MH60 Romeos mark 10,000hrs – P6Hair, saliva testing for drugs – P2

TASK GROUP IN ACTION

SERVING AUSTRALIA WITH PRIDE

NEWSNAVYVolume 60, No. 17, September 21, 2017

Indo-Pacific Endeavour involves Australia’s biggest task group

in decades

Page 3

A US Marine Corps MV22 Osprey and a US Navy Seahawk, from USS Bonhomme Richard, conduct deck landings on board HMAS Adelaide, as HMAS Darwin sails in company, during Indo-Pacific Endeavour. Photo: POIS Andrew Dakin

Director David Edlington (02) 6265 4650

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CONTACT USEmail: navynews@defencenews.gov.auFax: (02) 6265 66250Mail: The Editor, R8-LG-038,

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Navy News is published fortnightly by the Directorate of Defence News. It is printed under contract by Horton Media Australia Ltd. The material published is selected for its interest. The views expressed in published articles are not necessarily those of Defence or Navy News. Every advertisement is sub-ject to Directorate of Defence News approval and the Directorate of Defence News may, at its discretion, refuse to accept an advertise-ment. The Directorate accepts no responsibil-ity 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 Directorate of Defence News. Defence does not endorse the products or services published in advertisements.

2 NEWS www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS September 21, 2017

DEFENCE is about to trial hair and saliva testing as part of the Prohibited Substance Testing Program (PSTP).

The trial, from October 1, 2017, to July 31, 2018, will be in addition to the existing urine tests.

The aim of the trial is to enhance the deterrent effect of the PSTP.

The advantage of hair and saliva testing is that it increases the detec-tion window for prohibited sub-stance use.

Hair testing, in particular, allows for detection of prohibited substanc-es for up to three months after use.

VCDF VADM Ray Griggs said the trial would comprise targeted and random testing of members in Australia.

“Members may be tested more than once by more than one meth-od,” VADM Griggs said.

The Prohib i ted Subs tance Coordinators in each Service will determine the location and timing of the tests.

Medvet Science Pty Ltd has been contracted to implement the trial, and will assist the Services in the

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Hair, saliva added to drugs testing

physical collection and testing of the hair and saliva samples.

ADF supervisors from the pro-gram will continue to supervise the collection of the samples.

“The trial will provide the ADF

with an ability to decide on the effi-cacy of hair and saliva testing as additional methods available to the Services for routine use of testing for prohibited substances,” VADM Griggs said.

He said regardless of the outcome of the trial, the ability for the ADF to conduct hair and saliva testing will be maintained in legislation, policy and procedures, and will remain a test method available to the Services to use as deemed appropriate.

The PSTP was introduced in 2005 to deter the use of prohibited substances by Defence members in order to safeguard their safety, dis-cipline, morale and security, and the reputation of the ADF as a whole.

Prohibited substance use is not compatible with service in the ADF, and members who test positive are subject to administrative action which can include termination of service.

Since 2005, more than 1100 Defence members have been dis-charged for prohibited substance use.

For further information relating to the trial of hair and saliva testing, contact your Service Prohibited Substance Testing Coordination Cell via email at pstpc.navy@defence.gov.au; pstpc.army@defence.gov.au; or pstpc.airforce@defence.gov.au.

Urine testing will continue during the trial.

Team flies out for Games

MH60 Romeos mark 10,000hrs – P6Hair, saliva testing for drugs – P2

TASK GROUP IN ACTION

SERVING AUSTRALIA WITH PRIDE

NEWSNAVYVolume 60, No. 17, September 21, 2017

Indo-Pacific Endeavour involves Australia’s

biggest task group in more than 30 years

Page 3

A US Marine Corps MV22 Osprey and a US Navy Seahawk, from USS Bonhomme Richard, conduct deck landings on board HMAS Adelaide, as HMAS Darwin sails in company, during Indo-Pacific Endeavour. Photo: POIS Andrew Dakin

CPL Mark Doran

THERE are definitely nerves, but there is a lot of excitement as 43 Australian athletes prepare to hit the world stage to show the healing power of sport.

Participants from the ADF and RSL will compete at the Invictus Games in Toronto, Canada, from September 23-30.

The contingent was due to fly to Toronto, compliments of the RAAF, on a KC30A multi-role tanker trans-port, on September 20.

Co-captain CAPT Emma Kadziolka (Army) said excitement was building in anticipation of com-peting.

“Most of us are extremely happy with progress we’ve made during our training and rehabilitation this year, and we are looking forward to a positive Invictus Games experi-ence,” CAPT Kadziolka said.

“Because we are so geographi-cally spread out, there is responsibil-ity on the individual athletes to stay motivated.

“Apart from our training camps, the team sports of wheelchair bas-ketball and wheelchair rugby also had opportunities to play in tourna-ments.”

CAPT Kadziolka said the com-mitment and hard work by the ath-letes was amazing.

“It’s not about a medal tally for us – it’s about going to Toronto and giving it our best effort,” she said.

“Of course there will be indi-vidual goals, but a lot of us will be chasing our best personal perfor-mances.

“When we walk out in front of the crowd for the opening ceremony

I think it will be an incredibly intense experience.”

Co-captain SGT Peter Rudland (Army) said everyone in the team worked extremely hard during the months of preparation.

“As we progressed, the training camps increased in intensity along with the degree of nervousness and excitement for most of the competi-tors,” SGT Rudland said.

“The athletes want to perform at their best, especially in front of their families, as they represent the ADF and Australia.

“The hardest part for some was the challenge of overcoming the obstacles associated with their phys-ical injuries or mental health.

“I think the main challenge was our own expectations.”

SGT Rudland said the best part of getting ready for the Invictus Games was how the athletes came

together as a professional team dur-ing the training.

“It’s been continuous develop-ment for us, even in the individual sports,” he said.

“We are a small team with a variety of backgrounds and injuries, and although it’s not just about the medals, I think we will have a good standing in the tally.

“A lot of us are here for our recovery journey, though I think there are some who are also keen to bring back a medal.”

The Invictus Games is an initia-tive of Prince Harry and is an inter-national adaptive sport competition using the power of sport to motivate recovery, support rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding of the sacrifices made by the men and women who serve their countries.

Toronto will host more than 550 competitors from 17 nations for eight days of competition in 11 adaptive sports including archery, athletics, indoor rowing, power-lifting, road cycling, golf, sitting volleyball, swimming, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair tennis and wheelchair rugby.

Participants will also compete in the Jaguar Rover Driving Challenge.

Expressions of interest for the 2018 Invictus Games in Sydney from October 20-27 are now open. For more informa-tion and nomination forms visit: www.defence.gov.au/events/invictusgames

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Invictus Games athletes POML-SC Ian McCracken and POMED Latisha Baker with COMAUSFLT RADM Stuart Mayer after a “celebrity” wheelchair rugby match at the Invictus Games training camp held last month at the Sydney Academy of Sport and Recreation. Photo: Jayson Tufrey

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3NEWSSeptember 21, 2017 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

Memorial for peaceSGT Dave Morley

A MEMORIAL to honour the work of more than 80,000 ADF members, police and civilian peacekeepers, was dedicated by Governor-General GEN (retd) Sir Peter Cosgrove on Anzac Parade, Canberra, on September 14.

The dedication coincided with the 70th anniversary of the deploy-ment of the first Australian peace-keepers to the UN Good Offices Mission to Indonesia, then the Dutch East Indies, in 1947.

Sir Peter said it was natural to desire peace.

“It’s about the absolute impor-tance of humanity and compassion,” he said.

“It’s much harder to achieve peace and to actually protect the vulnerable and the dispossessed.

“It seems part of the human con-

dition to want it with every fibre of our being, but never to attain perfect peace.

“Well, for 70 years Australian peacekeepers have served and sac-rificed in the name of peace and this continues to this day.”

Sir Peter said in missions right across the world, from the Middle East to Africa, from Asia to the Pacific, Australian peacekeepers were distinguished by their dedica-tion and courage.

“Protecting children from abuse and exploitation, freeing others from a life as child soldiers, supporting democratic elections that are free and fair, stepping in in times of cri-sis and conflict,” he said.

“They do so to make the peace, to keep the peace, and honour those before them.

“In their blue berets, peacekeep-ers are a symbol of hope, they save

lives, they change lives, they restore order, and bring security and stabil-ity.”

Chairman of the Australian Peacekeeping Memorial Project Committee MAJGEN Tim Ford (retd) said he was proud of the magnificent record of Australian peacekeepers (military, civilian and police), who were being recognised with the memorial.

“Their commitment in the ser-vice of peace is notable,” he said.

“I’m also proud Australia is acknowledging the service and sac-rifice of its peacekeepers in such a significant way, and I’m proud of the achievement that has been made in constructing such a wonderful national memorial on such a most appropriate site.”

Timor Leste made a donation of more than $100,000 in June towards the memorial’s completion.

HMAS Adelaide conducted aviation training with the USS Bonhomme Richard off the east coast of Australia earlier this month.

It was the first interna-tional engagement activity of the deployed ADF Joint Task Group as part of Indo-Pacific Endeavour.

The training involved an SH60S Seahawk and a US Marine Corps MV22 Osprey tilt-rotor, with a focus on flight deck familiarisation for the Marine Corps aircrew and currency train-ing for Adelaide’s aviation sup-port sailors.

Commander Joint Task Group CAPT Jonathan Earley, who is also CO Adelaide, said the activ-ity highlighted the continued

enhancement of interoperability between the two militaries.

“It is important that we take opportunities like these to work with our United States partners to enhance our understanding and processes for operating with this unique capability,” CAPT Earley said.

“The training, both for the air-crew and our flight deck teams, went really well, and our crew was able to get some hands-on exposure to the processes associ-ated with landing United States assets.

“These activities have further developed the skills in Adelaide’s crew, and broadened the capabil-ity our amphibious assault ships provide.”

Running until November 26,

Indo-Pacific Endeavour is focus-ing on enhancing military coop-eration with some of Australia’s key regional partners including Brunei, Cambodia, the Federated States of Micronesia, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand, and Timor-Leste.

More than 1200 ADF per-sonnel are participating in the exercise, which is being led by Adelaide.

She is being accompa-nied, at various stages of the deployment, by HMA Ships Melbourne, Darwin, Toowoomba, Parramatta, and Sirius, mak-ing it the biggest coordinated Australian task group deploy-ment since the early 1980s.

Adelaide leads task group

Republic of Singapore Ship Resolution, in the background, conducts concurrent landing craft

operations with HMAS Adelaide, as an MRH90 returns to Adelaide to refuel while replenishing ships in the Indo-

Pacific Endeavour task group sailing off the coast of north Queensland.

Photo: LSIS Peter Thompson

HMA Ships Adelaide, Toowoomba and Darwin sail in formation off the east coast as part of the joint task group for Indo-Pacific Endeavour.Photo: ABIS Steven Thomson

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AUSTRALIAN Defence person-nel contributed to developing the role of the United Nations Command in the defence of

the Republic of Korea (ROK) at this year’s Exercise Ulchi Freedom Guardian (UFG) last month.

Twenty-five people, including rep-resentatives of all three services, and Defence civilians joined two perma-nently assigned ADF officers at bases across ROK and Japan for the complex computer-simulated defensive exercise from August 14 -31.

Named after the famous 7th-centu-ry Korean GEN Eulji Mundeok, who defended the Kingdom of Goguryeo from the invading Sui Empire, UFG is designed to enhance the readiness of the ROK-US alliance, supported by United Nations Command (UNC) contributing states, permanent staff and augmentees.

