AIRF RCEVol. 59, No. 18, October 5, 2017 The official newspaper of the Royal Australian Air Force

Battle of Britain’s 77th – Pages 4-5FLTLT Fred Cassidy obituary – Page 2

Windows of opportunity as a

Loadmaster Page 11

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SGT Lucas Moro, a Loadmaster with 37SQN, on the ramp of a C-130J Hercules

during formation practice on the New South Wales coast near Sydney.

Photo: CPL Oliver Carter

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AIRF RCEVol. 59, No. 18, October 5, 2017 The official newspaper of the Royal Australian Air Force

Battle of Britain’s 77th – Pages 4-5FLTLT Fred Cassidy obituary – Page 2

Windows of opportunity as a

Loadmaster Page 11

TOP JOB

SGT Lucas Moro, a Loadmaster with 37SQN, on the ramp of a C-130J Hercules

during formation practice on the New South Wales coast near Sydney.

Photo: CPL Oliver Carter

2 October 5, 2017RCEAIR FNews

CPL Bill Solomou

AIR FORCE lost a distinguished member of its family on September 5 with the passing of FLTLT Frederick Cassidy (retd) at 94.

Hundreds of mourners paid their last respects to Fred at his funeral on September 13 when a C-27J Spartan tipped its wings in a symbolic fare-well to one of our own.

Fred was born on January 1923 in Carlton, NSW. He enlisted in the RAAF as an 18-year-old – in fact his father, enlisted on the same day, but with the Army.

Fred trained as a wireless opera-tor, navigator, air gunman and a specialist navigator on a Beaufighter posted to No. 30 Squadron.

He completed two tours with No. 30 and one with 93 Squadron, before discharging from the Air Force in December 1945.

Fred was one of the last surviving RAAF aircrew to participate in the Battle of the Bismarck Sea.

In March 1943, 100 Allied air-craft coordinated a mass strike on a Japanese troop convoy sailing in the Bismarck Sea, an engagement that effectively secured the New Guinea land campaign for the Allies and sealed off any remaining threat to the Australian mainland.

In the past, Fred had said one of his greatest experiences was the bat-tle of the Bismarck Sea.

“We sank, together with the Americans, 10 transport ships and six destroyers. These were supplying the Japanese military after they had

been turned back at Kokoda,” Fred said.

“They were determined to get back to Port Moresby, and when we sank that convoy, the Japanese didn’t have the equipment or men to con-tinue their assault on Port Moresby.”

Fred said the operation was not routine: “It wasn’t going to be easy. We had never strafed, I personally don’t think 30SQN had. We’d never consistently or deliberately attacked the Japanese navy; we certainly attacked their installations and their shipping.”

The Battle of the Bismarck Sea was one of the greatest turning points in the war, from there on the Japanese were on the back foot.

Fred conducted most of his train-ing at Point Cook and he always loved flying.

He established a great bond with his pilot crew-mate Moss Morgan that lasted more than 50 years.

Fred and his best mate Moss named their aircraft ‘Wendy-Joy’ after their wives.

Fred and Moss had a pre-flight ritual that would make any airman laugh today.

“Before we took off on an opera-tion we used to go and have a leak on the tail wheel, both of us,” he said.

“They used to call us Thunder and Lightning, because he was dark and I was sort of gingery in colour.”

His marriage to Wendy would last for more than 70 years, but she passed away in 2015.

After the war, Fred returned to start his life with Wendy and estab-

lish his family. He returned to the tax department and studied accountancy, later becoming an inspector.

He went into private industry as a marketing director and owned a pub for a while with his brother.

Fred’s legacy resides on Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra, where he worked for many years to establish the National Library.

Fred had a love for community and was very active in a range of organisations. But his greatest pas-sion in this sense was for the 30SQN (Beaufighter) Association, of which he was president for 17 years.

He worked tirelessly to ensure the WWII history of this unit was maintained and promoted and in par-ticular, he sought to ensure the sig-nificance of the victory in the Battle of the Bismarck Sea achieved its rightful place alongside the Kokoda campaign, Milne Bay, the Coral Sea and Guadalcanal in considering the overall Battle for Australia.

He was a thorn in the side of many a Director of the Australian War Memorial in his attempts to have a Beaufighter placed on display in the museum. But most of all, he just loved being around his 30SQN mates and their families. He organ-ised events and social outings and was always there to assist anyone.

For these efforts, he was awarded an OAM in 2007.

He was the loved father of Susan and Simon (deceased). Caring broth-er of Alan (deceased) and Betty.

WCGDR Marty Quirke, CO 30SQN, presented FLTLT Fred Cassidy’s eulogy at the funeral service. Here are extracts:

“My enduring memory of him will be at our squadron 75th anniversary dinner, earlier this year, at Sale. Fred was in glori-ous form, regaling everyone. He was the last to leave and even then, I had to kick him out. But just before then, there he sat; quietly talking, surrounded by four of my squadron members, still wanting to communicate the history, still needing to ensure the significance of the squad-ron’s role was understood. And they were listening intently and hanging on his every word.

“That night was said to have put another year on his life … well, not quite old mate.”

“Finally, I would like to con-clude with some of Fred’s own words, which I think sums up this truly great Australian.”

“The message I would like to give people is believe in your-self, don’t try to be anything else but pleasant or decent and do the best you can and roll with the punches. That’s the way I’ve tried to treat life.

“Just don’t try to be anything more than you are, it will come to you, things happen, they hap-pen whether you like it or not, but my message to everybody is do your best and don’t try to turn the world over for you own purposes. Hard to express but I would just like to think we all could hug each other and get on with things.”

FRED’s EULOGY

PATRON of the 30 Squadron Association, AVM Bob Rogers, who could not attend the ser-vice, reflects of Fred’s life:

“Fred was much more than the President of 30 Squadron Association; to me he was a long-time family friend and acquaintance. My father and Fred were born in the same street in Bexley and were friends as young boys.”

“It was serendipity that brought us together in 1993, when we all went to Port Moresby and Madang for the 50th anniversary of the Battle of the Bismarck Sea.

“That trip forged our long friendship and also enlightened me to the other Fred Cassidy, a man who gave so much of his life to looking after the interests of others.”

AVM Rogers said Fred was always in the vanguard to ensure the memorials of those who served in 30SQN would not be forgotten.

“We should all be proud, as in the final words of the well-known verse: Our Country is mourning, for an airman died today.”

A SPECIAL FRIEND

FLTLT Fred Cassidy (retd) obituary

‘A truly great Australian’

FLTLT Fred Cassidy (retd) “sets the scene” as he reads his account of the Battle of the Bismarck Sea during a commemorative service at RAAF Base Richmond in March this year.Photo: CPL Oliver Carter

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3October 5, 2017RCEAIR F News

FLTLT Julia Ravell and CAPT Ralph Huynh

EXPEDITIONERS at Australia’s Davis Station in Antarctica are enjoying fresh fruit and vegetables and mail from home after a suc-cessful air-to-air refuelling high above the Southern Ocean.

In an Air Force first, a No. 36 Squadron C-17A Globemaster was refuelled over the sub-Antarctic by a No. 33 Squadron KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport, enabling the C-17 to make the 10,000 kilo-metre round-trip non-stop.

The flight on September 19 was also the first supply delivery direct-ly to Vestfold Hills near Davis Station, saving Davis staff consid-erable time and effort in retrieving its nine-tonne load.

C-17 pi lot FLTLT Just in McFadden said the flight and sup-ply drop both went smoothly.

“We refuelled about three hours into the flight at an alti-tude of 22,000 feet and a speed of 500 kilometres per hour. This allowed us to continue the remain-ing four hours to Davis for the air-drop and return to Hobart,” FLTLT McFadden said.

“Nearing the drop zone, we

descended to 5000 feet and slowed to about 270 kilometres per hour, before deploying 15 pallets of cargo in padded containers, each weighing about 700kg,” he said.

The airdrop included fresh food, medical supplies and mail for the 17 expeditioners who had spent the past six months wintering at the station.

“We hope in the future that this capability will allow us to pre-position equipment and supplies for station and science projects before the shipping season starts, so it’s all ready to go when the first summer expeditioners arrive,” Australian Antarctic Division future concepts manager Matt Filipowski said.

