assisted Army with counter-UAS during exercises and payload delivery on advance recon-naissance cours-es, worked with civilian police and used the UAS to conduct a i rc ra f t maintenance inspec-

tions on 11SQN’s P-8A Poseidon air-craft.

SGT Gill said it had been a team effort with a small team of LACs – with a special mention to LACs David O’Toole, Rhys Mitting and Chad Bray – that has taken a lot of out-of-hours work and there were plenty of challenges dur-ing the project.

“As it’s a new capability, a lot of peo-ple were unsure about it,” he said.

“Rocking up at an exercise and hear-ing ‘you can’t fly that here’ and incor-rect perceptions of the technology was common. I found the education process exhilarating. It’s not really about flying it, but more about opening people’s eyes as to what it can do for them.”

A video about the concept can be found at https://youtu.be/BntAquXriSw

SGT William Gill explains the properties of a drone. Photo: SGT Murray Staff

16 Features

AIR Force wrapped up more than 30 years of PC-9/A fly-ing operations on December 12.

The PC-9/A was designed by Pilatus in Switzerland and was built under licence – with some Australian modifications – by Hawker de Havilland in Sydney. It was first intro-duced to Air Force service in 1987, with pilot training commencing in 1989.

Hundreds of ADF personnel, Airflite contractors and their families attended a function at No 2 Flying Training School at RAAF Base Pearce to mark the end of the aircraft’s era.

WGCDR Grant Taylor, Commanding Officer of 2FTS said the aircraft had provided fantastic service to the ADF over the past three decades.

“It successfully supported 103 pilot training courses and over 1400 pilots from Navy and Air Force have trained on the PC-9/A,” WGCDR Taylor said.

“This means over 95 per cent of the pilots currently serving in Air Force and Navy graduated on it.

“The PC-9/A has allowed Air Force and Navy pilots to graduate with excellent aircraft handling and flying skills, as the aircraft has no autopilot and requires pro-active and constant control to achieve accurate perfor-mance.

“Four modified PC-9/A (F) from No.4 Squadron, Williamtown, have been invaluable in providing forward air control in an integrated combat training environment. They are rugged and agile, enhancing the value and effectiveness of ADF combat capabil-ity in the air and on the ground.

“Three PC-9/As also allowed the Aircraft Research and Development Unit at RAAF Base Edinburgh to maintain proficiency in flight testing, and to support test pilot school selec-tion over the last 30 years.”

To date, 13 of the retired aircraft have found new homes through com-mercial sale, transfer to heritage centres, or been allocated as train-ing aids. In the coming weeks, an additional seven will be transferred to heritage centres and one more will be assigned as a training aid in coming weeks. The remaining aircraft will be sold via government-to-government or commercial sale.

The PC-9/A retirement comes as Defence introduces a new pilot train-ing system project using one of the world’s most advanced training air-craft, the PC-21.

“For those who have flown and

Into the

blue yonder

supported the PC-9/A fleet, seeing them retire will be an emotional expe-rience – but the introduction of the PC-21 allows us to deliver modern and effective training that will serve the next generation of pilots well,” WGCDR Taylor said.

The last group of students who received their pilot training on the PC-9/A successfully graduated from 2FTS at RAAF Base Pearce a few days earlier, on December 6.

Fifteen of the Air Force and Navy’s newest pilots graduated from No. 257 Advanced Pilots Course and

received their ‘wings’ in front of a large audience of family, friends and ADF personnel. For the graduation, PC-9/As took part in two mass aerial formations for the last time – the tradi-tional student Thunderbird flypast over Perth and Pearce, and the graduation Diamond-9 – closing this chapter of the aircraft’s history.

GPCAPT Dennis Tan, Officer Commanding Air Academy and Reviewing Officer for No. 257 Pilots Course graduation parade, said he was proud to witness this milestone.

“I graduated from the first PC-9/A

advanced pilots course in 1990 and it is hard to believe it has been almost 30 years,” GPCAPT Tan said.

“The advanced pilot course is one of the most challenging courses the ADF runs, and I congratulate all the graduates for this impressive achieve-ment. Enjoy the celebration and get ready for a fantastic career ahead of you. “I also want to thank all the 2FTS staff for assisting the students in accomplishing their goals in the last nine months. Your commitment and professionalism are absolutely inspir-ing.”