This year, Austral ia , Canada, Columbia, Denmark, New Zealand, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom attended, while representatives and observers from the Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission monitored the exercise to ensure its compliance with the Armistice Agreement of 1953.

The UNC also featured US mili-tary leadership and staff, as the UNC remains a US-led multinational force in accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 84.

Commander Australian Contingent CAPT Bernard York said the UNC reflected the global support given to the protection of South Korea.

“The membership of the UNC still contains nations which stood by South Korea during the devastating 1950-53 war,” CAPT York said.

“This exercise allows us to continue to work together as a coherent multi-national force to assist in the mainte-nance of the armistice on the Korean Peninsula.”

CAPT York said the ADF participa-tion helped to develop Australia’s regu-

lar and longstanding bilateral defence engagement with the ROK.

“South Korea is a major trading part-ner with Australia, and our defence ties go back to the Korean War,” CAPT York said.

“The secur i ty of the Korean Peninsula is critical to the stability of north-east Asia, where Australia has sig-nificant involvement and interests.

“The exercise also highlights the con-tribution of Japan, which for decades has agreed to provide the UNC-rear compo-nent access to US bases in Japan for the logistical movement of forces and mate-rial to aid South Korea.”

Australia initially sent three person-nel to UFG in 2010 and has progres-sively grown its contribution over recent years.

The UNC’s first role would likely be to assist in the non-combatant evac-uations of the hundreds of thousands of foreign nationals living in South Korea, which would allow the ROK Government to focus on the safety of its own citizens.

The second role relates to the defence of South Korea, where UNC Sending States and the ROK-US alliance would discuss what contributions the Sending States could make in terms of fighting forces and material support, with the understanding that none of the Sending States have standing obligations to do so.

UNC Deputy Director of Operations LTCOL Jim Follwell (Canada) said the UNC’s contribution highlighted the international resolve to deter future aggression against the ROK.

“The Sending States, through their commitment to the UNC, represent the world’s continued commitment to peace and security in north-east Asia,” LTCOL Follwell said.

“It is this global steadfastness that proves the international community stands alongside South Korea and will help protect it from hostilities by its northern neighbour.”

MAJ Cameron Jamieson

THE United Nations Command (UNC) is a US-led multina-tional force which was authorised and raised in accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 84 (UNSCR 84) on June 27, 1950 – just days after North Korea invaded its southern neigh-bour.

Under the resolution the council welcomed the “prompt and vigorous support” offered by world govern-ments to assist the Republic of Korea to defend itself against attack.

Almost 70 years later, UNSCR 84 remains in effect and UNC con-tinues to stand ready to assist the South Korea-US alliance to ensure the security of the region.

During the Korean War, 16 Sending States joined the US in defending South Korea. They included Australia, United

Guarding S. Korea’s freedom

Navy pilots listed among dead in green fields

Australia maintains role, decades on

MAJ Cameron Jamieson reveals the importance of a steadfast approach to unity

The Australian memorial at the United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Busan, South Korea. Photo: MAJ Cameron Jamieson

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

Kingdom, Belgium, Canada, Colombia, Ethiopia, France, Greece, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, the Philippines, South Africa, Thailand and Turkey.

Today, the same 17 nations are still Sending State members.

Following the 1953 Armistice Agreement the UNC has two key roles.

First, the United Nations Command Military Armistice Commission, which was established at the end of the Korean War to supervise the armistice, monitors

the southern half of the demilita-rised zone between North and South Korea.

Second, UNC maintains a small permanent-force headquarters staff to provide the framework for an expanded headquarters should a cri-sis arise on the Korean peninsula.

With augmentation in times of crisis, the headquarters could then assist in the non-combatant evacu-ation of foreign nationals from the Republic of Korea, and again facili-tate international offers of armed forces and material support under a UNC unified command to assist the ROK-US alliance forces defend against renewed armed attack.

Key to the flow of civilians out of South Korea and troops into the Korean theatre are seven US bases in Japan which are available for logistic use by the UNC-rear ele-ment through an agreement with the Japanese government.

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MAJ Cameron Jamieson

IN THE bustling port city of Busan in south-east Korea lies a green field of silence and solem-nity where the remains of 2300 United Nations Command (UNC) casualties of the Korean War rest in eternal slumber.

Among them lay 281 of the 340 Australians who died in the first war to be undertaken by the United Nations.

Three Hawker Sea Fury fighter pilots of 805SQN Fleet Air Arm, who operated off the air-craft carrier HMAS Sydney, were killed during the conflict.

Two of the pilots’ bodies were never recovered and are listed as missing, presumed killed in action, while the third was recovered and buried at sea.

Another two sailors from Sydney died in 1952 back in Australia from illnesses contracted while serving in the Korean theatre of operations.

The names of all five are recorded at the Busan cemetery.

As the only UN military cemetery in the world, the United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Korea is unique.

It is the resting place for fallen service members from 11 of the 22 nations which provided forces to the UNC for the Korean conflict.

Laid out over 12.4 hectares, the graves are set out in 22 sites designated by the nationalities of the buried military personnel.

For Australia, the cemetery is a poignant reminder of the cost of the Korean War.

The plaques reveal the youth of many of the fallen Aussies, who lie in neat rows without favour being given to rank or branch of service.

The Australians lay buried close to the graves of Turks and Canadians, reflecting contemporary operations in the Middle East where Australians continue to serve alongside Turkish and Canadian troops. Today the towering office blocks and apart-ments of Busan ring the cemetery, providing a reminder of how South Korea has recovered and taken its place in the world as a major economy and technically advanced nation.

Yet the symbols of modernity do not touch the serenity of the landscaped fields.

Instead the modern monoliths keep their respectful distance so that silence, serenity and sombre statues can pay homage to those silent wit-nesses who fought for the future of South Korea.

Navy pilots listed among dead in green fields

Australia maintains role, decades onExercise Ulchi Freedom Guardian participants gather as United Nations Command staff at Oscar Command Post in Daegu, South Korea. Foreground, from left: COL Damon Taylor (New Zealand Army) discusses operations with SQNLDR Sue Bagnall and FLTLT Karen Lock. Background: Staff from Australia, UK, the US, Canada and New Zealand discuss non-combatant evacuation operations out of the Greater Seoul Metropolitan Area. Photo: MAJ Cameron Jamieson.

5NEWSSeptember 21, 2017 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

The UN flag flies over the United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Busan.

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LEUT Mitchell Laughlan

NAV Y ’ S M H 6 0 R S e a h aw k Romeos have passed the fleet mile-stone of 10,000 flying hours since the maturing capability began in December 2013.

C O M FA A C D R E C h r i s Smallhorn said it was a significant achievement.

“The fact that our Navy has achieved it in less than four years since commencing flying the type, while continuously accepting new aircraft, standing up new flights and progressing through the vari-ous transitions, is a testament to the talent and professionalism of all involved with the Romeo heli-copters,” CDRE Smallhorn said.

Since 2013, operations and training have continued stead-ily with the return of the squad-ron to Australia, the acceptance of a major new facility at HMAS Albatross, preparation of the facilities at HMAS Stirling and upgrades to a suite of training devices.

MH60Rs have begun fly-ing with 816SQN, facilitating an increasing number of embarked flights committed to operations and exercises. That squadron has currently mounted five fully capa-ble MH60R embarked flights and the sixth flight is formed.

“Overall, our MH60R aircraft

have completed more than 3500 sorties all around the world,” CDRE Smallhorn said.

“The MH60R has provided the Navy with a quantum leap in warfighting capability with a range of advanced sensors, potent weapons and improved integra-tion across the maritime domain.

“The strength of a task group is underwritten by the manner in which the capability elements integrate as one, and Navy is tak-ing great strides in exploiting the impressive warfare capabilities of the MH60R weapon system.”

Training remains an integral part of the capability, accounting for well over half the total fleet hours.

CO 725SQN CMDR Matt Royals said the mix of computer-based training, simulation and fly-ing had proven second to none in preparing Navy people for the ultimate objective.

“The focus on the training production of aircrew and main-tainers ensures that the person-nel critical to the capability can both support the embarked flights and keep the aircraft at the cut-ting edge of warfighting,” CMDR Royals said.

For more about the Romeo go to http://www.navy.gov.au/aircraft/mh-60r-seahawk.

Romeos mark milestone

HMAS Ballarat’s embarked Romeo Seahawk “Gold Digger” conducts in-flight refuelling training with the flight deck team during the ship’s South-East Asia deployment earlier this year. Photo: LSIS Bradley Darvill

Cairns precinct upgradeDEFENCE Industry Minister Christopher Pyne has announced the commitment of $24 million towards the upgrade of the Cairns marine precinct.

The precinct provides vital facili-ties and support services to the ADF. Mr Pyne said the project would include more than 170m of wharf construction,

upgrades to electrical and fire systems, workshop construction, security systems, hardstand resurfacing and construction of an additional 135m of slipway rail.

“More than $400 million of mainte-nance work on the replacement fleet of up to 21 Pacific Patrol Boards will be conducted here,” Mr Pyne he said.

IF YOUR new job will involve using skills, knowledge or experience gained in the course of your employment with Defence, you need to notify the Department before

you accept the offer. Where a conflict of interest exists, Defence

will work with you and your new employer and may impose some restrictions to ensure the conflict is managed effectively.

Acting First Assistant Secretary Audit and Fraud Control Tom Clarke acknowledged the impact post-separation obligations had on Defence and its reputation in the community.

“Current and former officials of Defence are custodians of our special reputation in the Australian community,” he said.

“Through our actions we can build, or erode, that reputation. When it comes to post-separation employment, we must act and be seen to act, with the highest standards of probity.”

Departmental consequences of breaching post-separation obligations were demonstrated by a case last year.

An anonymous email was received by Fraud Control and Investigations Branch through the Defence ethics mailbox, contain-ing serious allegations relating to collusion, fraudulent conduct and non-compliance with post-separation obligations and procurement policy.

The email alleged APS staff members had colluded with Defence contractors by drafting position descriptions with unique stipulations.

The APS staff members then allegedly resigned from Defence and applied as contrac-tors for the positions. The salaries for the posi-tions were excessive, and the position descrip-tions had been drafted to reflect the particular qualifications and experience of the APS staff members involved.

Group Name Number

Navy Michael Andrews (02) 6265 3052

Army Alistair Dickie (02) 6265 1402

Air Force Ernie Walsh (02) 6266 6315

Assoc Sec Chris Metha (02) 6266 2626

CASG Paul Mulholland (02) 6265 7884

CIOG Kim Daniel (02) 6144 4422

CFO Melody Montaos (02) 6265 6530

DPG Emma Fitzpatrick (02) 6265 7993

E&IG Gavin Chester (02) 6266 7981

DSTG Peter Lambert (02) 6128 6350

JOC Dianne Heslop (02) 6128 4028

SP&IG Rebecca Brooke (02) 6265 2243

JCG Matt Gallagher (02) 6265 1231

VCDF Matthew Avakian (02) 6265 4273

Deconflicting new positionsPersonnel are obligated to report a potential conflict of interest when departing the ADF or APS for a new job.

Fraud Control and Investigations Branch (FCIB) is led by Acting Assistant Secretary Fraud Control Jason Woods (ASFC).

The ASFC is the lead authority in Defence for preventing, detecting and responding to fraud, corruption and related unethical conduct.

FCIB is undertaking face-to-face training around Australia to raise awareness across Defence on the topics of ethics, fraud, conflict of interest and the Defence Public Interest Disclosure Scheme.