Commanding Officer 9th Force Support Battalion (9FSB) LTCOL Andy Harrison-Wyatt said the mis-sion exemplified the diverse range of weather and environments that could be supported by aerial deliv-ery.

“This is a reinforcement of the strategic importance of aerial delivery as a capability,” LTCOL Harrison-Wyatt said.

“We look forward to work-ing closely with the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) in the future.”

With no air dispatcher on the ground to receive and recover the supplies, members of 9FSB’s 176 Air Dispatch Squadron not only ensured loads survived but also that aerial delivery equipment was well managed after the drop.

9FSB’s ongoing support for scientific research in Antarctica included a delivery of 8000 litres of aviation fuel last summer.

176SQN air dispatcher LCPL Mikayla Wray said the mission was a valuable test for her ground crew.

“It is not every day that the air dispatchers of 176 AD SQN are given the opportunity to demon-strate their skills in support of an operational air drop mission of this type,” LCPL Wray said.

“Operation Southern Discovery allowed us to demonstrate our capability to deliver supplies suc-cessfully into the Australian Antarctic Territory.

“It was a valuable training evolution that exposed our crew to innovative ideas when rigging loads that are outside the realm of normal day-to day training.”

“I hope that this is only the beginning of our support and relationship with the Australian Antarctic Division,” she said.

Davis drop delivers

A C-17A Globemaster III airdrops supplies to Australia’s Davis research

station in Antarctica. Photos: Barry Becker, Australian Antarctic Division

Davis Station chef Kerryn Oates can’t wait to unpack a box of fresh lemons.

Australian Antarctic Division personnel mark out the drop zone on the sea ice in front of Davis Station.

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4 October 5, 2017RCEAIR FNews

FLGOFF Belinda Scott

THE heroics of our WWII airmen were honoured by representatives of the ADF, RAAF Association and No. 29 Squadron, who com-memorated the 77th anniversary of the Battle of Britain on September 16-17 in Hobart.

At a National Commemoration and Wreath Laying Ceremony on September 17, DCAF AVM Gavin Turnbull paid tribute to the Australians who participated in the courageous effort to defeat Germany.

“The Battle of Britain is a sig-nificant part of Air Force’s histo-ry. In the summer and autumn of 1940, the Royal Air Force fought a prolonged battle in the defence of Britain against an experienced and numerically superior German Luftwaffe,” AVM Turnbull said.

“The battle was the first major campaign to be fought entirely by air forces, and was in response to the largest and most sustained aerial bombing campaign to that date.

“It’s important for us to continue to recognise the critical role airmen played during the Second World War, particularly during the air bat-tles to defend Great Britain in 1940. They fought with gallantry and dis-tinction.

“The Commonwealth countries produced some of the best fighter pilots including Tasmanian FLTLT Stuart Crosby Walch.”

The commemoration, held at the Hobart Cenotaph, attracted record numbers with nearly 300 Hobart locals present to remember the fall-en and honour those who served.

Air Force cadets welcomed special guests and dignitaries, the Air Force Band provided cer-emonial hymns and the catafalque party from Australia’s Federation Guard presented arms at the Hobart Cenotaph as the Last Post played.

At the commencement of the service, a three-ship Hawk 127 (one 79SQN and two 76SQN) formation flew over the cenotaph at Queens Domain.

The Roulettes aerobatic team

performed their high-level flying display at the conclusion of the service. Onlookers also enjoyed a Harvard Trainer warbird fly-past and display over the Derwent River.

On September 16, the Anglican Dean of Hobart, Reverend Richard Humphrey, conducted the Battle of Britain Remembrance Service at St David’s Cathedral, Hobart. Guests included Tasmanian Governor Prof Kate Warner, DCAF AVM Turnbull, COS-AFHQ AIRCDRE Kathryn Dunn, WOFF-AF Robert Swanwick, ADF members and for-eign defence force dignitaries.

Air Force cadets marched in the colours while the Air Force Band played an Air Force hymn during the service. The anniversary recog-nitions continued into the evening with a dining-in night.

During the Battle of Britain, one fifth of Fighter Command’s air-crew came from overseas with 16 nations represented in its squadrons. Of the 450 Australians serving with the RAF at the time, 35 flew with Fighter Command during the battle.

We must, we will, remember them

Battle of Britain Planning Committee chairman AVM Peter Scully (retd) speaks at the Commemoration of the 77th anniversary of the Battle of Britain at Queens Domain, Hobart.

DCAF AVM Gavin Turnbull addresses a gathering during the Battle of Britain commemoration at the Hobart Cenotaph.

LACW Elena Lipcan, of Australia’s Federation Guard, at the Cenotaph

in Hobart during the Battle of Britain commemoration.

Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force

CALL FOR INFORMATION ABOUT RUMOURS OF POSSIBLE BREACHES OF THE LAWS OF ARMED CONFLICT IN AFGHANISTAN

The Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force (IGADF) is conducting an Inquiry into rumours of possible breaches of the Laws of Armed Conflict by members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) in Afghanistan, between 2005 and 2016.

The Inquiry would like anyone who has information regarding possible breaches of the Laws of Armed Conflict by Australian forces in Afghanistan, or rumours of them, to contact the Inquiry.

Phone: 1800 993 019

Email: IGADF.1716@defence.gov.au

Post: IGADF Inquiry 1716, BP25-4, Brindabella Park, PO Box 7924, CANBERRA BC ACT 2610

The Inquiry is being conducted in private. Arrangements can be made for the identity of persons providing information to be protected and kept confidential and for information to be received in-person.

The IGADF is a statutory office holder, and the Inquiry is independent of the ADF chain of command.

If this notice has raised concerns for you or someone you know, you can contact the Defence Family Helpline on 1800 624 608.

Public submissions will close at 5pm, Friday, 3 November 2017.

DPS: JUN028-17

5October 5, 2017RCEAIR F News

BY mid-June 1940, Poland, Norway, Holland, Belgium and France had been conquered by Hitler’s Germany, leaving

only Britain and her Empire undefeated. As prime minister Winston Churchill refused to contemplate surrender, the German leader ordered the preparation of a cross-Channel invasion: Operation Sealion. However, Sealion could not be launched until the Luftwaffe had first won air superiority over southern England.

Hermann Goering, the Luftwaffe’s commander, was confident of victory and could call on 3200 aircraft organ-ised in three huge air fleets based in France, the Low Countries and Norway. In contrast, RAF Fighter Command, led by ACM Sir Hugh Dowding, possessed only 700 fighters, including 600 high-performance Hurricanes and Spitfires. Fortunately, ACM Dowding had created an advanced air defence system, incor-porating a chain of radar stations and an efficient communications network, which allowed him to conserve his out-numbered squadrons. This system divid-ed Britain into four regional ‘Groups’, and AVM Keith Park’s 11 Group, defending London and the south-east, would bear the brunt of the fighting.

The battle began in early July with German attacks on Channel convoys and ports. Having probed the defences, Hitler on August 1 ordered the rapid defeat of the RAF prior to the launch of Sealion, now set for September 15. The Luftwaffe sought to overwhelm

Fighter Command in the air and on the ground; and from August 13, or Eagle Day, 11 Group’s airfields in the south-east were the main target. The RAF responded well, destroying 75 enemy aircraft on August 15 alone, but the onslaught continued. Between August 24 and September 6, Park’s airfields and communications network were severely damaged and 300 Hurricanes and Spitfires were lost. Worryingly, 230 pilots had been killed or wounded and there were insufficient trained replacements. With the pilots of 11 Group exhausted, aircraft reserves low and Fighter Command apparently on the verge of defeat, the Germans then changed tactics.

Impatient to see the RAF beaten, and angered by British raids on Berlin, Hitler ordered attacks on London. On September 7, 300 German bombers, escorted by 600 fighters, raided the capital causing serious damage and leaving 400 civilian dead. Further pun-ishing attacks followed, but with the change of target, pressure was taken off 11 Group’s airfields, allowing the RAF to regroup and recover. The raids on London were also easier to track and the defending squadrons, now includ-ing those of 12 Group to the north, had more time to intercept. On September 15, the Luftwaffe launched two mas-sive raids on London, but both were fiercely repulsed by the RAF pilots who shot down 60 aircraft. It was clear the Luftwaffe would not defeat Fighter Command in time for an invasion that

year, and two days later Hitler post-poned Sealion indefinitely.