WGCDR Grant Taylor, Commanding Officer of 2FTS said except for the maximum speed, the performance of the PC-9/A was simi-lar to that of a WWII fighter aircraft. The rate of climb, g-limits, accelera-tion and power-to-weight ratio were comparable to the P-51 Mustang.

“I am proud to say that 2FTS has accumulated over 300,000 hours fly-ing the PC-9/A to date More impres-sively, the aircraft has clocked up over 550,000 flying hours serving the ADF.”

It was the end of an era when the PC-9/A flew over RAAF Base Pearce, FLTLT Tracey Bowman writes.

Partnering pace and performance THE PC-9/A’s journey to Australian service began in the early 1980s, with the RAAF’s search for a new basic training aircraft.

At the time, the RAAF operated two training aircraft, with student pilots learning to fly on the CT-4A with No. 1 Flying Training School at RAAF Base Point Cook.

On graduation from the CT-4A, students moved on to the Aermacchi MB-326 – better known as the Macchi – a turbojet-powered advanced trainer, with No. 2 Flying Training School at RAAF Base Pearce.

While the CT-4A had only been introduced to service in 1975, the RAAF believed the aircraft’s fatigue life was limited.

A replacement basic trainer was developed by the Australian Aircraft Consortium (AAC).

Called the A10 Wamira, it looked like a cross between a CT-4A and a PC-9, and construction of a pro-totype was underway when the Australian Government decided on a competition for a replacement train-er. In December 1985, the Pilatus PC-9 – modified as the PC-9/A - was selected to replace the CT-4A as the RAAF’s basic trainer.

For this role, RAAF PC-9/As would be modified to operate from unsealed grass runways.

This resulted in the aircraft being fitted with a heavier landing gear from the older Pilatus PC-7 training aircraft, which in turn led to several aircraft systems being modified or removed to save weight. The PC-9/A was fitted with a world-leading

semi-glass cockpit. Not long after the PC-9/A was chosen, the RAAF assessed the CT-4A fleet as having a greater fatigue life than expected – while the Macchi advanced trainer had fatigue issues that would soon need to be addressed.

Originally acquired as a basic trainer, the PC-9/A would now be the RAAF’s new advanced trainer instead, albeit retaining its Australian modifications.

The first two aircraft were con-structed at the Pilatus factory in Switzerland and ferried to Australia in November 1987.

They were used to develop pilot training and instructor curriculums at RAAF Base East Sale.

The next six PC-9/As were manufactured from kits made in

Switzerland, with their final construc-tion at the Hawker de Havilland plant at Bankstown in Sydney.

Another 11 aircraft were built using parts from Switzerland and Australia, and the remaining 48 airframes were manufactured and assembled within Australia.

To obtain flight data for the Australian PC-9/A, flight trials with two aircraft were conducted by the RAAF’s Aircraft Research and Development Unit.

The initial pilots’ course to fly the PC-9/A – a trial of eight students as part of No. 151 Pilots Course – com-menced in September 1989 and graduated in late 1990.

GPCAPT Peter Norford was a Flight Commander with No. 2 Flying Training School when the PC-9/A

replaced the Macchi.“The PC-9/A was easier to maintain than the Macchi, with more performance, and was generally safer and lower risk than the Macchi,” GPCAPT Norford said.

“That allowed [No. 2 Flying Training School] to conduct more deployments away from a home base, Pearce – for example, to Learmonth, Albany, Esperance, and Geraldton.”

“This in turn gave students a greater ‘operational’ flavour to their training, where we could focus on advanced formation flying, low-level navigation and instrument flying, all with a view to developing operational awareness.”

But there were limits to the PC-9/A performance and what train-ing it could provide.

The PC-9/A’s cockpit was not pressurised and it was limited to normal student ops not above 25,000 feet and it could not replicate the conditions and flight character-istics of high-speed flight like in a jet-powered aircraft.

This led to the formation of No. 25 Squadron at RAAF Base Pearce; which was equipped with Macchis to provide pilots with a ‘Lead-in Fighter’ conversion on their path to flying the F/A-18 and F-111.

The PC-9/A’s modern design and general reliability, however, gave it several advantages over the Macchi, especially for student pilots.

“One of the standouts in the PC-9/A’s 30 years of service was its much better safety record than the Macchi,” GPCAPT Norford said.