FCIB comprises three directorates with responsibility for:Fraud Control Ethics and fraud awareness training:

Campus course and face-to-face presentations

Fraud intelligence and detection Fraud policy and ethics advice Fraud risk managementInvestigations and Recovery Complex investigations: criminal, serious

misconduct and probity Consultation with service police and other

Defence investigative authorities Receipt and assessment of allegations of

fraud and corruption and serious misconduct Management of Defence Public Interest

Disclosure Scheme Recovery of fraud debtsFraud Information Systems Management of the Defence Policing and

Security Management System

There were also reports of conflicts of inter-est between contractors, commercial managers and directors.

This matter was investigated through the Defence Public Interest Disclosure Scheme.

Preliminary data analysis highlighted anom-alies that suggested broader issues, which were addressed through an audit.

The audit reviewed the procurement practic-es of the area, with regards to non-compliance of procurement policy and sole sourcing of contractors.

It determined there were instances of malad-ministration, including inadequate justification of value for money, lack of accountable and

transparent decision-making, and poor records management.

Recommendations were made to the area to assist in correcting identified deficiencies, which included refresher training for key per-sonnel and implementation of clearly worded procurement practices.

For more details email defence.ethics@defence.gov.au or visit drnet.defence.gov.au/AssociateSecretary/AFCD/FCIB. To report fraud, corruption, waste or abuse of resources call (02) 6266 4322 or email fraud.investiga-tions@defence.gov.au. Reports can be made through the Defence Public Interest Disclosure Scheme: 1800 673 502 or Defence.PID@defence.gov.au

ABOUT THE BRANCH

Inappropriately receiving rental assistanceFROM January 2011 to February 2014, an ADF member received more than $31,000 in rent allowance to which they were not entitled. The matter was investigated after an internal report noted some irregulari-ties and the member was found to be sharing the property with another person. The member was found guilty of the offence, issued with a termination notice and ordered to repay the misappropriated funds.

Unauthorised travel card transactions detectedA FINANCIAL data report detect-ed transaction anomalies in the Defence Travel Card (DTC) use of an ADF member. When inves-tigated, it was found the member had used their DTC to conduct multiple unauthorised transactions. All of the transactions occurred between June and July 2016. The member admitted using their DTC without authorisation. The member was discharged from the ADF and administrative action was taken to recover the debt.

Stealing mess propertyAN ADF member was suspected of stealing service property from a Defence mess. The member had falsified entries of stock and cash and stored the unrecorded items in their private accommodation.

Fraud case studies

The member had no authority to remove the cash or stock from the premises. Upon investigation, the member admitted to stealing the stock and cash. They were found guilty of multiple offences, were issued with a severe reprimand and spent 28 days in detention. The member was also directed to repay the value of the stolen items.

Falsifying spousal travelA FINANCIAL data report detect-

ed anomalies in a spouse travel reimbursement claim made by an ADF member. The member had claimed spouse travel valued at $1145, however, the investigation revealed the travel never occurred. The member was subject to administrative action and counsel-ling by the CO for failure to advise Command of amendments to travel arrangements. The member discharged from the ADF and the funds were fully recovered.

Taking skills learnt in Defence into a new

job could be a conflict of interest.

Photo: LSIS Tom Gibson

7NEWSSeptember 21, 2017 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

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8 NEWS www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS September 21, 2017

A worthy challenge The 2017 Defence

Blood Challenge aims to exceed 7000 donations by December 8. This year donors are encouraged to donate more than once by donating plasma.

Defence personnel and their friends and families are encouraged to book their appointments under Navy’s Red25 team. For all group bookings coordinators should contact the National Community Relations Line on 1300 886 524. For indi-vidual appointments donors should call the National Contact Centre on 13 14 95. An appointment time can also be requested online at https://www.donateblood.com.au/donate#request-appointment.

To register, log on to the Defence Blood Challenge page (https://www.donate-blood.com.au/red25/defence) and register the donation against the rel-evant group or service.

The Defence Blood Challenge intranet page can be found at http://drnet.defence.gov.au/Associate defenceCorporateEvent-sandCampaigns/Pages/Defence%20Blood%20Challenge.aspx

Red25 is the group donation program of the Australian Red Cross Blood Service.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

CPL Bill Solomou

SINCE 2009, ADF members – along with Defence APS personnel – have rolled up their sleeves and donated blood or blood products more than 30,000 times, with the potential to save more than 90,000 lives.

The 2017 Defence Blood Challenge, launched in Canberra on September 1, will run until December 8.

Now in its ninth year, the challenge remains one of the largest community events supported by Defence.

This year the challenge aims to exceed a target of more than 7000 donations. Last year it finished on just under that figure at 6991.

Representing CDF at the launch, CN VADM Tim Barrett encouraged all ADF and Defence APS personnel and their families to donate.

“An hour of your time is a small inconvenience when prepared to the difference it can make to so many,” VADM Barrett said.

“It is a fantastic initiative between Defence and the Australian Red Cross Blood service.

“Tell your friends … we need to break the 7000 mark.”

Navy Blood Ambassador POML-C Robert Bateman said he looked forward to the challenge and hoped Navy would come out on top.

“I encourage the competition; it’s a great day seeing all the Navy reps here donating,” PO Bateman said.

“Spread the word.”Executive Director of the Australian

Red Cross Blood Service, Dr Frances

Guyett, said he hoped this year’s chal-lenge would be the most successful yet.

“The strong relationship that has developed over time between Defence and the Blood Service can be found grounded in several common values: pride in helping others, duty felt towards Australians in need, and a gen-uine understanding of the life-changing

difference the gift of blood can make,” Dr Guyett said.

Donors are encouraged to make multiple donations throughout the chal-lenge. They can do this by donating whole blood – or plasma or platelets multiple times – during the three months.

Each donation counts towards the overall target. One whole blood dona-tion can save up to three lives, and one plasma donation can be made into 18 different lifesaving products.

For more information on the Defence Blood Challenge go to https://www.donateblood.com.au/red25/defence

MIDN Jacqueline Rhodes gets some encouragement from Billy the Blood Drop while she donates blood at the launch of the Defence Blood Challenge in Canberra. Photo: CPL Bill Solomou

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9NEWSSeptember 21, 2017 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

LEUT John Thompson

IT’S one of the oldest military bands in the country, and has performed to hundreds of thousands of people across the nation and around the world.

With the demand for performances, it is hardly surprising that passion is an important part of being a band member.

The RAN Band is actually six bands – two comprising permanent profession-al musicians in Sydney and Melbourne, and Reserve Bands in Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane and Hobart.

The Sydney team alone conducted nearly 300 performances last year, and the Melbourne Band 250.

But the musicians aren’t fazed. In fact they embrace the experience.

Vocalist LSMUSN Tracy Kennedy has been in the Navy Band for 17 years.

“I’ve had some incredible opportuni-ties,” LS Kennedy said.

“I’ve travelled overseas a lot, sung in six or seven different languages and performed a range of songs from classi-cal to rock, musical theatre to big band and jazz.”

LS Kennedy said the highlight so far had been performing the Australian National Anthem in front of the late South African President, Nelson Mandela, at a tri-nations rugby Test match between the Wallabies and Springboks at Ellis Park, in Johannesburg, in 2005.

Saxophonist ABMUSN Gary Honor is a returnee. He first joined the band in 2000, then left to travel to London where he signed a record deal with Sony and performed across Europe and Russia, where he played with the likes of Joe Cocker, Duran Duran and Kylie Minogue.

But the lure of the Navy Band proved too much, and he returned four years ago.

“It’s a great job and an exciting career path,” AB Honor said.

“I get to play with a great bunch of people day in, day out, but it also gives me the scope to do things like playing

A passion for music

in Guy Sebastian’s band and others, like Icehouse.”

The Sydney Band is led by LEUT Brian O’Kane, originally a clarinet play-er with the Royal Marines Band Service. He joined the RAN Band in 2003.

LEUT O’Kane said the reputation of the RAN Band was well-deserved.

“This is an impressive outfit with some of the best musicians in the coun-try, if not the world,” LEUT O’Kane said.

The Band incorporates a “fleet” of ensembles, including big bands, rock bands and chamber orchestras, to assist in fulfilling its mission to promote Navy.

The permanent component consists of 101 full-time musicians; the reserve component has 122 part-timers.

Navy Band’s Director of Music LCDR Steve Stanke said the one thing all band members had in common, and the most important characteristic for any Navy musician, was a passion for music.

“The band has an excellent reputa-tion around the world, and one of the key reasons for that is the passion that the musicians have for being the best,” LCDR Stanke said.

For more information, visit http://www.navy.gov.au/about/organisation/navy-band.

The Royal Australian Navy Band’s Sydney team in their practise hall in Waterloo (top), and (from left) vocalist LSMUSN Tracy Kennedy, saxophonist ABMUSN Gary Honor and the band’s conductor LEUT Brian O’Kane. Photos: ABIS Steven Thomson

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10 NEWS www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS September 21, 2017

CMDR Fenn Kemp

AUSTRALIA’S focus in the Asian region and on improving defence ties with Indonesia was recently highlighted with two visits from Australian Navy lead-ers in a week.

CN VADM Tim Barrett began the series of meetings as a guest of honour at the International Maritime Security Symposium in Bali.

Working together for good order at sea was the theme of this year’s conference, which was hosted by Indonesia’s Navy Chief, ADML Ade Supandi, and attended by other chiefs from a host of regional nations.

VADM Barrett told the conference no country could truly expect to act alone to solve the maritime challenges faced in the region.

“Whether those challenges arise from terrorism to transnational crime, or to environmental damage, or to marine resource exploitation, we all have a shared interest in good order at sea,” VADM Barrett said.

A meeting with the Indonesian chief provided a further chance to discuss future activities.

Less than a week later, these sentiments were reinforced by DCN RADM Mike Noonan, who spent two days in Jakarta for Navy-to-Navy talks with the Indonesian Assistant Chief of Operations, RADM Ary Atmaja.

“Our Government has made it clear that our focus will increasingly turn towards maintaining security across the Asian region,” RADM Noonan said.

“I came away extremely confident that our friendship is in very good shape.

“I was also struck both by the warm welcome we received and by the genuine enthusiasm for further joint activities. It is after all in both Australia and Indonesia’s interests to protect our neighbourhood.”

Neighbours reinforce defence ties

A role of honourSGT Dave Morley

A SAILOR who joined the Navy in 2010 to see the world will visit his 10th country while on duty when he arrives in Belgium to take part in the centenary of the battle of Polygon Wood.

ABATA Jarryd Capper, a guardsman with AFG since January, said it was a great privi-lege to be able to take part in the commemoration, to remember those who served before and never returned home to their families.

“My role during this trip is to represent the ADF at various commemorations in Belgium,” he said.

“Being able to be a part of the commemorations on September 26 is something I never thought I would do.

“It’s an honour to take part in remembering the sacrifices made that morning in 1917.”

AB Capper said the con-ditions faced by the AIF in Polygon Wood were unimagi-nable.

“The diggers faced constant artillery fire in mud deep enough to drown in, but they went for-ward, suffering 5770 casualties,” he said.

“That’s something I’ll never have to face.”

AB Capper has previ-ously visited the US, Tanzania, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Bahrain,

Oman, India, Dubai and the Seychelles with the Navy.

After completing 18 months’ initial training at RAAF Wagga he posted to 816SQN at HMAS Albatross.

In 2013 he was selected to move to Jacksonville, Florida with New Squadron 725 to com-

plete the MH60R Seahawk type course.