The German raids on Britain con-tinued, and the night Blitz, lasting into May 1941, would cause widespread destruction and over 40,000 deaths. Nevertheless, the Battle of Britain had been won by the RAF in the fighting over London in September 1940. Fighter Command’s decisive victory represented the first check to Hitler’s ambitions for world domination. It also ensured that Britain would survive as a rallying point and strategic base from which the inva-sion and eventual liberation of Europe could be launched.

Before the Battle, the Luftwaffe had enjoyed great success supporting the German Army, but it was not capable of fighting a strategic campaign against Britain. The German Air Force was also poorly led, and hampered through-out by confused objectives and faulty intelligence. ACM Dowding’s Fighter Command was, in comparison, effi-ciently organised, well-equipped and operationally flexible, and his brave and highly motivated pilots had justified faith in his leadership. The RAF’s vic-tory over the Luftwaffe was perhaps not as narrow as it may once have appeared.

This an extract from a First Day Cover insert commissioned by the UK’s Royal Mail to com-memorate the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. The extract is reproduced for History and Heritage Branch – Air Force with permis-sion from its author, Peter Devitt, Assistant Curator Royal Air Force Museum, and the Royal Mail.

Battle of Britain: a key turning pointIn 1940, the Royal Air Force and the German Luftwaffe fought the world’s first decisive air campaign. This battle would change the course of WWII and with it the course of history, Peter Devitt writes

A bugler plays the Last Post during the commemoration of the 77th anniversary of the Battle of Britain at the Hobart Cenotaph. Photos: CPL Veronica O’Hara

Foreign defence force dignitaries present for the 77th anniversary of the Battle of Britain commemoration: the Air Attache for the United States Embassy, LTCOL Gary Miller; the Defence Attache to Australia and New Zealand at the Embassy for Germany, CMDR (German Navy) Markus Rehbein; the Defence Attache for Australia and New Zealand for the Netherlands, LTCOL (Air Force) Elmar Hermans; the Defence Counsel for Australia and New Zealand, High Commission of Canada, COL Ron Ubbens; the Defence Adviser for New Zealand, New Zealand Air Force, GPCAPT Carol Abraham; the Naval and Air Adviser of the British High Commission, WGCDR Jon Hough; and the Defence Military, Naval and Air Attache for the Armed Forces of Poland, COL Leszek Stomka.

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Junior Legatee Benjamin Scott and his mentor, WGCDR David Shepherd, hike in the early morning through the hills of the Kokoda Trail.

Legatee Kirsty Morrison balances on a log river crossing with the help of local porters during the Legacy Kokoda Challenge 17.

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7October 5, 2017RCEAIR F News

EIGHT days after stepping off from the village of Kokoda, a group of Junior Legatees and their ADF

mentors crossed the finish line at Owers’ Corner, exhausted, having trekked 96km through the mountain-ous jungle regions of the Papua New Guinea highlands.

The trek along the iconic Kokoda Trail was part of the Legacy Australia initiative ‘Legacy Australia Kokoda Challenge’, which paired serving members with young Australians from Defence families from their region who had lost a parent.

The serving member mentored the Junior Legatee to help prepare them mentally and physically and then trekked the trail with them.

Since March, the 23 Legatees and their 17 Army, Navy and Air Force mentors have trained together on mountains around Australia.

At the end of August, they con-centrated in Brisbane and travelled to Papua New Guinea, where on September 9 – as a team – they con-quered Kokoda.

Air Force Mentor, FLTLT Lieutenant Dee Cherry, said being on the Kokoda Trail made the histo-ry of the World War Two campaign come alive and taught her things about herself she’ll carry with her through her life.

“It’s one thing to research something and read about it back in Australia, but it’s another thing to come to the place where they would have done their actions – you can visualise it better,” FLTLT Cherry said.

“We have instances in our lives where we doubt ourselves and our abilities. So, to reflect back on this and realise ‘I trekked Kokoda, it was difficult, it was probably one of the

most physically difficult things that I have ever done, but I was able to get through that’ – that’s something that will get me through in tough times.”

Junior Legatee Emmelyne Jackson said the local porters and guides were invaluable on the trek.

“They looked after us and made sure that we were okay,” Emmelyne said.

“If we were struggling they understood and stopped to make sure we were alright, to make sure we got to the other end,”

Junior Legatee Danielle Smith said it was really meaningful to do Kokoda with the ADF mentors.

“The Junior Legatees got along with them so well, we kind of have that connection with the forces, so it was good to have them watch-ing over us – just like our parents would have done if they were here,” Danielle said.

Defence Contingent Commander MAJ Phil Whitehead said it meant a lot to the group of ADF members to support the Legacy youth on their Kokoda journey.

“Every one of the soldiers, sail-ors, airmen and officers involved in the Legacy Kokoda Challenge feel incredibly privileged to have accom-panied these special young people on such an important and reflective journey through one of the most iconic battlefields in Australian mili-tary history,” MAJ Whitehead said.

“Equally, we feel proud of the achievement of the group and the teamwork they demonstrated to complete the gruelling trek, which is a significant milestone in all of our lives.”

“Most importantly, the time we spent with the Legacy Youth was meaningful and we acknowledge the important work of Legacy in helping

the families of fallen Defence mem-bers thrive despite adversity.”

The Legacy Kokoda Challenge coincided with Legacy Week in Australia, which highlights the important work Legacy does to sup-port Defence families following the death of a spouse or a parent, during or after their ADF service.

Legacy Australia Chairman Tony Ralph said it was significant that the Junior Legatees were able to com-plete the challenging and emotional journey with their ADF mentors.

“Veterans mentoring Legacy youth reflects the true spirit of Legacy,” Mr Ralph said.

“By bringing these young adults and serving veterans together during Legacy Week we are fostering the qualities of leadership, resilience, courage, initiative, respect and teamwork.”

“Whether on deployment, peace-keeping, peace enforcing or disaster relief, the bottom line is when a member of the ADF goes to work, there is always a real risk they may not return.

“And if they do, it may not be in the same state as when they left.”

“Our ADF mentors have wit-nessed what Legacy is prepared to do if the worst were to happen dur-ing their ADF service.”

In the year marking the 75th anniversary of the WWII Kokoda campaign, the Junior Legatees and their ADF mentors, with the support of local porters and guides, over-came the mud, sweat and tears of the Kokoda trail.

They honoured the legacy of the soldiers who had walked before them, by demonstrating mateship, resilience, leadership and teamwork. And, in doing so, created their own legacy.

Junior Legatees push themselves to the limit on the Kokoda Trail with help of ADF mentors, LEUT Sarah West reports

Trail tests young hearts and minds

Above: Participants of the Legacy Kokoda Challenge 17 at Naduri in Papua New Guinea. Below: Legatee Emmelyne Jackson is guided over a water crossing on the track. Photos: CPL Steve Duncan

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CANBERRA Defence motorcy-clists converged on Russell Offices on September 22 to show off their marvellous, metallic bikes to raise awareness and money for prostate cancer research and to promote the 2017 Long Ride around Tasmania.

More than 70 riders entered their bikes in the Show and Shine event, which included representatives from the three services and the Defence APS, and excellent support from a number of Canberra businesses.

The activity raised more than $3000, but more importantly, it got many people out of the offices to enjoy the bikes and raise their awareness of prostate cancer.

WGCDR Paul Connor, national coordinator for Defence participants in the Long Ride, said more than 150 Defence personnel were expect-ed to participate in the annual fund-raiser and health-awareness event held from October 13-20.

“Personnel will be riding down to Melbourne to board the Spirit of Tasmania ferry from as far away as Darwin, Western Australia and Queensland,” WGCDR Connor said.

“The ride in Tasmania will move around the island in an anti-clock-wise loop totalling around 1000km, but with many opportunities for side trips to engage with local communi-ties.”

Defence typically raises about

$150,000 each year as part of the ride for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.

“After the ride finishes on October 19, a lot of us will be attending the Moto Grand Prix at Philip Island on October 21-22, as it has designated the PCFA as the offi-cial charity,” WGCDR Connor said.

“We have a larger raffle than usual this year and about 50 Defence riders will attend the race, shaking cans, selling raffle tickets and raising the awareness of prostate cancer and men’s health.

“By being associated with the event it will dramatically increase our reach for raising awareness, and hopefully enable a larger amount of funds to be raised this year for the charity. This will hopefully continue for a couple of years into the future.”