Eamon Hamilton

FLTLT Raymond Werndly signs aircraft 11 to commemorate the final flight of the PC-9/As at RAAF Base Pearce.

LEUT James Williams with his son, Toby, look on as the Air Force PC-9/A aircraft conduct their final flight at RAAF Base Pearce, Western Australia. Photos: PO Yuri Ramsey

3.1kms a day for 31 daysWalk 96kms, the distance of the Kokoda Trail, in March 2020. Sign up on your own or with a team, to raise awareness and help prevent veteran suicide.

get FIT . RAISE FUNDS . HELP prevent veteran suicide

For more information scan the QR code, or visit www.soldieron.org.au/march-on/

FLGOFF Robert Borrillo became a small part of Air Force history on November 29 when he graduated from the

air refuelling operator (ARO) course at No. 33 Squadron.

Completing his training on the KC-30A multi-role tanker transport, FLGOFF Borrillo became the first new air mobility officer (AMO) in Air Force since 2011.

His graduation signals a new pathway for aircrew to serve on the KC-30A and FLGOFF Borrillo said he was looking forward to the opportuni-ties.

“Due to the dynamic nature of the role, it opens up a lot of opportuni-ties for moving passengers, cargo and aircraft around the world,” FLGOFF Borrillo said. “That creates chances to be involved in exercises and opera-tions with a lot of other nations, and I’m keen to see where this role can take me.”

In the next 12 months alone, 33SQN KC-30As will ferry more F-35As home from the United States; continue tanking operations in the Middle East Region; and support exer-cises in Hawaii, Japan, and the NT.

Key to all of these activities is the KC-30A’s ARO, who is responsible for managing the aircraft’s air-to-air refuelling systems. Until now, all AROs on the KC-30A have been enlisted aircrew, or qualified AMOs from retired aircraft, such as the

C-130H Hercules or Boeing 707.No new AMOs have been trained

in Air Force since the wind down of C-130H operations in 2011.

Air Force’s experience with the KC-30A, however, has demonstrated the need for AMOs, who can build experience with air-to-air refuel-ling and share that knowledge when Defence plans future tanking opera-tions.

FLGOFF Borrillo’s path to becom-ing an AMO on the KC-30A began with joining Air Force to become an air combat officer (ACO) in February 2018.

He first came through Officer Training School at RAAF Base East Sale. “After completing Mission

Elementary Course in Sale as part of my ACO training, I went on an interim posting to 11SQN at RAAF Base Edinburgh while I awaited streaming for a specific role,” FLGOFF Borrillo said.

“It was brought to my attention that AMO was a possible streaming option, so I put my hand up for it.”

The AMO role on the KC-30A is also open to enlisted aircrew who wish to commission and to officer aircrew, including pilots or ACOs from other aircraft types. All candidates must complete specialised training to serve on the KC-30A.

“I’ve completed courses in load-master basic, KC-30A cargo loading, and dangerous goods packing and

Clearing the pathacceptance,” FLGOFF Borrillo said.

“These were along with the ARO course [at RAAF Base Amberley], which includes 13 simulator events at CAE Australia and seven conversion flights conducted at the squadron.”

From the ARO console in the KC-30A’s cockpit, FLGOFF Borrillo manages the aircraft’s suite of refuel-ling systems.

This includes hose-and-drogue refuelling pods mounted beneath the KC-30A’s wings,and an 11m refuelling boom mounted under the tail.

In flight, the boom extends 17m in length and is controlled by an ARO using 3D glasses and remote cameras.

Civilian instructors with CAE Australia are responsible for teaching students how to operate the KC-30A’s air-to-air refuelling systems in a training facility at RAAF Base Amberley.

“The biggest challenge has been getting up to speed with all areas of the role,” FLGOFF Borrillo said.

An ARO is also expected to have knowledge of air logistics support missions involving cargo, weight and balance, and the requirements of the arrival airports.

“It’s been challenging to develop and maintain proficiency in all areas,” FLGOFF Borrillo said. “If anyone is interested in applying, I would thor-oughly encourage them to do so – it’s a very niche role with an exciting future.”

LIFE IN THE RAAF

FLGOFF Robert Borrillo from No. 33 Squadron. Photo: CPL Nicci Freeman

Becoming an air mobility officer in the Air Force is a rare feat, Eamon Hamilton writes.