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“In 2014, I was part of stand-ing up Flight 1 Romeo and we were the first team to take the new airframe to sea on board

HMAS Perth, where we con-ducted first-of-class flight trials,” he said.

“During this time I completed my Certificate IV in Aeroskills.

“Following this, we posted to HMAS Perth and deployed to Operation Manitou on Rotation 63.”

ABATA Jarryd Capper, of Australia’s Federation Guard, rehearses drill movements in preparation for the commemoration of the centenary of the battle of Polygon Wood. Photo: CPL Kyle Genner

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www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS September 21, 2017 1312 CENTREOPERATION MANITOU

HMAS Newcastle recently completed a five-day port visit alongside Aqaba, Jordan, after her second counter terrorism

patrol of the Middle East region (MER) for Operation Manitou.

The August visit to Aqaba was the first by an Australian warship since 2013 and provided an excellent opportunity to strengthen ties with Jordanian partners, while experiencing the amazing culture and historical significance of the nation.

CO Newcastle CMDR Mark Sirois said the ship’s company had been excit-ed to make a stop in Jordan after patrols that included the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea.

Newcastle has conducted officer-of-the-watch manoeuvres, RAS approaches and boarding party training with Royal Saudi Navy Ship HMS Boraida as part of her Combined Maritime Forces task-ing to promote security, stability and prosperity in the MER.

“We were honoured to host the Com-mander of the Royal Jordanian Naval Force, BRIGGEN Ibrahim Al Na’emat, for an Official Reception, as well as other Jordanian dignitaries and the Aus-tralian Ambassador,” CMDR Sirois said.

“The crew enjoyed socialising with

the Commander and local guests, while learning about Jordan and the Jordanian Navy.”

Newcastle personnel were spoilt with the amazing cuisine, beautiful culture, and scenery of Jordan, as well as local attractions and ship-organised tours to the ancient city of Petra and the Dead Sea.

Maritime Logistics Officer LCDR Fiona Southwood said about 187 mem-bers of the ship’s company were able to take tours to Petra and the Dead Sea thanks to partial funding from the Fleet Cultural and Sporting Activities funds.

“Petra was an amazing cultural experience with thousands of years of ancient history to become immersed in and captivated by,” she said.

“The port visit made for a good break before recommencing the next round of maritime security patrols.”

The guided missile frigate is pre-dominately tasked to Combined Task Force 150 for counter terrorism and maritime security patrols.

She will be the last Adelaide-class frigate deployed on Operation Manitou as Navy transitions its fleet to the new Hobart-class destroyer.

CAPT Megan McDermott

FATHER of four POB Stephen Kypreos had to settle for a long-distance Fathers Day this year, as did ABCSO Corey Evans, who left behind his daughter, Chelsea, 5.

Contributing to the mission in the Middle East region is something AB Evans has looked forward to since joining the Navy in 2013.

“I joined for the once-in-a-lifetime oppor-tunities and experiences – seeing those parts of the world that you would not normally see,” AB Evans said.

Serving as one of HMAS Newcastle’s senior boatswains, PO Kypreos said he misses his wife, Paras, and four children aged 10, 11, 6 and 17 months, however, with four previous deployments to the Gulf region he knows what to expect when it comes to spending time away from family.

“The Navy has taken me all over the world with multiple trips to the Gulf, South-East Asia, the Solomon Islands, Timor and Hawaii – this is

my fifth deployment to the Gulf,” PO Kypreos said.

“My family is used to me being away so I know they are well prepared and have a good support network.”

With his attention now focused on the mission at hand, PO Kypreos said he was looking forward to getting the job done. His role is to supervise the ship’s other boatswains as they undertake seamanship and other duties.

“Boatswain sailors are the Navy’s close- range weapons specialists, maintaining and operating Newcastle’s small arms weaponry,” PO Kypreos said.

“They also undertake seamanship and provide specialist knowledge on anchor work, rope work, small boat handling and operations, berthing, towing and replenishment at sea.”

Working from the ship’s operations room, AB Evans mans the air picture console used to track aircraft in close proximity to the ship.

With 31 nations contributing to CMF and

more than 50,000 ships passing through the region each year, the waters are busy, and high-density aircraft traffic is common.

“My role is to monitor the system and to help prevent any air threats,” AB Evans said.

While he admits the separation may be dif-ficult, home won’t feel too far away with three friends from his hometown coincidently aboard.

“It’s funny how small the Navy can be – I’m on my first operational deployment and I’m deploying with three other boys from Campbell-town,” AB Evans said.

“ABCSO Justin Barutha, ABCSO Joshua Neilsen and LSMT James Cockburn are all from the local area.”

Despite being kept busy, PO Kypreos said he did his best to keep in touch with his family and was looking forward to seeing them when New-castle completes her mission in December.

“I would like to send my love to my lovely wife and children and to all my family and friends,” PO Kypreos said.

ALL WORK, AND SOME PLAYLEUT Daniel Cochrane reports on the activi-ties of HMAS Newcastle during her deploy-ment in the Middle East region.

Fathers Day hits home for dads on deployment

POB Stephen Kypreos on the gun direction platform of HMAS Newcastle.

ABCSO Corey Evans on HMAS Newcas-tle’s flight deck.

From left: HMAS Newcastle breaks away from Royal Saudi Naval Forces vessel HMS Boraida during RAS approaches; ABBM Kristen Joseph prepares berthing lines on the forecastle in Aqaba, Jordan; and Newcastle and Boraida con-duct officer-of-the-watch manoeuvres.

HMAS Newcastle’s boarding parties approach Royal Saudi Naval Forces vessel HMS Boraida during boarding party training exercises after pre-paring with their Royal Saudi counterparts (inset). Photos: ABIS Nicolas Gonzalez

The ship’s officers stand on the missile launcher during transit through the Red Sea.

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15TRAININGSeptember 21, 2017 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

CPOB Anthony Martin

TRAINING to fight and win at sea occurs across the Navy every day of the year, but how does that concept map to the hydrographic fleet and their motto “diligence and skill”?

The world of the Navy’s survey motor launches provides some insight.

HMAS Mermaid, one of four Paluma-class vessels, recently completed an intensive five-and-a-half-week training program in North Queensland waters in company with her sister ship HMAS Paluma.

The ship and her 15-person crew were put through their paces by Navy’s in-house training and assess-ment team – Minor War Vessel Sea Training Group.

This training was designed to test the ship’s ability to conduct a “rapid environmental assessment” focus-ing on a fictitious town that had been affected by a major disaster.

The ship’s crew was required to ensure safe and navigable port entry to enable delivery of emergency stores and equipment being used and delivered by ADF elements. For this training, the ship was responding to a region impacted by a severe tropical cyclone.

CO Mermaid LCDR Paul Savage said the challenge was both about skills and speed.

“Both crews performed exception-ally well to ensure that quality naviga-tional information was able to be pre-pared and delivered on time to safely facilitate the landing of amphibious forces,” LCDR Savage said.

During the period, both crews were also tested on their ability to respond to simulated damage to the hull, fires on board, flooding, loss of propulsion and other engineering defects.

The crews also had to use their own skills to respond to simulated medical emergencies and the loss of a crew member overboard.

“We have to be able to deliver

CPOB Anthony Martin

BEING part of a highly specialised team is one of the things ABHSO Nicholas Jackson appreciates most about his role with the Laser Airborne Depth Sounder (LADS) Flight.

The Cairns-based Flight is the airborne unit of the Australian Navy’s Hydrographic Service, which has responsibi l i ty for charting more than one eighth of the world’s surface, stretching as far west as Cocos Island in the Indian Ocean, east to the Solomon Islands, and from the Equator to the Antarctic.

“We’re a small team but every-one knows their role and I find it a really close-knit and comfortable working environment,” AB Jackson said.

The eight-person survey team comprises two officers, three sen-ior sailors and three junior sail-ors. Specialist support is provided under contract by Fugro LADS Corporation and Cobham Aviation Services and includes pilots, aircraft engineers, systems technicians and a field manager.

Together, the Navy and civil-ian personnel form a highly skilled team ensuring the Navy remains at the forefront of surveying capability to enable safe passage for marine vessels of all sizes.

While the pilots are responsi-ble for flying the aircraft and for navigation while on transit, once

Making the seas safe

Prepared for the worst

results every day of the year, whatever the circumstances,” he said.

“Part of being in the Navy is work-ing with the people and resources you have to overcome challenges and keep delivering on the mission.

“This training prepares us for the worst so we can respond calmly and professionally in a real emergency, for us or a community in the region.”

Mermaid and Paluma are fitted

with high-resolution multi-beam systems, precise navigation aids and hydrographic data processing equip-ment. The ships are based in Cairns and operate in pairs to maximise hydrographic specialist skills.

Data collected by the ships is forwarded to the Australian Hydrographic Office for publication in navigational products ranging from paper to electronic charts.

The vessels’ design makes them ideally suited for coastal and shallow water survey, which forms a major component of the Australian national charting requirement.

Each ship has a draught of about 2.2m, providing a favourable char-acteristic in shoaling and reef waters where these vessels conduct a major-ity of their survey tasking.

Along with other survey vessels and the Laser Airborne Depth Sounder Flight, Mermaid and Paluma are a key component of the Cairns-based hydro-graphic capability maintained by Navy to support safe navigation and quality nautical chart management.

For further information go to http://www.navy.gov.au/hmas-mermaid

Paluma-class vessels HMA Ships Mermaid and Paluma, which recently completed a training program in North Queensland waters. Photo: CPOB Anthony Martin

approaching the survey area the Navy survey operator team takes charge.

AB Jackson and his fellow oper-ators are responsible for the selec-tion of survey runs, directing the pilots onto each line and directing the aircraft from one area to the next.

Their duties also include operat-ing the laser survey system and pro-cessing the data before it is sent to the Australian Hydrographic Office in Wollongong to become nautical charts.

AB Jackson has enjoyed his time at sea, but he nominates his

current posting to the Flight as the highlight of his naval career.

“One of the challenges has been learning a completely new skill set, and then within that skill set we are constantly updating our proce-dures,” AB Jackson said.

The nautical charts developed from data gathered by the hydro-graphic service are essential for safe navigation at sea.

Less than half of the area around Australia has been surveyed, how-ever, Navy’s hydrographic sur-vey ships, in conjunction with the LADS unit, are greatly reducing this figure.

ABHSO Nicholas Jackson said his posting to the Laser Airborne Depth Sounder (LADS) Flight had been the highlight of his career.Photo: CPOB Anthony Martin

Look forward

10795271_DHA_x4_Half_Page_FA.indd 2 11/08/2017 5:14 pm

16 TRAINING www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS September 21, 2017

LEUT Will Singer

HMAS Stirling hosted a unique submarine rescue course recently, where an internation-al contingent of submarine rescue officers were “taught and assessed” on the plan-ning and coordination considerations in the event of a stricken RAN submarine.

Twelve RAN personnel joined 12 participants from around the world at the Submarine Coordinator Rescue Forces (CRF) Course.

German Navy Submarine Flotilla One Commander Manfred Grabienski aug-mented his knowledge of the mobilisation and employment of the submarine rescue system operated by James Fisher Defence (JFD).

“Working together with submariners from several nations during the CRF course represents the continuation of already exist-ing international cooperation in the subma-rine business,” CMDR Grabienski said.

“With this course the RAN ensures common understanding among the interna-tional community in the field of submarine escape and rescue and promotes the world-wide sub-rescue network.”