CDF ACM Mark Binskin, who judged the winning bikes at the Show and Shine event, encouraged Defence personnel to get involved either on a bike or to donate money to the PCFA charity.

“The Long Ride supports the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, which is about reduc-ing the impact of the disease on our community,” ACM Binskin said.

“Prostate cancer affects a lot of people. If you think about it, there are 8000 men in Defence today who will be affected by the cancer in their life time.

“It is a significant number of

people and that’s why Defence needs to do its share to educate and raise the awareness of the disease and funds to help the charity.”

WGCDR Connor will be one of Air Force’s representatives riding anti-clockwise around Tasmania.

He will be riding his KTM 1190 Adventure bike with an 1195cc engine pumping out 110kW of power and 125Nm of torque.

“My first long ride was last year to Margaret River on my KTM and I’ll ride it again this year to Tasmania,” WGCDR Connor said.

“It’s the type of bike which can do everything, it’s really comfort-able, on the ride last year across the Nullarbor Plain I had it loaded with luggage and when I wanted to go off onto a side road it would do it.”

WGCDR Connor will not be the only rider on his bike during the ride.

“My wife Lynelle will be flying down to Launceston and I’ll pick her up, take her on the lap of the island, drop her back at the airport and she’ll fly back to Canberra,” he said.

“She loves riding on the back of the bike and we are really looking forward to the experience.”

To make a donation to the PCFA charity visit http://pcfafundraising.org.au/event/thelongride2017

8 October 5, 2017RCEAIR FNews

A ‘wheelie’ good causeNational coordinator for Defence

participants in the Long Ride, WGCDR Paul Connor, expects 150 Defence

personnel to enter this year’s event. Photo: WO2 Andrew Hetherington

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FeatureRCEAIR F October 5, 2017 11SGT Lucas Moro, a Loadmaster with 37SQN, on the ramp of a C-130J Hercules during formation practice on the New South Wales coast near Sydney.Photo: CPL Oliver Carter

LIFE IN THE RAAF

In our series profiling our people, Eamon Hamilton meets a Loadmaster who believes the role is packed with potential

FEW workplaces have a view quite like the one enjoyed by SGT Lucas Moro.

A Loadmaster with No. 37 Squadron, SGT Moro starts his working day shortly before sun-

rise at RAAF Base Richmond’s flightline.His “office” is the cargo compartment of a C-130J

Hercules – a 100m3 space that Defence has used to carry everything from a polar bear to humanitarian supplies for airdrop.

Today, the mission is airdrop practice to a drop zone in Sydney’s western suburbs, a task which begins with a manual reconfiguring of the Hercules’ cargo compart-ment.

“There’s a lot of work involved with being a Loadmaster; like showing up three hours before a task to rig the aircraft for an airdrop; or you might be working in 100 per cent humidity in Papua New Guinea, loading vehicles to fly up to the highlands,” SGT Moro said.

The load today – prepared by Army’s 176 Air Dispatch Squadron – is a combination of light equipment boxes and Container Delivery System that can deliver anything between 7kg and a tonne.

“It’s good training for us – we can deliver anything up to loads like an inflatable boat or a bulldozer,” SGT Moro said.

Generations of Hercules crews have practised this role for nearly 60 years, although SGT Moro is a rela-tive newcomer after making the switch to become a Loadmaster in 2015.

He initially joined the Air Force in 2007, and has already witnessed aviation history by working on the F-111 swing-wing strike jet prior to its retirement in 2010.

It was while working on the F/A-18F Super Hornet that SGT Moro felt the need to explore his next Air Force career.

“I’d had very limited exposure to Loadmasters – I’d seen them while travelling on C-17As and C-130s, but had little understanding about the work that they did,” SGT Moro said.

“I soon felt like I needed a career change, and a new challenge.

“I wanted to stay working on aircraft, so Loadmaster seemed like a good option.”

He spoke to Loadmasters at RAAF Base Amberley, and undertook a week-long familiarisation in the role at RAAF Base Richmond.

After being selected for training in 2015, he was required to undergo promotion courses as well as Combat Survival Training and lessons in Aviation Medicine.

He completed the six-month Loadmaster Initial Qualification course in late 2015, and was posted to 37SQN.

“We graduate with a Category D qualification, so

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we’re not qualified to carry passengers and cargo with-out another qualified Loadmaster,” SGT Moro said.

“New Loadmasters have a journal in which we record on-the-job training and on-the-job experience, and will work towards a Category D (without restric-tion) qualification.”

They then continue to develop their experience and progress through to Category C and further, as well as other qualifications such as Loadmaster Instructor or Checker.

Although his career is still young, SGT Moro said he’d enjoyed his experiences so far.

“I deployed to the Middle East in early 2017, and had an opportunity to fly to Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Sinai Desert,” SGT Moro said.

“Going to the Middle East rates as one of the high-lights of this job so far – even if you’re just moving cargo around, you’re supporting bases in theatre.

“We’re bringing people back for their leave or return to Australia, and if you’re carrying someone whose spent six months in Iraq, then they’re definitely looking forward to going home.”

The Hercules affords Loadmasters an excellent view, which makes them an essential look-out during missions to frontline airfields.

That “view” of their environment is growing, with the Hercules fleet being fitted with modern communi-cations and awareness systems.

The upgrades will give Loadmasters greater aware-ness of a modern battlespace, especially as they con-duct new roles such as ground refuelling helicopters, and airdropping GPS-guided cargo.

“I’m interested to see how far we go with the Hercules, and what technology we bring to the air-craft,” SGT Moro said.

“As the Hercules evolves, I think the Loadmasters are going to become much more ‘mission aware’.

“The introduction of some systems on this aircraft mean we’re focused on more than just what’s happen-ing outside of our window.”

With a view to a thrill

12 13RCEAIR FCentrepiece October 5, 2017

See video footage at: http://video.defence.gov.au/play/5362#

THE concept of international peacekeeping missions is a relatively recent concept which developed as part of the United

Nations in 1947. Today, peacekeeping missions are an accepted part of inter-national efforts to minimise the risk and consequences of armed conflict. From the first mission, Australia has been part of the international history of UN Peacekeeping operations. Air Force has been part of this story from the outset, having deployed SQNLDR Louis Spence to Jakarta as part of the UN’s very first peacekeeping mission in September 1947.

The first peacekeeping mission was the United Nations – Good Offices Commission (UNGOP) in Indonesia, established to monitor the ceasefire between Dutch colonial forces and the Indonesian independence movement. Australia’s involvement resulted from an Indonesian request for Australia to be one of three nations to sit on the “three nations good officers commission” formed to help establish and then over-see a ceasefire between the two warring parties.

While most of the high level dis-cussions took place within the United Nations, Australia sent four military

observers to monitor the progress of the ceasefire on the ground, and it was these four officers, BRIG L. Dyke, CMDR H. Chesterman, MAJ D. Campbell and SQNLDR L. Spence, who became the world’s first peacekeepers.

The second deployment of an Air Force member to a peacekeeping mis-sion was to have one of the most dra-matic consequences in the history of UN missions. In early June 1950 two Australian officers, MAJ Stuart Peach and SQNLDR Ron Rankin were sent to South Korea as part of the UN Commission on Korea (UNCOK). Their mission was to report on the posture and preparedness of the South Korean Army. By June 24, the two officers had lodged their report, but on the following day on June 25, North Korea invaded the south. MAJ Peach and SQNLDR Rankin’s report was used in the UN to prove that the conflict was started by the North, therefore precipitating the UN action which became what is now known as the Korean War.

In a case of sad irony, SQNLDR Spence, who had been part of the ground-breaking 1947 mission, was killed in action after leading No. 77 Squadron against North Korean ground forces.

A feature of peacekeeping operations is that they are inevitably conducted in developing areas or regions ruined by conflict. Consequently the mission can become one of humanitarian aid as much as it is about peacekeeping. In October 1962 seven Air Force technicians deployed to West New Guinea as part of No. 16 Army Light Aircraft Squadron. Their task was to keep the two observa-tion helicopters operational during the ceasefire monitoring mission. The arrival of the Australian contingent was timely. A cholera outbreak had already claimed about 260 lives and the helicopters were badly needed to help distribute medical staff and supplies.