17February 6, 2020RCEAIR F Personnel

THE ADF Retention Initiatives Working Group recently agreed to provide eligible ADF members with greater options in the use of reunion travel. The revised reunion travel policy begins on February 6 and provides greater flexibility to ADF members in the management of their reunion travel choices. Reunion travel allows members categorised as a Member With Dependants (MWD) who are posted to a seagoing vessel or as a Member With Dependants Unaccompanied (MWD(U)) posted anywhere within Australia to reunite with their dependants at Commonwealth expense up to six times a year (pro-rated for periods of less than a year). The change allows members to use multiple reunion travel ‘credit’ at one time to offset the cost of travel for more than one dependant to visit the member at their duty location.

Visit: www.defence.gov.au/PayAndConditions/ADF/Chapter-9/Part-3/Div-4.asp

Reunion travel

IN BRIEF

PC-21s arriveNO. 4 Squadron based at RAAF Base Williamtown welcomed new Pilatus PC-21 aircraft on January 24. CO 4SQN,WGCDR Sean Jobson, said the PC-21 replaced the RAAF’s retired PC-9/A fleet. “The PC-21 will assist in preparing the next generation of highly skilled joint terminal attack controllers (JTACs), supporting forward air control and air surface integration across a broad spectrum of opera-tions,” WGCDR Jobson said.

FLGOFF Malia Naupoto

R A A F C r o s s F i t A s s o c i a t i o n ’s i n a u g u r a l intra-service competition has crowned CPL Jason Jenkins, a ground support equipment technician from Richmond and CPL Anna Cernaz, a physical training instructor from Townsville the fittest Open men’s and women’s division athletes in Air Force.

They joined WOFF Bret Chapman, the highest-performing Masters athlete, winner of the Air Force competition and ninth place in Australia.

The Air Force champions were crowned after a hard-fought five weeks of competi-t ion in the 2020 CrossFit Open, a world-wide compe t i t i on o f more than 230 ,000 athletes in more than 150 countries.

This is the first CrossFit Championships since CrossFit was formally recognised as an Air Force sport in May 2019.

CrossFit has been used by military personnel as a way to improve fitness since its inception as a train-ing methodology in the 1990s and is now one of the fastest-growing competitive sports in the world.

RAAF CrossFit Association vice-president FLTLT Alana Edwards said that in Australia there were more than 500 CrossFit gyms (known as “boxes”), with many run by current and ex-serving personnel.

“With this growth of CrossFit as a training method and a competitive sport, it comes as no surprise that Air Force has added CrossFit to its list of recognised sports,” FLTLT Edwards said.

RAAFCFA is open to any member of the Air Force who calls themselves a “CrossFitter” – whether you train in a local box, in the base gym, or in your garage.

If you are interested in CrossFit® check out the RAAFCFA site http://drnet.defence.gov.au/raaf/AirForce/RCA/Pages/Home.aspx or contact the committee at RAAFCFA.Committee@defence.gov.au.

Show this advertisement to our staff to receive 50% off the already cheap rate of your first game

Available for functionsSpecial membership deals for Defence membersEnquiries: (02) 6265 9620 Email: rmcgc@bigpond.com

RMC GOLF CLUB

www.rmcgc.com.au

great course great clubhouse great people

The Royal Military CollegeGolf Club

The best value, friendliest and most convenient golf club in Canberra

6 Calculus Lane Duntroon ACT on the grounds of the Royal Military College

18 Sp rt

Inaugural comp unearths the very fittest

Rush for runsLS Kylie Jagiello

QUEENSLAND men and NSW women were victorious in the Defence National Softball Championship.About 100 personnel converged at the Hawker International Softball Centre for the tournament from December 2-6 in Canberra.

Four women’s and five men’s teams represented their states with players vying for selection in a national side.

The Queensland men won 18-7 in the grand final against NT with the match being concluded by the run ahead mercy’ rule in the fourth innings.

Queensland co-captain SGT Samuel Wilson said this year’s competition was well balanced with all the teams finishing close on the ladder.

“All rookies were amazing this year, starting out with very little skill and by the end of the week not one player looked out of place on the diamond,” SGT Wilson said.