Navy’s SO2 Rescue Operations LCDR

Guy Burton said that the inclusion of inter-national participants provided a greater in-depth understanding of the various sub-marine rescue systems around the world.

“The first week primarily consisted of presentations and discussions relating to global rescue systems, concepts and con-siderations for rescue planning including medical aspects and hyperbaric treatment,” LCDR Burton said.

“It also included visits to the JFD facil-ity and the two dedicated rescue support ships, MV Besant and MV Stoker, located at Fleet Base West.

“The course is the only one in the world that provides specialised training in this sphere of submarine rescue operations, and attendance is eagerly sort by countries near and far.

“It is a course that students hope to never put into practice, but it provides them with the tools and an understanding of the varied requirements for coordinating a sub-marine rescue force.

“The second week presented the stu-dents with several rescue scenarios of dif-fering complexity, including location and type of submarine around Australia and the South-East Asia region.”

Immersed in the art of rescue

Submarine Escape and Rescue Manager CMDR Matthew Brown during a presentation at the Coordinator Rescue Forces Course at HMAS Stirling. Photo: ABIS Richard Cordell

JEH11

5

17PERSONNELSeptember 21, 2017 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

CAPT Megan McDermott

FORTY years ago, for a seaman who was pushing aircraft around a flight deck as a 17-year-old, the idea of one day becoming a commander within aviation seemed like an impossible dream.

But now that seaman is a com-mander deployed to operations in the Middle East, and in a few months’ time he will take up the role of Commander Air on one of Navy’s amphibious assault ships.

Aviation Warfare Instructor CMDR Terrence Garside is posted on Operation Manitou.

CMDR Garside is deployed on Operation Manitou in Bahrain as the Australian Senior National Representative to the US-led Combined Maritime Forces (CMF).

“CMF comprises 32 nations from across the globe and is focused on defeating terrorism, preventing piracy, encouraging regional cooperation, and promoting a safe maritime environ-ment,” CMDR Garside said.

The first time CMDR Garside vis-ited Bahrain was during a three-year exchange with the New Zealand Navy as aircrew flying in the Kaman SH2 Seasprite off a New Zealand frigate.

As an LSA in 1983, he spent six months in Al Gora, Northern Sinai, conducting peacekeeping operations with a multinational force and observ-ers.

He returned to the region as the plans officer for Headquarters Joint Task Force 633 at Australia’s main

A dream come true

operating base in the Middle East, overseeing key operations, including our maritime commitment within the CMF.

When a vessel of interest is identi-fied for HMAS Newcastle to board and inspect, or when Newcastle exercises with another nation’s ship, CMDR

Garside is the main point of contact.“With so many nations involved

here, for CMF to be effective, all participating nations need to be net-worked correctly,” he said.

“My job is to be the conduit between those other nations; I am the link between key personnel

when Australian military assets are involved.”

While CMDR Garside’s previous experience in the region has helped in his present role, his aviation knowl-edge is also proving to be useful.

Over the course of his career, he has flown in almost every helicopter

type commissioned by Navy, including the UH1 Iroquois, Westland Wessex, AS350B Squirrel, Bell 206B, SH2G Seasprite and Augusta 109.

He has also operated in fixed wing aircraft including the Super King Air and Hawker Siddeley HS 748.

CMDR Garside is imparting his knowledge to assist CMF planning, which includes the operation of embarked aviation assets used to con-duct reconnaissance and surveillance to identify suspicious vessels.

He said the opportunity to learn from other nations and to utilise his experience and knowledge was a key benefit of Australia’s commitment to CMF.

“It is an outstanding opportunity to interact with other nationalities, to learn from each other and to improve processes while contributing to a mission that benefits the entire inter-national community,” CMDR Garside said.

“I will use the experiences gained within the operational environment to develop professionally.”

Looking back on his career, CMDR Garside said he was amazed at where the Navy had taken him.

“As a seaman on the flight deck of our aircraft carrier HMAS Melbourne, when the Commander Aviation walked past I thought reaching such a position was unachieveable,” he said.

“However, in the Navy, the world is your oyster, with unparalleled oppor-tunities.”

CMDR Terrence Garside at Naval Support Activity in Manama, Bahrain, last month. Photo: SGT Ray Vance

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18 PERSONNEL www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS September 21, 2017

Hoami Southwell

DEFENCE’S new online portal, ServiceConnect, lists more than 800 services available to personnel.

The portal has been designed to bring together related services from across the organisation in a centralised, intuitive and easy-to-use website.

It covers a range of services, including base facilities, housing, and posting and relocation.

The ServiceConnect Project Officer, Nicole Miles, said the site had generated resoundingly positive feedback from users since its launch in July.

“ServiceConnect aims to enhance the customer experience by creating

a simple pathway to Defence ser-vices,” Ms Miles said.

“We wanted to enhance the ser-vices already available by making it easier for customers to find what they need.”

The ServiceConnect Project Manager, Tracey Johnston, said the site’s success could be attributed to its user-centred design approach and extensive input from customers.

“Customers are at the heart of ServiceConnect, so it was imperative that they played a major role in creat-ing the solution,” Ms Johnston said.

“We carried out lots of customer profiling and mapping to better understand customer journeys and existing pathways to services.

“Every person has different moti-

vations and preferences and we need-ed to design a solution that would work for all members of Defence.

“We went from region to region talking with customers and testing early iterations of the site. We learnt so much by listening and observing user behaviours.”

The team used the feedback to inform the end solution. For exam-ple, through their observations, the importance of the site’s search func-tion became apparent – so they intro-duced a predictive text search field. This feature is new to Defence and helps users find what they need in a quicker and more efficient way.

You can find ServiceConnect under the ‘Essentials’ tab on the Defence Intranet homepage.

MEMBERS of the ADF and APS are encouraged to take part in this year’s Unacceptable Behaviour Survey, from September 18-October 13.

The annual survey measures expe-riences of and attitudes towards unac-ceptable behaviour in Defence.

It will be distributed by email to a random selection of 50 per cent of the Defence workforce.

Deputy Secretary Defence People Roxanne Kelley encouraged those invited to participate in the survey to do so, saying their feedback provid-ed Defence’s leadership with a better understanding of people’s views on unacceptable behaviour.

“The survey takes about 20 minutes to complete. Every response counts and helps to inform action to make our workplace one where everyone is

respected and valued, and poor behav-iour is called out,” Ms Kelley said.

“By participating in the survey, you can directly influence the environment that we all work in.”

Responses to the unacceptable behaviour survey are anonymous. Some of the questions contained in the survey are personal and sensitive in nature.

Participants can choose to complete the survey away from the workplace by forwarding the email they receive to their personal email and may choose to opt out at any time.

For further information regarding the Unacceptable Behaviour survey or Unacceptable Behaviour Research Program, contact the Unacceptable Behaviour survey team at UB.Survey@defence.gov.au

TREATMENT for all mental health issues is now available for serving and former ADF members through a Department of Veterans’ Affairs initia-tive.

Previously, Non-Liability Health Care (NLHC) arrangements only cov-ered post-traumatic stress, anxiety, depressive, alcohol use and substance-use disorders.

A DVA spokesperson said NLHC recognised that the early treatment of mental health conditions led to better health outcomes in the long term.

“It ensures that current and for-mer ADF members are able to access DVA-funded health care for mental

health as quickly and conveniently as possible, without the need to link a condition to service, and without the need for a compensation claim,” he said.

NLHC covers a range of treatment options.

Reservists might also be eligible for treatment if they have undertaken continuous full-time service.

Any eligible person seeking treatment for a mental health condition can make an application via email at NLHC@dva.gov.au or, by calling 133 254 (metropolitan callers) or 1800 555 254 (regional callers). A claim form is also available at www.dva.gov.au/nlhc

Have your say

Mental health initiative

Easy to connect

Project Officer Nicole Miles and Project Manager Tracey Johnston, of Estate and Infrastructure Group, said customers played a major role in developing ServiceConnect. Photo: CPL Mark Doran

Complete your Application for Relocation (AFR) and Inventory online today. You will then be assigned aToll Transitions Case Manager who will contact you to get things moving.

Go to www.tolltransitions.com.au/defence to access and complete your AFR and Inventory. If youhave any questions, or require assistance to complete your AFR or Inventory online, call Toll Transitionson 1800 819 167.

If you have moved with Toll previously, you can access your previous Inventories (including motorvehicles) at www.tolltransitions.com.au/defence and can update and edit them as required.

Don’t delay; complete your AFR and Inventory online today.

What is a Pre-Removals Visit (PRV)?The purpose of the PRV is to clarify all of the particular needs of your removal, such as accessconditions, whether items need special attention and confirmation of the size of your move and yourunpack election.

Your Toll Transitions Case Manager will let you know if a PRV is required for your relocation. If yourmove does require a PRV, a Toll Transitions Consultant will call you to arrange a suitable time to visityour home.

It is very important you make yourself available for a PRV should your move require one.

The Toll Move Plan AppToll Transitions has released a mobile phone application for Defence Members. The Toll TransfereeMove Plan App gives you easy access to the details of your relocation itinerary that you’ll need toknow as you progress through your move.

The App can be downloaded from the Google Play Store and Apple iTunes App store by searching forToll Move Plan. You can logon to the Toll MPL App using the same valid username and password youuse to access Toll Transitions’ website www.tolltransitions.com.au/defence

Toll Move Plan App - easy access to details of your relocation itinerary.

Relocating? Toll Transitions is ready to assist you today.

For more informationFreecall: 1800 819 167

www.tolltransitions.com/defence

19PERSONNELSeptember 21, 2017 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

THE introduction of sample testing of credit card transactions during 2016-17 has not identified systemic misuses or fraud.

The First Assistant Secretary Financial Services, David Spouse, said more than 3300 transactions – worth more than $6.5 million – were tested and only one was referred to Audit and Fraud Control Division for further investigation.

“The Corporate Credit Card Testing Program covered a range of transactions, such as taxi fares, cash advance withdrawals on the Defence Travel Card and payments using the Defence Purchasing Card,” Mr Spouse said.

The program identified 153 ins tances of potent ia l non-compliance against the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 and a further 41 breaches of internal Defence policy. To put these figures into context, Defence processes more than one million credit card transactions in a year.

“It was pleasing that we found no systemic issues around the use of cards. The overwhelming major-ity of card-holders are doing the right thing, but some incidences of administrative non-compliance were identified,” Mr Spouse said.

Most administrative deficien-cies related to incorrect delegate approval for purchases, and fail-ure to comply with mandatory pro-curement rules and official Defence travel policies. Corrective action in

Credit card use tested

these cases included counselling and additional training.

The Chief Finance Office Group initiated the Corporate Credit Card Testing Program to strengthen con-trols after a report of the Australian

National Audit Office on Defence’s management of credit and other transaction cards.

The management and govern-ance processes were reviewed and the policies relating to the use of

credit cards were enhanced with the approval of the Chief Finance Officer, Phillip Prior.

Mr Spouse said that during 2017-18, the credit card testing program was being intensified with

use of IT-based analytical tech-niques, developed with the assis-tance of Data Analysis Australia.

The results of this testing will be regularly published in the Service Newspapers.