In the years that have followed, Air Force has provided personnel and air-craft to peacekeeping missions in some of the world’s most troubled areas. Both Nos 5 and 9 Squadron have provided personnel and helicopters to missions to monitor ceasefires between Egypt and Israel during the 1970-80s. Similarly, Caribou aircraft and personnel of No. 38 Squadron deployed to the Kashmir region in 1975-79 to assist with monitor-ing the ceasefire lines between Indian and Pakistani forces in the contested bor-der areas.

By far the largest commitment to

peacekeeping operations by Air Force was to East Timor in late 1999. In the aftermath of an independence vote, pro-Indonesian militias began a vio-lent series of attacks which quickly got out of hand. As part of an Australian-led peace enforcement mission known as International Force East Timor (INTERFET) Air Force committed combat support units, airfield defence guards, medical and base sustainment elements and No. 35 Squadron Caribous. Once stability and order was restored, INTERFET transitioned into a peace-keeping mission, becoming the United Nation’s Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) in February 2000.

Since 1947 Australia has participat-ed in more than 50 peace enforcement and peacekeeping missions. Air Force has been part of this history from the very beginning, providing airlift into and out of theatre, personnel, flying units, observers and sustainment elements. Importantly, it is the presence of all peacekeepers who provide the best pos-sibility of stability and security to war-torn communities around the globe.

SGT Dave Morley

FRIENDSHIPS formed and cemented through unique shared experiences and challenges was the standout feature of one peacekeeper’s two deployments to Timor Leste.

Deputy Director Strategic Issues Management - Air Force WGCDR Lara Gunn said these friendships and bonds had stood the test of time.

“We have seen and supported each other while at our best, worst and most challenged,” she said.

WGCDR Gunn deployed to Timor Leste for eight months in 2000 on Operation Warden, which transitioned

into Operation Tanager (INTERFET to UNTAET) while she was there.

As a FLGOFF, WGCDR Gunn was pharmacist-in-charge of the UN Military Hospital Pharmacy in Dili and OIC of the Logistics FLT, which included supervision of laundry, catering, morgue, armoury, RAEME and supply functions.

She said the deployment came with some significant and trying cultural and language challenges.

“The deployment was to a triservice and tri-nation facility – Australian Army, Navy, Air Force and Singaporean and Egyptian health teams working togeth-er,” she said.

“But I learned that most challenges

could be overcome by being polite, patient and persistent.”

WGCDR Gunn deployed to Timor-Leste again in 2003 for three months on Operation Citadel, this time as a FLTLT.

As OIC Health Logistics Unit, sta-tioned at Moleana, she was responsible for the supply of medical stores to all health elements around Timor-Leste, and supplying the Role 2 hospital co-located with the RAR at Moleana.

WGCDR Gunn took time on September 14 to attend the Governor-General’s reception and link up with friends from her Timor Leste deploy-ments.

SGT Dave Morley

FORGING friendships with personnel from Australia and other nations was the most memorable aspect of a deployment to South Sudan on Operation Aslan, according to one Air Force officer.

SO2 Cadets at ADFA SQNLDR Dane Robinson deployed as the 2IC of the J1 Cell, with the rank of FLTLT, to Force Headquarters UNMISS for seven months from November 2012 to May 2013.

He said the J1 team consisted of staff officers from Mongolia, Norway, Romania, Rwanda, India, Nepal, South Korea, China, Kenya, Cambodia and Australia.

“We were responsible for the personal administration of the military members of the mission, about 7000 personnel, compris-ing soldiers and staff officers,” SQNLDR Robinson said.

“I still keep in touch with many of these people and have visited them while on holi-days overseas.”

SQNLDR Robinson said one thing he learnt from his deployment was patience.

“The UN is a massive machine with layers of bureaucracy,” he said.

SQNLDR Robinson attended the Governor-General GEN Sir Peter Cosgrove’s (retd) reception for peacekeepers following the unveiling of a new memorial in Canberra on September 14.

He said the design of the memorial was striking and would become the focal point for ceremonies and other peacekeeping remem-brance activities.

“It’s important to have this memorial to commemorate the significant Australian peacekeeping contribution, not just for mili-tary personnel, but for the police and civilians who have served on these missions as well,” SQNLDR Robinson said.

KEEPING THE PEACE

Following the unveiling of a new memorial in Canberra on September 14, we look at how Air Force personnel have played an integral role in UN peacekeeping operations for the past 70 years. RAAF historian Martin James reveals how we have been there from the very start

Unity helps form lasting bonds

Patience the best virtue

The world’s first peacekeepers in Jakarta, Indonesia, September 1947, right to left: BRIG L. G. H. Dyke, ARA; SQNLDR L. Spence, RAAF; and MAJ D. L. Campbell, ARA. Not in frame is the fourth member of the team, CMDR H. S. Chesterman, RAN.

SQNLDR Ron Rankin (second from right) on the 38th Parallel June 23, 1950 – two days after this picture was taken, North

Korean forces invaded the south.

Deputy Director Strategic Issues Management - Air Force WGCDR

Lara Gunn completed two deploy-ments to Timor Leste.

SQNLDR Dane Robinson in South Sudan on Operation Aslan.

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Feature RCEAIR F October 5, 201714

NO. 462 Squadron may be on the smallish side, but 75 years following its formation, it continues to play a big role as

a critical component of Air Force’s abil-ity to project air power.

Today, 462SQN is at the cutting edge of technology as it protects and defends Air Force’s cyberspace terrain through counter-intelligence, advanced cyber security and defensive cyberspace operations.

“It’s an honour to help continue the legacy forged by former members of 462SQN in WWII,” LAC Tobias O’Neill, a squadron Forensic Analyst, said.

“Being a part of 462SQN has been a life-changing experience.

“I have learned a lot in my time here and have developed many advanced cyber skills that I would not have gained anywhere else.

“The unit is very fast paced with training, procedures, technology and structure constantly being updated to adapt to new cyber threats and situa-tions.”

Formed in Egypt on September 8, 1942, 462SQN was originally equipped with Halifax bombers. Having been derived from the RAF’s No. 10 and 76 Squadrons, very few Australians were to serve in it.

462SQN operated against Rommel’s forces in North Africa throughout 1943 and 1944.

As late as August 1943, only a quar-ter of the squadron’s 600 personnel were RAAF members.

As WWII progressed modern tech-nology such as specialised radio equip-ment was used by the squadron to dis-rupt the highly organised German air defence system.

Today, the ADF’s reliance on infor-mation communication technology pro-duces a new domain of opportunities and vulnerabilities that an adversary can

exploit to perform intelligence gather-ing, reconnaissance, or even disrupt and destroy our mission.

Through information assurance, 462SQN provides a broad range of capa-bilities designed to ensure the integrity, availability and confidentiality of our progressively more critical communica-tion and information systems.

Part of the Air Warfare Centre, 462SQN makes a critical contribution to readying Air Force for fifth-generation operations, through integration of criti-cal communication and information sys-tems and execution of cyberspace opera-tions helps protect Air Force’s ability to complete its mission.

As it was in WWII, the most sophis-ticated technology puts the squadron at the forefront of readying and supporting the warfighter.

Back in WWII, it was modified Halifaxes that carried special radar jam-ming equipment designed to interfere with both the night fighter and ground-based radar. Using today’s terminolo-gy, we might refer to these measures as applying defensive cyber capabilities.

CO 462SQN WGCDR Michael Reidy said it was “wonderful that there remains clear parallels between the 462SQN of WWII and today’s 462SQN”.

“Both squadrons faced or face the challenge of developing cutting-edge technology operations to prosecute the Air Force mission,” he said.

“These parallels allow a firm rela-tionship to be built between the genera-tions and in the most humble way, hon-our the memory of our veterans.”

Celebrating their 75th year hasn’t diminished the squadron’s drive to remain at the forefront of the technology curve and remain an invaluable contribu-tor to air power.

Imagery Analyst LAC Simon Chewter and Electronic Engineer FLTLT James Mead work on information assurance at 462SQN at the Edinburgh Defence Precinct, South Australia.Photo: CPL Craig Barrett

Seventy-five years on and 462SQN remains a vital cog in our air power machine, SQNLDR Bruce Chalmers writes

‘Being a part of 462SQN has been a life-changing experience.