SMN Filipe Crispim dos Santos had never picked up a bat before this competition, but he was awarded men’s rookie of the tournament.

“I always put in 100 per cent in anything I do but I wasn’t expecting to receive this award,” SMN Crispim dos Santos said.

“I have always played individual sports and wanted to experience a team environment.”

Leading to the women’s

final, NSW had already played Queensland twice, losing their first match and drawing the sec-ond.

NSW co-captain AB Brooke McManus said everyone pulled together for the final and they came out victorious 15-6 in the sixth innings.

“Queensland had it leading up to the final and then we just pulled something out as a team and were able to get across the

line,” ABBM McManus said.LACW Samantha Logovik

received the women’s rookie of the tournament award.

“The first day that we got there, I couldn’t even catch the ball,” LACW Logovik said.

“I was concerned with my lack of experience but everyone was so helpful and made me feel welcome.”

LACW Logovik showed such natural talent for the sport, she was selected on the ADF national squad.

During the presentation cer-emony PO Chris Murray received an ADF Softball Lifetime Membership in recognition of his dedication towards the game and PO Brooke Callaghan received a Commander Joint Capabilities joint gold commendation for all her work as ADF softball secre-tary over the past year.

The next challenge for the ADF national men’s and wom-en’s squad is to compete in the Queensland state championships later in the year.

Tournament awardsADF Softball Lifetime Membership – PO Chris Murray.Commander Joint Capabilities joint gold com-mendation – PO Brooke Callaghan.Softball Victoria Margo Koskelainen Umpire of the Year 2019 – SQNLDR Trevor Murphy.Softball Victoria Open Men’s Most Valuable Player – AB Anthony Batrich.

Softball ACT Umpire of the Year 2019 – WGCDR Leith Roberts.Softball Australia Vivienne Triplett Umpire of the Year 2019 – SQNLDR Trevor Murphy.CharityMore than $800 raised for Play for a Cure charity and to sup-port the Australian Spirit wom-en’s softball team in achieving their Olympic dream in 2020.

Chute to win: skydivers battle it outFORTY-eight Army, Navy and Air Force skydivers from all over Australia competed in the 2019 Military Skydiving Nationals at Moruya, NSW, in mid-December.

Despite the smoke haze from the state’s ongoing bushfires, the south coast town of, some 300km from Sydney provided a picturesque descent for the sky-divers.

The battle for gold was intense, with more than 1000 dives completed in the week-long event with 16 competitors jumping across five disciplines.

A u s t r a l i a n D e f e n c e Parachute Association presi-dent CAPT Holly Godwin said world championship coaches and Australia’s best skydiv-ers helped each of the military teams.

“Competition across the event was intense with only a point or two separating each of the placements”, CAPT Godwin said.

After each round judges

reviewed the camera foot-age to score the teams while simultaneously the coaches debriefed the teams and provid-ed advice for the next round. The formation skydiving event consisted of a team of four members attaining a choreo-graphed formation within the designated 35-second timeframe while the fifth team member filmed the formation in descent.

Wingsuit acrobatics sky-diving is a display of absolute aerial flying skill, with par-ticipants doing their best to impress the judges with their body position, smooth fly-ing, controlled docks and forward flying speed.

The growing discipline in vertical formation skydiving (VFS) was also on display with great competition and much improvement in team perfor-mance this year.

A new event this year was the all female skydive.

C A P T G o d w i n , o rgan i s ed t he fun j ump

t o s t r e s s t h e f a c t t h a t gender does not inhibit perfor-mance in this sport. “We would love more females in the sport simply because we love skydiv-ing and want many people to join in,” CAPT Godwin said.

Silver medallist in the wing-suit event, FLTLT Ariel White, said competitors particularly enjoyed learning new tricks.

“That is how we learn and improve for the next round”, FLTLT White said.

D e f e n c e P a r a c h u t e Association treasurer MAJ John Grisinger said the event was “a first-class display of our inter-operability”.

“People have come together from all facets of the three dif-ferent services. They have net-worked, communicated and per-formed. The Military Nationals is teamwork at its best. What a great way to end the year,” MAJ Grisinger said.

Email sky.diving@defence.gov.au for more information.

CPL Jason Jenkins and

CPL Anna Cernaz

were named the fittest

in the men’s and

women’s open

divisiionsn the open divisions.