Purpose Transaction Type Number of transactions

tested

$ value of transactions

tested

To identify suspi-cious transactions

relating to cash advances (includ-

ing Travelex)

Defence Travel Card cash – multiple transactions over consecutive days

240 99,503

Defence Purchasing Card cash – withdrawal on non-work day

273 178,371

Defence Purchasing Card cash – other withdrawals

115 650,868

Defence Travel cash – value 275 404,282

Travelex transactions 297 102,903

To identify high-risk credit card

transactions that might indicate

impropriety

High value Defence Purchasing Card 60 1,984,942

High value Defence Travel Card 288 4,508,297

PayPal transactions 277 402,879

QBT Pty Ltd transactions 255 53,134

High-risk transactions 273 183,761

Blocked merchants 1 1218

To identify high-risk taxi services

Tax purchases >$200 957 294,712

Grand Total 3301 6,596,142Photo: CPL Mark Doran

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20 PERSONNEL www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS September 21, 2017

NCODefence Force Magistrate13 x Unauthorised use of commonwealth credit card – DFDA s 47Q(1)10 x Falsifying a service document – DFDA s 55(1)1 x Attempt to obtain a gain – DFDA s 61(3) and Criminal Code (Cth) s.11.1(1) and s 135.1(1)The member was accused of using a Defence Travel Card to withdraw cash total-ling $4840, otherwise than for the Commonwealth. The member was also accused of falsifying service docu-ments in relation to travel by the member that did not oc-cur. The member was also accused of using a Defence Travel Card in an attempt to withdraw cash with the intention of dishonestly obtaining a gain of $300 from the Commonwealth. The member pleaded guilty to the charges and was found guilty of the charges. The member was reduced in rank and dismissed from the Defence Force. The member was also ordered to pay reparation to the Commonwealth totalling $4840 (to be paid in one lump sum).

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

AUGUST TRIAL RESULTS Service trial on target

A RECENT “pop-up” kiosk at the West Head Gunnery Range (WHGR) is a dem-onstration of how Defence is bringing its services to the workplace and having a positive impact on sailors.

The pop-up kiosk is a part of the Proof of Concept (POC) initiative, which allows local service provid-ers to trial new ways to improve ser-vice delivery at regional bases around Australia.

Occupying an area of about 16ha on the Mornington Peninsula, WHGR is one of the world’s few remaining shore-to-sea live firing training sites.

A team of representatives from Estate and Infrastructure Group’s (E&IG) Service Delivery Division and Defence Security and Vetting Services recently visited WHGR as a pop-up kiosk to provide on-site customer ser-vices to the remote workforce.

Officer-in-Charge WHGR LCDR Peter Arnold said his personnel enjoyed the opportunity to engage with the vis-iting staff and talk with them about a number of E&IG security, ICT and People Group services.

“They got to ask questions and have their issues resolved on the spot,” LCDR Arnold said.

“It saved an hour of travel time and lost productivity with a great outcome for the sailors.

“The pop-up kiosks are great because they focus on the customer and their needs. They also represent how the department can be more agile in the way it delivers services.”

Acting Base Support Manager at HMAS Cerberus, Les Moseley, is an advocate for integrated service delivery

that supports Defence capability. He also believes the POC is an important initiative.

“To me, the POC approach is remi-niscent of an Army analogy where one is a soldier first and specialist second. This means everyone must be able to proficiently shoot a weapon and then be competent in their specialist field; be that engineer, medic or logistics, for example,” Mr Moseley said.

“We’re creating a culture where enabling groups identify first as being

part of a single service-delivery sys-tem contributing to Defence capability. Second to this, they are specialists in the services they provide.

“The cross-enabler kiosk team at WHGR worked together to achieve good outcomes for the customers. Where they couldn’t provide an on-site resolution, they followed up with a rel-evant service enabler who contacted the customer directly.

“Overall, it was a positive expe-rience for the sailors. They accessed

high-quality, better-connected services that were responsive to their needs.”

The POC trials initiative aims to integrate services and improve the cus-tomer experience.

Since May 2016, 43 local service providers have trialled new ways to deliver services in regional areas through POC pop-up kiosks and service hubs.

For more information visit the Proof of Concept page on the Defence intranet.

The West Head Gunnery Range is one of the world’s few remaining shore-to-sea live firing training sites.

When you join Defence Health, it’s our job to take care of you like part of the family. And we love our job. We understand the lifestyle of serving members, which is why we offer tailored health cover with higher benefits exclusively for ADF families. Our ADF Total Package gives you our best value protection with comprehensive hospital cover as well as flexible extras on a range of included treatments. So you can claim more of your favourite extras treatment under an overall limit.

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

OUR ONLYMISSIONIS TO LOOKAFTER YOU.

21PERSONNELSeptember 21, 2017 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

NAVY people and their families facing the daunting task of finding child-care, or before and after school care, can now get assistance from the Defence child-care indi-vidual case management service.

The service has been established after a 12-month trial.

The team of specialist early learning staff helps Navy families find child-care by negotiating on their behalf with all local registered child-care providers, including family day care, and before and after school care.

The service also gives families options to help them decide which child-care suits their family, including those who have children with special needs.

The new service is available when moving locations, but also for Navy people changing work arrangements, or perhaps returning to work after maternity or paternity leave.

Director General Navy People CDRE Michele Miller knows first-hand how challenging and stressful it can be to find the right child-care options, and secure a place in good time in the right place. “Navy people with young children face many challenges when posting to a new location, one of the most stressful is find-

ing child-care,” CDRE Miller said.“Gaining the right child-care can be

the difference between going MWD(U) or not, or perhaps, whether a Navy partner may be able to work.”

This is amplified for families when moving, and Navy has been at the fore-front of advocating for this new service.

“In some cases the challenges of find-ing the right child-care have meant some of our people think they need to leave the Navy. This service, through Defence Community Organisation (DCO), can make a difference to our families and ulti-mately, to our capability,” CDRE Miller said.

The placement service is free and offered through Defence’s expert child-care service provider, Mission Australia Early Learning. However, normal child-care fees will apply for any options selected by families.

DCO has a range of programs to sup-port the availability of child-care services to Defence families who might face dif-ficulties in sourcing child-care.

For more information, call the all-hours Defence Family Helpline on 1800 624 608, or go to www.defence.gov.au

Finding child-care made easy

The new free service is available to all Navy personnel.

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Cross-country running can be made easier by following a training program. Photo: ABIS Kayla Hayes

COMPETITION TIPS

For better competition results: Where possible, test the

course in advance If your event is longer than 60

minutes, consider using gels, but train with them to test how you respond

Wear shoes you’re used to and not a new pair on the day

If the track is rough, wear trail running shoes

Don’t compare yourself to others – just do the best you can, everyone is built differently

Set yourself up for cross-country success this season, CPL Jeff Langdon writes.

On the beaten track

22 HEALTH www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS September 21, 2017

LET’S get one thing straight – cross-country running is not just running.

When venturing off the cement track, you’ll encounter uneven surfaces and generally a lot of peaks and troughs. The hills in a cross-country running track are also enough to make even the fittest of your friends sweat in anticipation.

Cross-country season is fast approaching and to ensure you’re not left behind when everyone else takes off from the start line, follow these tips.

Use a training programUnless you’re the base athlete

who’s blessed with a svelte figure, use a training program.

And to get the best out of your pro-gram, be realistic about which one you choose. Most programs are broken down into base levels of cardio fitness, such as beginner, intermediate and advanced, and most have a guide for deciding where to start.

Give yourself at least six weeks to implement it – the more time you have to prepare, the better. And you’ll need to run at least three times a week.

Replace the old with the newTo be a better cross-country runner

you may have to skip a few weight sessions at the gym and replace them with your program.

However, training to be a better cross-country runner is best if incorporated with other types of training – you will still need a strong core and legs to tackle those hills.

Look at what’s on your plateIt’s simple – if you’re training

more, increase your caloric intake. In other words, eat more.

However, everyone’s nutritional needs are different and the types of

food you’ll need to fuel your body will depend on your weight and build, your dietary habits and your goals. You may need more carbohydrates and/or protein.

Train soloWhile there are plenty of benefits

in training with mates, if you’re seri-ous about getting a decent time and doing your best, running solo is your best option.

Not everyone’s cardio fitness is the same and you don’t want to train with someone who may slow you down.

You also don’t want to feel the pressure to talk if you’re struggling to keep up with your athletically gifted mate.

It means you can tailor your pro-gram to your needs, adapt to how your body is feeling on a daily basis and train at a time that suits you.

Don’t over-trainKeep track of your progress from

the start of your training program. If you’ve been training for a few

weeks and you’re feeling exhausted all the time and/or your times are getting worse, you may be over-training.

There’s a big difference between pushing yourself to improve and push-ing yourself too hard.

In this case, report to your PTI and fast. There are no awards for being an exercise martyr and over-training can lead to injury, so have the chat about what sessions to skip or modify to get you back on the cross-country track.

You may not be born to runUnderstand there are some people

who are naturally better at cross-country running than others. Age, body composition, height and injuries will all determine if you’re going to be a decent cross-country runner.

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23SPORTSeptember 21, 2017 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

WO2 Andrew Hetherington and CPL Drew Riessbeck

NAVY’S squash players were unable to repeat the success they had last year at the 2017 ADF National Squash Carnival held at Williamtown from August 20-25.

A loss to Army in the first round put the Navy side on the back foot from the beginning.

However, Navy managed to bring home some trophy ware with strong performances by WOET David White, of the Maritime Acquis i t ion Branch, and LS Nicholas Evans, of HMAS Stirling.

WO White reached, but lost, the men’s open final and LSET Evans won the men’s open doubles.

LS Evans said it was the second time he had competed in the ADF national carnival.

“I only found out about the ADF squash carnival a few years ago, but being posted on seagoing vessels had prevented me from competing in previous years,” LS Evans said

He won the doubles title 3-0 with Air Force SGT Craig Baldwin, and he came eighth in the men’s open grade singles.

LS Evans said he was surprised to win the doubles title.

“Including the game we played earlier to put us into the finals, the final was the second time I had ever played a game of doubles,” LS Evans said.

“Where I am based in Western Australia, doubles is more of a nov-elty. I’d seen it played at nationals last year and this year I decided to enter, as it definitely appealed to me.

“It was an easy decision to play; only having to run around half of the squash court during a match, yes please.”

An equipment malfunction almost prevented him from taking to the court.

“Craig and I comfortably won the first match, however, sometime after, I realised I had broken my spare racquet during the match, my first having been broken during pre-vious matches,” LS Evans said.

“So with a loan racquet from one of the other WA members, Craig and I played the final.

“I played terribly, but Craig man-aged to carry us over the line.”

In the A grade doubles, LSMT David Cutler, of Stirling, and CPL

Darren Bisson were defeated by CAPT Dean Eamer and CPL Steven Gill in a fast paced match.

POAWA Benjamin Smith, of Stirling, lost the final of the men’s A grade singles to Army’s CPL Steven Gill.

LSCIS Casey Smith played well in the D Grade categories, seeing her efforts rewarded at the end of the competition by being named the most outstanding player of the car-nival.

It was her first ADF squash car-nival and she was happy with the way she performed.

“I played in the mixed D grade pool and out of five games, I man-aged to win two, so it was a good start to base my level of skills at, especially with how irregularly I’ve been playing,” LS Smith said.

“As this was my first ADF car-nival, I was pretty happy to finish at number 64 out of 67 players.”

Navy finished third behind Army.

WO White and LSCSO David Bolger were selected to represent Navy in the ADF Australian team, which will play in a tournament later in the year.

CPOCSM Peter Burnett and WO2 Andrew Hetherington

NAVY’s football association players learnt new skills and developed oth-ers, during a Navy Football Federation Australia (FFA) coaching development and skills camp at HMAS Cerberus from August 21-24.

In conjunction with the develop-ment camp Director of Football – and a registered FFA A licensed coach – LCDR James Ford conducted football game training and senior coaching cer-tificate coaching courses.