– LAC Tobias O’Neill Forensic Analyst

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FeatureRCEAIR F October 5, 2017 15

Top: Air Force pilots conduct low-level flying training on a C-17A Globemaster near Coffs Harbour. Above: 36SQN pilot FLTLT Dirk Taylor discusses a flight plan with FLGOFF Conor O’Neill during a pre-flight brief. Photos: LAC Jesse Kane

THE LAST piece of the No. 36 Squadron C-17A aircrew training picture has come home to Australia.

The Pilot Check-Out (PCO) course – a string of six flights which takes a C-17A co-pilot to the verge of becoming a captain – was con-ducted locally for the first time between July and September.

Training Flight Commander 36SQN SQNLDR Lukasz Wijacha said the course’s re-location to RAAF Base Amberley marked an important milestone for Air Force’s C-17A pilot training program.

“Since we took delivery of the aircraft in 2006, elements of C-17A pilot training have taken place in the United States,” SQNLDR Wijacha said.

Completion of the C-17A cock-pit simulator at Amberley in 2010 allowed 36SQN to train brand new C-17A pilots.

However, PCO training requires co-pilots to be tested in a range of disciplines that require selected facilities and other aircraft, includ-ing air-to-air refuellers and narrow runways.

“For example, the PCO course involves a lot of tactical flying,” SQNLDR Wijacha said.

“This happened at various bases in the United States such as McChord, Travis and Altus, which 36SQN was happy to leverage off while our training system matured.

“This required runways that were narrow, short and strong enough to cope with a 265-tonne aircraft practising tactical arrivals and departures.”

Conduct ing the course in the United States, however, also required 36SQN C-17As to tran-sit across the Pacific Ocean and be away for several weeks, taking fly-ing hours and money away from operational tasks.

“The unit is always striving for efficiencies that will add capability and improve our training process,” SQNLDR Wijacha said.

“In conjunction with his exec-utive team, CO 36SQN WGCDR Peter Thompson identified improve-ments that enabled us to use Moree and Bundaberg regional airports for the narrower runways used when conducting assault landing training.

“Additionally, recent KC-30A operational refuelling clearances have allowed air-to-air refuelling with the KC-30A to be a capability that’s assessed in the course.”

While the localised PCO course builds on USAF courseware, it also builds on Australia’s 10 years of operating the C-17A.

“Training C-17A captains solely in Australia is the culmination of years of continuously enhancing our training programs,” SQNLDR Wijacha said.

“Running the PCO in Australia without omitting any component of the course gives us much more flex-ibility in the training program.”

Among the first to graduate from the local PCO course was FLGOFF Conor O’Neill, who said he was proud to be among the first “home-grown” C-17A captains.

“I really enjoy the hands-on tac-tical flying required by the C-17A,” FLGOFF O’Neill said.

“It’s hard on my family when I have to spend a long time away from home so they’ll appreci-ate that I can do all my training in Australia.”

Coming of age

Globemaster pilot training is finally coming home to roost in Australia for 36SQN

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Feature RCEAIR F October 5, 201716

A C E R E M O N Y m a r k i n g the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Naval Communicat ion Stat ion

Harold E. Holt in Western Australia was a nod to the past and a view to the future.

ADF members and US Defense personnel as well as dignitaries, locals and base employees, gathered at the remote North-West Cape base to take part in the event on September 16

The communication station was established near the town of Exmouth in 1967 to provide very low frequency communications to the US submarine fleet operating over vast distances in the Indian and Pacific Oceans.

The 50-year anniversary was an opportunity to reflect on the long his-tory of cooperation between the US and Australia, and the significant con-tribution made by the station in sup-port of naval operations.

In an address, CAPT Stephen Dryden, the Director General Navy Information Warfare, said: “While I reflect on today, one thing stands true, and that is that while we can build

bricks and mortar, that we can build radio farms, that we can build subma-rines and aircraft, what we are also building is relationships.”

“What Harold E. Holt has done over its 50-year tenure has not only established, but considerably strength-ened those relationships.”

It was also an opportunity to reflect on the additional role the station now plays in space surveillance: a C-Band space surveillance radar reached final operating capability in late 2016, which will be complemented by a highly sophisticated optical space sur-veillance telescope in the near future.

Both of these sensors represent sig-nificant Australian investment in gain-ing greater situational awareness of space. They will enhance Defence’s awareness of threats, both deliberate and unintentional, to the space-based systems upon which Defence and, more broadly, Australian society relies.

CAF AIRMSHL Leo Davies said reliable access to space was critical to the operational effectiveness of the ADF.

“This reliance will only continue to

increase as space capabilities are key enablers for the ADF’s future aspira-tions,” AIRMSHL Davies said.

The C-band radar is jointly oper-ated by Australia and the US, and is a dedicated sensor in the US Space Surveillance Network which spans the globe. From its position on the North-West Cape, the radar is well placed to provide southern hemisphere coverage of objects in low-earth orbit.

No. 1 Remote Sensor Unit at RAAF Base Edinburgh has been suc-cessfully operating the C-Band radar under the command of the Australian Space Operations Centre and in response to tasking from the US Joint Space Operations Centre.

The Space Surveillance Telescope is designed to detect and track faint objects in space (about 36,000km alti-tude) and will be an important sensor in the US Space Surveillance Network.

Currently located in New Mexico, the telescope will be relocated to the Harold E. Holt station, with construc-tion of the facilities to house the tel-escope under way.

SQNLDR Jaimee Maika explains the growing importance of the Harold E. Holt station, which has just marked its 50th anniversary

Our keen eye in north-west

USN CAPT James Jenks, Chief of Staff at Navy Region Hawaii, and Director General Navy Information Warfare CAPT Stephen Dryden, RAN, at the Harold E. Holt station’s anniversary. Photo: Natasha Tate

A ribbon cutting at Harold E. Holt station in March this year celebrated the C-band space surveillance radar system reaching Final Operational Capability.

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FeatureRCEAIR F October 5, 2017 17

A paw-some tribute

DID you know tha t our Air Force had more than 2 5 0 M i l i t a r y Wo r k i n g Dogs (MWD) deployed to

Butterworth, Malaysia, for over two decades?

Established in 1971, the RAAF Police Dog Section at Butterworth pro-vided protection of Australian assets, property and personnel until 1996; and in Tengah, Singapore, from 1972-1982.

During a recent command visit to No. 19 Squadron at Air Force’s Airbase Operations Squadron at RMAF Butterworth, Commander CSG AIRCDRE Ken Robinson unveiled a plaque commemorating the service and sacrifice of these dogs.

AIRCDRE Robinson officially unveiled the plaque at the “Boatie” on September 7, accompanied by current members of the SECFOR Detachment Butterworth, FLTLT Johnathon Higgins and SGT David Grant, and CSG FEG WOFF Lisa Sheridan. CO 19SQN WGCDR Paul Webb was also present to witness this significant occasion.

AIRCDRE Robinson said the reputation of Air Force MWDs was acknowledged globally.

“Many dogs bred at Amberley are exported internationally and sought after by Army’s SASR, AFP and

USAF, due in large part to achieve-ments in Butterworth, East Timor and Afghanistan,” AIRCDRE Robinson said.

The RAAF Police dogs were ini-tially escorted to Butterworth in 1971 on a military flight by then RAAF Security Guards. The main breed of police dogs used by the RAAF during this period was the German shepherd. Dogs and handlers were carefully matched, as they are today, to ensure they could work well together and be a highly capable team.

Once matched, handlers and their dogs worked together to maintain a high standard of fitness to provide an aggression and detection capabil-ity, and were responsible for provid-ing security of Defence assets, crime prevention patrols, intruder detection, emergency response and personnel protection.

Unfortunately, none of the 250 dogs sent to Butterworth and Tengah could be returned to Australia due to stringent import conditions imposed by Australian quarantine regula-tions. The risks of the dogs returning with infection and diseases that were not prevalent in Australia but could potentially wipe out the entire fleet of MWDs was too high, and would have been detrimental to future MWD capa-bility and breeding programs.

Plaque honours four-legged heroes at Butterworth. WOFF Lisa Sheridan reports

FLTLT Johnathon Higgins, AIRCDRE Ken Robinson, WOFF Lisa Sheridan and SGT David Grant at the unveiling of the MWD commemorative plaque at Butterworth, Malaysia. Right: Words for the plaque were penned by CPL Mark Donaldson VC, a former dog handler. Photo: CPL Luke Garner

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18 October 5, 2017RCEAIR FPersonnel

FLTLT Jessica Aldred

MAKING time to donate plasma is important to Darwin-based Joint Battlespace Airspace Controller (JBAC) PLTOFF Antony Wainwright.