Southern States catcher LACW Nerissa Walpole watches as Queensland player CPL Katrina Holmes hits out.

FLTLT Ariel White touches down at Moruya after a wingsuit jump.

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

Get a free quote today!

Time to save on a new car in 2020Did you know that leasing your next car could save you thousands?Let the experts at Fleet Network take the hassle out of car buying – we’ll source your car, pass on national fleet discounts and package all your running costs, while you save on tax. We’ll even sell your trade-in for you, to make sure the changeover is seamless.

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

ASK US ABOUTTHIS MONTH’S

SPECIALOFFER#

Your own dedicated

Novated Leasing specialist

Save with exclusive

National Fleet Discounts

We’ll sell your Trade-in for you

Save GST on your vehicle’s running costs^

Your Package includes Finance, Fuel, Insurance, Servicing, Tyres & Registration

#To qualify for this offer, mention this ad to Fleet Network prior to the completion of your initial contract. Vehicle must be supplied by Fleet Network. Not valid with any other offers. Employees should consult their employer’s salary packaging policy before entering into a contract. ^Subject to Employer policy. Image courtesy of Department of Defence.

19February 6, 2020RCEAIR F Sp rt

Honoured to be selectedLS Kylie Jagiello

AS a kid growing up in Penrith, Tayla Seymour’s siblings were into the evening gowns and catwalks of beauty contests.

But Tayla was more interested in competitions of a different kind.

“I came from a family where my older sisters were into beauty pag-eants, however, I went against the grain and got into cricket instead,” LACW Seymour said.

LACW Seymour showed so much potential as a cricketer, one of her teachers urged her dad to get her into a local team.

Lucky he did, because 20 years later, LACW Seymour, with 26 Squadron, achieved one of the highest milestones of her cricket-ing career by being selected for the Governor-General’s XI representa-tive squad.

After the shock selection, the 26-year-old batter took the field at Drummoyne Oval for a January 28 fixture against India.

After what she considered to be a challenging previous season, LACW Seymour said that she felt lucky to be in the side.

“There is so much competition for selection to represent our country at the Governor-General’s XI that I

believe it is a great honour to have been selected,” she said.

“I thank the support I received from ADF Cricket vice-president LTCOL Rick Maher and ADF Cricket secretary MAJ Darren Mattison who believed I was capa-ble of representing the ADF [in the Governor-General’s team].”

LACW Seymour is the captain of both the RAAF and ADF female cricket teams and plays as the open-ing batter.

As part of the RAAF and ADF teams, LACW Seymour has recent-ly played against NSW and local Sydney grade sides.

“The Australian female cricket community is a rather tightknit com-munity and it was good to be able to play in the squad with people I already knew,” LACW Seymour said.

After representing NSW in the Under 16 and 17 teams, LACW Seymour lost her love for cricket and left the sport.

She joined the RAAF in 2016, following in the footsteps of both her grandfathers who served in the Army during World War II.

Once she was given the oppor-tunity to pick up a bat again as part of the RAAF side, her passion returned.

“With the fantastic environment of both the RAAF and ADF teams, it has restored my love for the sport and I am happy with where my cricket career is going in the ADF,” she said.

Nerves were only natural before the game but LACW Seymour didn’t let that get in the way of having an awesome experience, with her fam-ily and friends watching on.

With the game in the balance, the Governor-General’s XI team surged to an impressive five-wicket win against India.

“We went out fielding first and I was either in the mid-on position or third man,” LACW Seymour said.

“I was originally going to be the ninth batsman but they bumped me up and I would have batted next if one more batsman had gone out.”

Final scores were India 5-113 and the Governor-General’s XI 5-114 with six balls remaining.

The Governor-General’s XI match, which is inspired by the tra-ditional Prime Minister’s XI game, pits some of the best young female players in Australia against a tour-ing team. The Governor-General’s XI squad is a cross-section of young up-and-comers and experienced campaigners.

LACW Tayla Seymour captains the ADF and RAAF cricket teams and took the field for the G-G’s XI against India. Photo CPL Craig Barrett

SP RTFebruary 6, 2020

CALLUP

ADF skipper selected for

G-G’s XI

LACW Tayla Seymour

represented Australia in

the Governor- General’s XI

cricket team that played India at

Drummoyne Oval on January 28. Photo: CPL Craig

Barrett