The main objective of the week, apart from qualifying FFA members as coaching staff, was to promote Navy football to serving members at the grass roots level, providing qual-ity coaching culminating in a competi-tive match representing the RANFFA against a Victoria Police team.

SMN GX Lilyan Price, of HMAS Albatross, who completed the coach-ing courses, said she enjoyed it.

“The courses introduced me to

Participants get most out of camp

valuable leadership techniques, which gave me more confidence when addressing groups of people,” SMN Price said.

LSBM Aaron Wood, of Cerberus, said he was appreciative of Navy FFA coming to Victoria to share its knowl-edge.

“The courses gave us all an insight into the Navy football family,” LS Wood said.

To finish off the coaching and skills courses, a Navy team was select-ed to play a match against the Victoria Police on a rain- soaked Jack Edwards Reserve in Oakleigh Melbourne, on a

4G surface on August 23, which the police team won 4 nil.

Goal keeper for the majority of the match, ABATA Morgan-Hoban McCarthy, said he enjoyed having the opportunity to represent Navy.

“I was extremely proud to have represented the Navy FFA and take

part in the development camp,” AB McCarthy said.

“I am keen to continue playing with the FFA and cement a regular place in the Navy squad.”

Despite the loss the RAN FFA development camp was a great success both on and off the field, during which nine coaches qualified.

Navy FFA’s focus now shifts to the next event on the annual calen-dar, the ADFFF National Carnival at Cromer Park in Sydney with fixtures against the Army, RAAF, and Navy and Army teams from New Zealand from November 6-12.

Navy FFA will field three teams – open men, women, and over 35s/masters.

Anyone interested in becoming a member of the Navy FFA family should email NavyFFA@drn.mil.au with name, rank, PmKeys, mobile, place of work and brief playing his-tory. For more information visit http://www.navyffa.com/

Participants at the coaching development and skills camp proudly display the Navy Football banner.

Navy’s hopes squashed

WOET David White and Leading Aircraftman Aaron Fyfe (left) warm up before battling it out in the singles final. Photo: CPL Nicci Freeman

© Image courtesy of Department of Defence

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

rsldefencecare.org.au

Volume 60, No. 17, September 21, 2017

SPORT

BACKS TO THE WALL

Navy unable to repeat last year’s success in squash comp

Page 23

WOET David White (foreground) and Leading Aircraftman Aaron Fyfe battle it out in the men’s open final of the ADF National Squash Carnival last month. Photo: CPL Nicci Freeman

Meet our Invictus Games

athletes

A special four-page lift-out

TEAM TORONTO

POMED Latisha Baker, of HMAS Creswell, practises her wheelchair basketball techniques during an Invictus Games training squad camp earlier this year. Photo: CPL Mark Doran

www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS September 21, 2017 32 OUR ATHLETES

Peter Arbuckle,45.Former Army rifleman. Sports: indoor rowing, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby.Left leg amputated as a result of a motorbike accident. “Sport has given me something to work towards and focus on. It has allowed me to meet others who are using sport to assist their rehabilitation. I want to be chal-lenged and represent my country on the international stage. The Games are an opportunity to show my children that despite my injuries I’m still achieving things in life. I also want to inspire others who may be in a similar position, and show an injury or illness doesn’t need to define you.”

POMED Latisha Baker, 35. Navy medic. Sports: indoor rowing, wheelchair basketball. Injured back, arm and leg when hit by a car. “Returning to sport and fitness after being sedentary for an extended period helped me remain motivated and positive. It’s shown me anything is achievable if you give it a go and helped me improve my overall fitness and general wellbeing, enabling me to move forward. I want the oppor-tunity to represent the ADF and Australia in Toronto. I also wanted to push myself both mentally and physically through sport and fitness.”

Davin Bretherton, 46.Former Army rifleman. Sports: cycling, wheelchair bas-ketball, wheelchair rugby. “I have PTSD and a below-knee amputation from a training acci-dent. I’m alive because I’ve been able to play sport. My weight blew out as a result of my PTSD. I was on every drug available and I was at the lowest point in my life. I’ve competed in bobsledding, hold the wheelchair boxing Australian title, and was selected to com-pete in the wheelchair NRL World Cup in France. I want to repre-sent Australia with fellow serving and former military personnel.”

Christopher Clark, 46.Former Army driver. Sports: archery, wheelchair basketball. Severe hearing loss in both ears. “Sport made me fitter and more determined to go outside my comfort zone. It’s also allowed me to meet new people and be in large crowds. I was humbled to be included in a team of some of the military’s best people and meeting inspirational athletes from all over the world in the 2016 Invictus Games. After the camaraderie and sportsmanship I experienced, I was determined to continue my sporting endeavours to beat my previous bests.”

PTE Danielle Close, 21. Army intelligence analyst. Sports: athletics, indoor rowing.

“I have relapsing remitting mul-tiple sclerosis. It’s likely I’m only going to get worse over time be-cause of the nature of my condi-tion. I’ve always used sport as an outlet and it’s my way of showing my body and the people around me that I’m not defined by my illness or the stigma associated with it. With the Invictus Games, I want to challenge the stigma associated with Multiple Sclerosis and the restrictions people auto-matically put on you when they hear about the disease.”

Michael Collins, 49. Former Army driver. Sports: wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby.

“My right leg was amputated be-cause of a sporting injury. Sport played a major role in getting me active. I also took up adaptive sports, which I hadn’t played previously, and have enjoyed the experience. It’s been a long jour-ney and I’m proud to continue to live life to the fullest and compete in events like the Invictus Games. I want to be around other ath-letes who have been wounded, injured or become ill during their service. I want to watch other athletes compete and do the best they can.”

Tyrone Gawthorne, 35.Former Army rifleman. Sports: athletics, indoor rowing, powerlifting and swimming. “Sport has given me a lot of friendships and a strong support network. It’s given me a goal to work towards, as well as a reason to get out of bed and get on with life. I’ve achieved things I never thought I would be able to. I’ve helped others by getting them in-volved in sport in the way people helped me. I want my children to see me in a different light as opposed to what they see every day. I’ve seen the difference of being involved with events like the Invictus Games.”

Michaela Gilewicz, 26.Former Army public affairs officer. Sports: indoor rowing, powerlifting. Injured right shoulder playing rugby and mental health issues.“Sport has played a huge role in my rehabilitation. Twelve months ago I started Zen Do Kai, a huge step for me as I couldn’t leave the house or socialise by myself. These activities helped give me confidence and independence. I feel brave enough to set goals and try out for things like the Invictus Games. I want the oppor-tunity to see people do amazing things – it shows us what can be done when you say ‘I can’.”

LCPL Samantha Gould, 27. Army driver. Sports: athletics, indoor rowing, powerlifting, wheelchair rugby.“From PTSD and depression I have difficulty maintaining a consistent level of motivation. I used sport to help me with this. I’ve been involved in martial arts since I was seven. Over the past couple of years I’ve found my focus has shifted away from my own personal training and towards coaching. Being around other people who worked to over-come their difficulties with similar issues has been a huge help to me. I want to be part of a team and watch everyone achieve.”

Tim Grover, 38. Former Army rifleman. Sports: athletics and cycling.Injured during deployments. “Cycling gives me mental focus, maintains my fitness and is a great social sport. My achieve-ments include being a company sergeant major on operations, preparing and deploying a force protection element to Afghani-stan and being a drill sergeant at RMC. In sport, it was winning the Arafura Games Road Race and receiving my black belt in Goju karate. The Invictus Games gives me the opportunity to represent my country and meet other wounded, injured and ill military personnel.”

Craig Hancock, 30. Former Army armoured vehicle crewman. Sports: indoor rowing, powerlifting.“I have a back injury from an improvised explosive device blast while deployed to Afghanistan. Sport has given me focus and a goal to work towards. Without having this, my recovery could have become dark, depressing and unachievable. I’m proud to have served my country. I want to show others we can use sport to pull ourselves out of the darkness and not become a victim who is defined by our injuries. I want to prove we are defined by our actions.”

SQNLDR Danny Jeffery, 50. Air Force aeronautical engineer.Sports: athletics, wheelchair rugby, wheelchair tennis.

“I suffer from injuries to my spinal cord, knee and lower back, as well as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and hearing loss. Adaptive sports have been a valuable tool in my pathway to recovery. For the Invictus Games, the training, participating and interacting with other wounded, injured and ill people boosts my confidence and self-esteem beyond the thoughts I have of my-self. In my mind I feel like a broken vase with limited motivation.”

Jason Jinks, 44. Former Army rifleman. Sports: archery, indoor rowing. “I have a lower back injury and PTSD. Sport has given me a reason to get out of the house, to interact with people I normally wouldn’t and it has helped me get back my self-confidence. It has provided me with a sense of achievement. I applied for the Invictus Games to be able to sur-round myself with truly inspira-tional people and for my family to see me have the confidence to compete in an unfamiliar environ-ment and see me smile again on a regular basis.”

Heidi Joosten, 31. Former Army clerk. Sport: athletics. “I have a neck and back injury, as well as strain of my spinal muscles from a Land Rover roll-over during an exercise. Sport is important for my rehabilitation and pain management as it helps release ‘feel-good’ endorphins to help reduce my perception of pain. My greatest achievements include marching out of Kapooka and making the state athletics team to compete at the Austral-ian Institute of Sport. I applied for the Invictus Games for a sense of hope and to engage with serving and former Defence members even though I have recently discharged.”

Team co-captain CAPT Emma Kadziolka, 28.Army nursing officer. Sports: athletics, indoor rowing.

“I have an inoperable brain tumour. My diagnosis is only recent, but I’m hoping by putting myself forward for this opportu-nity, sport will play a large part in maintaining my mental health and physical fitness enabling me to deal with the inevitable, eventual decline. Being diagnosed with cancer at my age had a negative impact on my mental health. I want to be a part of the Invictus Games team to help me stay focused on maintaining a healthy mind and body.”

Kristin Lane, 22. Firner Army communications systems operator. Sport: athletics. “I have Kienbocks disease, os-teitis pubis, anxiety and depres-sion. Sport has assisted me as a coping mechanism for my mental health and the rehabilitation of my injuries. I’ve been medically downgraded for more than a year and will soon discharge from the Army. I thought the Invictus Games would be a fantastic op-portunity for me to get involved as I love sport and love compet-ing. I also want the opportunity to meet new people, have fun and compete internationally.”

Sean Lawler, 37.Former Army rifleman/clerk. Sports: golf, swimming, wheel-chair tennis. “I suffered an injury during train-ing. I was fortunate enough to compete in last year’s Invic-tus Games and since then I re-discovered my passion for sport, consequently helping me integrate back into society and start socialising again. I want to be part of the fun and excite-ment once again. Having my children experience what military personnel have sacrificed as part of serving and protecting their country will only benefit their personal growth.”

Michael Lyddiard, 40.Former Army combat engineer. Sports: athletics, cycling, indoor rowing, swimming. “Wounded in Afghanistan by an improvised explosive device, I have an amputated right arm below the elbow, amputation of thumb and finger on left hand, loss of right eye and an impaired left eye. Sport helps to build my identity and self-esteem by giving me vision and purpose. With the Invictus Games I feel a sense of purpose and belonging which I lost after being medically dis-charged – while empowering my family and children. It illustrates the true meaning of sacrifice, endurance and mateship.”