For this year’s Blood Challenge, PLTOFF Wainwright was committed to achieving his personal goal of 50 donations.

In 2017, the ADF is focused on a total of 7000 donations for the Blood Challenge, which runs from September 1 to December 8.

For PLTOFF Wainwright, the reason to begin donating plasma was very personal but he continues to donate to help others.

“One of the primary uses for plasma is for people with leukaemia, and my mother passed away from leu-kaemia when I was nine,” PLTOFF Wainwright said.

“I continue to donate plasma as it’s a small sacrifice to make in order to save the lives of others.

“This year, my goal has been to reach my 50th dona-tion, which I achieved last week. It’s a simple way to help others and you get a free biscuit.”

PLTOFF Wainwright has recently qualified as a JBAC and continued to donate throughout his training at the School of Air Traffic Control (SATC).

Now that he has posted to his position with No. 452 Squadron in Darwin, he plans to keep up his routine.

“At SATC, flexible hours on Friday provided me with an opportunity to donate while on course. As I commence my career as a JBAC, I hope to create a donation routine around shifts as regularly as possible.”

Visit www.donateblood.com.au/red25 to see when and where to donate for this year’s Blood Challenge.

Blood Challenge advocate PLTOFF Antony Wainwright

at the Red Cross Blood Service Donor Centre in

Darwin, before to making a plasma donation.

Photo: SGT Andrew Eddie

Hitting the 50 mark

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139 342

Aurora Daniels

DEFENCE is holding its first Force Design conference to gather ideas from around Australia and the globe on designing the future force.

Decision-makers, practitioners, innovators, military partners, and researchers from Defence, industry, academia, and government agencies will join forces in Canberra from October 10-11 to discuss how we design and deliver a joint ADF that is capable, potent and agile.

Head Force Design AVM Mel Hupfeld said the division, established last year under the changes from the First Principals Review, was trans-forming the way Defence undertook force design, making the force struc-ture review a business-as-usual pro-cess.

“Force Design is one of the big changes resulting from the FPR. It will provide Defence with an enduring capacity to review itself, to make sure we have the right mix of capability to do what we need to do today and in the future,” AVM Hupfeld said.

“We need to answer questions such as: What does the ADF need today, tomorrow and well into the future? How can we maximise innovation and technology to give us an edge? How do we continue to deliver an ADF fit for purpose for today’s operations while also designing an ADF that can not only fight, but win, in future opera-tions?”

Force Design Division is seeking to create a collaborative environment

Brainstorming the future

with industry, academia, and other stakeholders to promote creative think-ing and to explore force options oppor-tunities.

“It is about focusing on how to col-laborate in order to assess, design and prioritise capability and force structure options, rather than specific solutions,” he said.

AVM Hupfeld said prioritisation

was critical so the ADF could live within the budget, but still achieve the best fit in terms of capability and resources available.

“It’s about frank and fearless advice, the understanding of options, benefits, trade-offs and implications,” AVM Hupfeld said.

DCAF AVM Gavin Turnbull said Air Force’s future success depended

on being a valued and effective part of a much more joint ADF, and of ‘One Defence’ more broadly.

“Air Force cannot realise its full potential without the assistance of the other Services and Groups, just as Navy and Army cannot be fully effective without Air Force’s support,” DCAF said.

“Effective Force Design is critical

to ensuring that current and future Air Force, Army and Navy capabilities are balanced and interoperable to provide the best ADF capability within the resources allocated by the Australian government.”

AVM Hupfeld said the Force Design Division was inviting leaders in the fields of innovation, research and Defence to descend on Canberra in October to provide their ideas on areas such as collaboration, experi-mentation, wargaming, innovation, and options development to help defence deliver a joint force by design.

“I’d like to enlist your collective wisdom to help the ongoing profes-sionalisation of our workforce and evolve the world-class tools, tech-niques and methodologies we need on our journey so that every soldier, sailor and airman and airwoman have access to the best capability systems solutions at the right time in the right location,” AVM Hupfeld said.

The ADF has to be able to provide a clear, coherent, relatable and con-sistent capability narrative to both the public and Government

“This narrative must begin inter-nally, and be contested by the likes of yourselves, before we begin our engagement with other external stake-holders, including central agencies, industry and academia,” he said.

More information on the conference is avail-able at: www.unsw.adfa.edu.au/conferences/

F-35A Joint Strike Fighters A35-001 (closest) and A35-002 during the first trans-Pacific flight from Luke Air Force Base, US to RAAF Base Amberley. Photo: SGT Shane Gidall

19October 5, 2017RCEAIR F Personnel

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20 October 5, 2017RCEAIR FPersonnel

A NEW Learning Management System (LMS) will become the centrepiece of Air Force’s Aviation Academy.

The academy opens in January 2019 and will see the Air Training Wing transition to a modern era of aviation training.

The transition is part of Plan Jericho Project 16 and the LMS will help provide the most modern learn-ing environment available.

OC Air Training Wing GPCAPT Mark McCallum said the LMS would modernise training.

“The LMS capability will allow seamless integration of operational scheduling with our learning envi-ronment,” GPCAPT McCallum said.

The key objectives of the acad-emy and LMS will be to enable modern approaches to learning man-agement including the delivery of digital courseware, around-the-clock access for instructors and students, and the introduction of contempo-rary training philosophies.

Director of the Aviation Academy Transition Office WGCDR Dion Wright said a mod-ern approach to learning manage-ment had additional benefits.

“The LMS will provide the acad-emy with the ability to standardise and deliver training packages across multiple schools,” WGCDR Wright said.

Aviation Academy Steering

Group Chair, Commander AFTG, AIRCDRE Geoffrey Harland said LMS would enable the Aviation Academy to manage a complex, multi-faceted learning environment.

“The LMS capability will pro-vide the Academy with a single system where all operations are scheduled, training is delivered and tracked, and data is stored,” he said.

“This allows for system monitor-ing, evaluation, reporting, and total system accountability in line with quality management standards.”

More information is available at: http://collab.defence.gov.au/Raaf/Comd/HQAC/AFTG/ATW/AA/SitePages/Home.aspx

FORMER CAF and Sir Richard Wi l l i ams Founda t ion Cha i rman AIRMSHL (retd) Geoff Brown, is encouraging people to contribute to the Australian air power debate through a blog called the Central Blue.

Run under the auspices of the Williams Foundation, The Central Blue has published almost 70 posts since it was launched in September 2016.

AIRMSHL Brown said the posts had covered a diverse range of topics, from the implications of fifth-generation air power to social and organisational chal-lenges facing the Air Force today, as well as book reviews and cross-posts from other blogs.

“The Williams Foundation is about enhancing understanding of air power and the issues facing Australian air power in particular,” AIRMSHL Brown said.

“The posts published in the Central Blue’s first year, and the comments on those posts, are contributions to the Australian air power debate that might not have been heard without the Central Blue.

“We’ve had contributions from nearly 30 people in that time.

“The most exciting thing for me is over half of our contributors have been serving Air Force personnel from a range of occupations and ranging from ser-geant to group captain in rank.

“Most pleasing for me was the inter-view with CAF, published on August 20, where he encouraged serving members to get involved.”

AIRMSHL Brown said the contri-butions by serving Air Force personnel highlighted the value of the Central Blue as an outlet for unofficial discussion on air power topics.

“The Central Blue complements Air Force’s official publications from the Air Power Development Centre and allows air power professionals to explore issues in a manner that may well inform Air Force’s official position later on.

“The blog is a great way for Williams Foundation to complement our seminars and lunches by reaching a broader audi-ence with shorter, punchier articles.”

AIRMSHL Brown said the blog was managed by a small group of editors –

Strongopinions welcome

Streamlined learning

all serving Air Force personnel – under the mentorship of distinguished aca-demic, Dr Alan Stephens.

He said the editors, along with a broader group of writing mentors, helped contributors develop their think-ing and posts, as well as ensuring posts remain within Defence guidelines on public comments.