Scott Maclean, 51. Former Army rifleman. Sport: archery. “After 27 years in infantry and five deployments, I suffer from PTSD and both shoulders, left elbow and left knee have been recon-structed. Sport has helped me in-teract with society and shows me that I can live with PTSD. Being selected for the Invictus Games is the greatest achievement of my life. It’s meant there’s light at the end of the tunnel for me. I applied to allow my son to see his dad recover from such a low point to being able to represent his country again.”

SGT Graeme Marshall, 37. Army aircraft technician. Sports: athletics, indoor rowing, powerlifting. “I have depression, panic and anxiety disorder. Sport has al-lowed me to focus on things other than the negative that’s currently in my life. It’s also allowed me to achieve goals in sport and weight loss. I’m proud of my 18 years’ service with Army and of my three children. I applied for the In-victus Games wanting to be part of a team which is all-inclusive and supportive whether you win, lose or draw.”

POML-SC Ian McCracken, 52.Navy storeman. Sport: swimming.

“I had a stroke which left me with a brain injury. Sport has assisted with the rehabilitation from my brain injury and getting me back to working full time without restriction. I’m proud and hon-oured to represent my country alongside other wounded, injured and ill service and ex-servicemen and women. Being part of the Australian support team in the 2016 Invictus Games was such a special experience. It gave me extra motivation to try out as an athlete.”

SQNLDR Paul McGinty, 53. Air Force registered nurse.Sports: archery, golf. “I had two lumbar vertebrae removed because of tumours. Sport has been a big motivator for me. When I was recovering in hospital I imagined being back on the golf course, which was my incentive to get better. I walked the Kokoda Track and returned to fully deployable status after surgery. I applied for the Invictus Games because I want to chal-lenge myself, to see how far I can push myself, and to maximise what functionality I have left. I want something to motivate me to work towards.”

SPR Curtis McGrath, 29. Army combat engineer. Sports: indoor rowing, wheelchair rugby. “I stepped on an improvised explosive device and lost my legs. Losing my legs was incredibly hard and the rehabilitation was chal-lenging and emotional. At times I wanted to give up, but after I learnt to swim again I felt motivated to go on to bigger sporting events. Competing in the 2014 and 2016 Invictus Games gave me focus and provided me with motivation. It’s a great moment to see an athlete who has gone through a similar situation get a medal and enjoy themselves.”

Jason McNulty, 41. Former Army cargo specialist. Sports: cycling, indoor rowing.“I have PTSD as a result of my deployments. Sport has given me focus and allowed me to integrate back into everyday life. It helps with positive thought processes and makes me feel good. It’s helped me interact with everyday people. I want the opportunity to represent my country and inspire others to get involved in sport and use it as part of their recovery. I want to show those who know me how far I’ve come, make them proud and let them know that anything is possible.”

David Neagle, 38. Former Army rifleman/infantry officer. Sports: cycling, swimming.“I have health issues from my deployment in Timor Leste. Sport has been critical in keeping me physically active and engaged with the local community, while greatly assisting in my ongoing rehabilitation. I applied for the 2017 Invictus Games in Toronto because I want to challenge myself, and have a focus and a purpose. I want to use sport to assist with my recovery and represent my country.”

CPL Sonya Newman, 36. Army driver. Sports: swimming, indoor row-ing, sitting volleyball, wheelchair basketball. “After about 15 operations and contracting a staph infection, my right leg was amputated below the knee. Sport provided me with the motivation I needed to get moving in life. I started swim-ming again, learnt to walk and my entire outlook has changed. I now see what I can achieve in life and not what I can’t. When I saw the Invictus Games nominations I thought I would try out. I knew the experience would give me confidence and inspiration.”

Daniel Parker, 28. Former Army combat engineer. Sports: athletics, wheelchair rugby. “I have PTSD, pins in my hips, nerve stimulator in my spine and major arthroscopy in most joints. After spinal surgery I put on a lot of weight. I was aware of the In-victus Games in 2016 so I began training. Sport has been infec-tious throughout my life. I applied for the Invictus Games as I was reclusive and wasn’t maintaining lines of communication. I needed to be more active as I wasn’t set-ting a good example for my son or friends.”

PLTOFF Nathan Parker, 21. Air Force trainee at ADFA. Sports: swimming, athletics, indoor rowing. “I have an amputation of my left hand, laceration and tendon damage to my right hand and facial lacerations. I was strongly motivated to return to running. Since achieving that goal, sport and training not only enabled me to continue to get stronger and fitter, but to return to participating in training alongside my military peers. The Invictus Games was a goal I set while recovering in hospital in the days following my accident. I want to represent Air Force, the ADF and my country.”

Meet the 43 former and serving ADF athletes who will represent Australia in 10

of the 11 adaptive sport events across eight days from September 23-30.

4 OUR ATHLETES www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS September 21, 2017

PTE Christopher Rapson, 34. Army operator movements. Sport: athletics.“I have PTSD and anxiety from operations in Afghanistan. Sport has increased my fitness and given me confidence. It also got me out of the house. My great-est achievements were reaching the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro in 2015 and being a part of the team raising about $70,000 for Operation K9. I applied for the Invictus Games because I wanted to meet personnel who have undergone similar experi-ences as I thought it would help me improve my resilience. The benefits of being involved with Invictus Games are bigger than just playing sport.”

LACW Melissa Roberts, 29. Air Force firefighter. Sports: swimming, athletics. “I suffer from a traumatic brain injury and vision impairment with facial disfigurement as a result of a car accident. Sport has been a big part of my life since I was young. After my injury I used sport to improve social connec-tions, regain self-confidence and personal development. The opportunity to represent my country with the Invictus Games team will be one of the highlights of my life. I applied because I reached a point in my recovery and rehabilitation where I could be competitive and had the con-fidence to apply.”

LAC Wade Roberts, 32. Air Force aircraft technician.Sports: athletics, cycling.

“I was diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer three years ago. After rounds of treatment and surgeries I’ve been able to return to work with my unit. I competed in the 2016 Invictus Games and it helped me return to normal life. I applied again because I want to compete alongside other mili-tary personnel who have been wounded, injured or become ill and hear their stories about recovery, treatment and the chal-lenges they face on a day-to-day basis.”

Darren Robinson, 40. Former Army rifleman. Sports: archery, athletics.

“I suffer from PTSD. Sport gives me motivation and helps me with my rehabilitation. The Invictus Games gave me something to look forward to. I’m proud to have been able to serve my country in the Australian Army as a paratrooper. To meet and compete against other inspira-tional athletes from around the world is a privilege. I also want to remember those who didn’t make it home and honour their sacrifice.”

Garry Robinson, 43. Former Army Special Forces.Sports: cycling, swimming.“I was in the 2010 Black Hawk crash in Afghanistan and suf-fered severe traumatic brain injury and multiple fractures, including my lower leg, that wouldn’t mend. Just over a year later it was amputated. Each day I struggle to get out of bed, but the Invictus Games gives me something to focus on. I applied to compete alongside other wounded, injured and ill serving and former military personnel. It gives me the moral courage and inspiration to continue my recovery.”

Team co-captain SGT Peter Rudland, 45. Army Special Forces. Sports: cycling, wheelchair rugby. “I was in the 2010 Black Hawk crash in Afghanistan and suf-fered severe injuries to my legs, pelvis, arms, back, shoulders, face and a traumatic brain injury. Sport gives me something to work towards and reminds me that no matter how bad things get, there is always somebody worse off. Initially I applied to give me something to work towards as part of my recovery. I re-applied this year after meeting so many others last year in simi-lar circumstances.”

Stewart Sherman, 34. Former Army medic. Sports: wheelchair basketball, wheelchair tennis. “I have PTSD from my deploy-ment to Afghanistan. I competed in the 2016 Invictus Games and it gave me a new focus on life and helped me build a healthy lifestyle. My relationships with my family and my willingness to participate in daily activities has improved and continues to improve every day. I applied for the Invictus Games because I want to put myself in a position where I’m required to step up and earn my place.”

Sarah Sliwka, 33. Former Army signaller. Sports: powerlifting, swimming.

“I have a lower back injury and snapped the ligaments in my ankle from pack march-ing. Sport has been the driving force behind my rehabilitation, both physically and mentally. It’s been even more important since discharging, helping me build confidence and giving me a sense of achievement I lost after discharge. I’m proud to be chosen to represent Australia as part of the 2017 Australian Invictus Games team. I want to be around other serving and for-mer soldiers again and enjoy the team environment I’ve missed.”

Jamie Tanner, 34. Former Army rifleman. Sports: wheelchair basketball, wheelchair tennis, wheelchair rugby. “I suffer from numerous mus-culoskeletal injuries and PTSD from my deployments. The Invictus Games training helped my fitness increase, which has also improved my PTSD-related issues. It has given me a goal to work towards and a purpose. It’s a huge honour to represent my country at an international sport-ing event. My goal is to push as hard as I can and give every-thing. This is more important than winning or losing.”

Tony Sten, 39. Former Army rifleman. Sports: athletics, indoor rowing, powerlifting. “Sport has given me a goal to work towards and keeps me fit and healthy. I kayaked across Bass Strait with very limited training. We got stuck on Flinders Island for a couple weeks due to bad weather but were still able to complete the crossing. I wanted to be involved in a team and represent my country again. I also wanted to compete alongside other serv-ing and former serving military personnel.”

Richard Wassell, 51. Former Navy electronic warfare submariner. Sports: Athletics, indoor rowing.“I suffered a stroke on board HMAS Ovens. Sport helped me set future goals and motivated me to achieve them. I applied for the Invictus Games as I wanted to get back into the military family as I have been out of it for so long. I miss it every day and thought the Invictus Games could be an opportunity to reconnect. I also wanted to show younger veterans that no mat-ter what injuries or illnesses you have you can always come out the other side.”

Sarah Watson, 38. Former Army intelligence officer.Sports: cycling, swimming, indoor rowing, athletics. “I suffer from PTSD and major depressive disorder after my deployment to Iraq. Sport and fitness has been crucial in my recovery. I have used sport to manage my condition and help maintain a fit and healthy life-style. Sport is integral to manag-ing my illness. Invictus Games and belonging to the Invictus family gives me a huge sense of pride and determination. Representing my country in the sporting arena will be a dream come true.”

LCPL Gary Wilson, 36. Army operator electronic warfare linguist. Sports: athletics, indoor rowing. “I was in the 2010 Black Hawk crash in Afghanistan and suf-fered multiple fractures, third-degree burns and severe trau-matic brain injuries. Focusing on sport and the Invictus Games has been fantastic as it gives me something to aim for in train-ing and an incentive to go to the gym. I want the opportunity to show, after being broken in service, we shouldn’t see our wounds, injuries or illness as a road block, we should see them as detours.”

Jeff Wright, 49. Former Army driver. Sports: wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby, swimming.“I suffer vision loss, paraple-gia, PTSD and knee damage from a training accident and a motorcycle accident. It’s been the catalyst to revisit the cama-raderie and competitive nature of sport, allowing for aggression, skill, teamwork and enjoyment to occur, all along not ever thinking I’m a person with a disability. I was already playing wheelchair basketball as part of my reha-bilitation, so it was a natural pro-gression to apply for the Invictus Games.”

Donna Young, 51. Former Army clerk/dental nurse.Sports: archery, indoor rowing.

“I have depression and PTSD. Sport played a vital role in my rehabilitation. It’s one reason I get up every day and it provides me with focus and inspiration. I want to meet other personnel from all over the world who are on the same journey as me. I want to make my family, who have continually supported me, as proud of me as they have ever been. I want my sons with me in the moment, cheering and sup-porting, as one military family.”