“We know that public commentary is a concern for Defence and current Defence personnel can be reluctant to make public comments for a variety of reasons, including concerns about step-ping outside their lane and hesitance to put their ideas out there in case they’re wrong,” AIRMSHL Brown said.

“We understand those concerns but think it is critically important that cur-rent personnel have a means of contrib-uting to the public debate.”

“I’ve discussed this with CAF and he agrees that fostering the Central Blue contributions from serving personnel is vitally important to building the kind of empowered, adaptive workforce that Air Force will need as a fifth-generation force.”

“Air Force needs its airmen to read, think, and write. What the Central Blue provides is an accessible outlet for that critical, but often overlooked, third step.”

Find more information at http://centralblue.williamsfoundation.org.au/, on Facebook and via Twitter @thecentralblue. Queries can be directed to centralblue@williamsfoundation.org.au.

‘... It is critically important that

current personnel have a means of contibuting to the

public debate.– AIRMSHL Geoff Brown,

former CAF and Sir Richard Williams Foundation Chairman

SQNLDR Mark Williams displays an aircraft instrument panel on the projection screen to OFFCDT Charlotte Walsh, PLTOFF Alex Hayman, and OFFCDT Jacob Cikorski. Photo: CPL Veronica O’Hara

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Feel cranky when you wake up? Maybe it is what you sleep on, CPL Mark Doran writes

Mattress matters

WE spend at least a third of our lives in bed, so one thing we should spend money on is the best

quality mattress we can afford.If you are waking up tired, stiff

and sore, it may be time to replace the old saggy or lumpy mattress causing you back or neck pain.

A mattress is the most important part of your bed and a good quality mattress might be the key to having the best possible night’s sleep.

Choosing the best mattress is about finding the right balance of comfort and support.

A good mattress should offer firm support, have a cushioning layer and allow you to roll over easily.

The Senior Medical Adviser of the Directorate of Military Medicine, Dr Victoria Ross, said getting enough sleep was important for maintaining good health and wellbeing.

“A comfortable mattress will cer-tainly help,” Dr Ross said.

“As will ensuring the bedroom is dark, quiet and at a comfortable tem-perature.”

When shopping, it is best to go to a reputable retailer who has a large range of mattresses.

Lie on as many in your price range as you can and rule out any uncom-fortable ones.

When you decide which is the most comfortable, lie on it for at least 20 minutes and remember you are going to be sleeping on it every night for the next 10 years or so.

When lying on your back in bed your spine should maintain its natural curve. You should be able to slide a hand under your lower back, but not easily as too big a gap means the mat-tress is too hard.

When on your side, your spine should remain straight. If the mattress is too firm you’ll soon feel pressure on your hips and shoulders. If it’s too soft, you will sink into the mattress,

causing your back to ache.If you share your bed, make

sure you and your partner lie on the mattress together in your usual sleeping positions.

Ensure you are well supported and there are no gaps between you and the mattress.

A mattress will last significantly longer when looked after properly. A latex or double sided inner spring mattress should be alternately flipped and rotated once a month.

By flipping the mattress one month and rotating the next, you are ensuring you sleep on all parts of the mattress so it wears evenly.

If your mattress is single sided it should be rotated once a month.

Dr Ross said mattresses and bed-ding could also harbour dust mites.

“People with asthma or a dust mite allergy should routinely wash their bedding in hot water and vacuum their mattress regularly,” she said.

Ideally a mattress should be replaced every 10-12 years, or ear-lier if it has been damaged or badly worn.”

Common types of mattresses include an inner spring where the spring component is designed for sup-port and a pillow top component is designed for comfort.

Quality latex mattresses offer a good alternative to the inner spring, especially for those with allergies.

Speciality mattresses constructed with varying support on each side can be elevated at the foot and head end and multi-zone inner spring mattress-es offer different amounts of support for different parts of the body.

Foam mattresses and futons should be avoided and are only recommend-ed for occasional use.

A good quality mattress may be the key to having the best possible night’s sleep. Photo: CPL Mark Doran

21October 5, 2017RCEAIR F Health & Fitness

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IN just four short years, CPL Karen Lane has come a long way from her first game to become an ADF lawn bowls champion.

CPL Lane took out the “female play-er of the series” at the ADF Lawn Bowls (ADFLB) National Championships held at the Windsor Bowling and Sports Club, NSW, from September 17-22.

CPL Lane said she started out play-ing at the Nightcliff Sports Club in Darwin, “as my ankles and knees wouldn’t let me play netball or touch footy anymore”.

“I was looking for something that my husband and I could do together. After a few bare-foot games, I was hooked, so I joined up and started to get some coaching.”

Currently posted at RAAF Base Pearce, CPL Lane has attended the ADFLB nationals four times.

CPL Lane said the first time she had played in the competition she had only been playing for a few months, “when a friend who had played for the Air Force team told me I should give the inter-service nationals a try”.

“I laughed at him and said that I couldn’t, as I wasn’t good enough, but he convinced me to give it a go. Thanks for that Jimmy Dwyer,” CPL Lane said.

“This year I have been playing and practising more and I have been getting great coaching from the members and coaches at Valley and Wanneroo Clubs.

“I have also attended a lot of carni-

vals and joined the WA RSL Bowlers where the competition is fierce,” she said.

“I think that playing against all those different people has helped me lift my game.”

Other Air Force personnel who did well at this year’s event were SGT David Hipkins and FSGT Brent Marshall, who both tied for the “most valuable player” (RAAF), and SGT Emma Campbell who won the best-per-formed new bowler (under two years).

FSGT Marshall, who competed in his first championships, said his week was a bag of mixed results, “but all games were played in good spirits and many new friends were made”.

“To share the trophy with Dave was very special, as he is a guy that the whole squad has plenty of respect for on, and off, the greens.”

FSGT Marshall was selected in the ADFLB squad of 24 for the upcoming season.

Nine Air Force personnel have made the ADFLB team, they are: CPL Karen Lane; SQNLDR Ian Lane; FLTLT Christian Pace; CPL Zach Gabrielsen; SQNLDR Ben Hall; WOFF Shaun Keitel; WGCDR Bruce Murray; SGT Dave Hipkins; and FSGT Brent Marshall.

The ADF team will play together at future events later this year and early next year.

Air Force members wishing to try ADF lawn bowls can contact SGT David Hipkins: david.hipkins@defence.gov.au

Driven to succeed in bowls

Sights set on sevens

CPL Karen Lane competes in the ADF Lawn Bowls National Championships in Windsor.Photo: CPL David Gibbs

TWO teams from the Australian Defence Force Rugby Union (ADFRU) will embark on a united rugby sevens campaign in October and November with a drive to make a mark on the sevens stage.

A men’s and women’s team will compete in the Noosa International Sevens, at Dolphin Park, from October 13-15.

OFFCDT Izzy Atkinson-Smith and OFFCDT Skye McKissock are looking forward to playing with seasoned ADFRU veterans.

OFFCDT Atkinson-Smith said when she joined the ADF, she did not think about playing rugby.

“Serving my country, gain-ing a degree with state-of-the art training, and being able to play a sport I love is a great opportunity,” OFFCDT Atkinson-Smith said.

“It is so exciting to have a chance to play with the girls at Noosa,” she said.

Currently, Air Force members vying for the men’s team selection are: LAC Isaac Kneip 2SQN; LAC Craig Stewart 23SQN; CPL Zac Studders 31SQN; LAC Emerson Burgess 3CRU; LAC Brady Cochrane 13SQN; and LAC Liam Krautz 2EHS

Noosa Sevens have advised that some games and ADFRU matches will be live streamed.

Follow Noosa Sevens, ARU and ADF Rugby on Facebook.

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23October 5, 2017RCEAIR F Sp rt

CPL Mark Doran

EFFORTS by Australia’s athletes at this year’s Invictus Games have been rewarded with medals, and at the time of printing, the team’s tally was already 35.

The 43 members of the Australian team took part in the games held in Toronto, Canada, from September 23-30.

By the end of the penultimate day of the competition, Air Force member LACW Melissa Roberts had won three medals: Bronze in the discus, silver in the 1500m run, and silver in the indoor rowing (four-minute row).

LAC Wade Roberts competed in athletics and cycling and said he achieved personal bests in every event.

“I can’t be happier, I had so much fun competing,” he said.

“Being able to watch members of the Australian team grow over the past nine months was fantastic.

“They’ve grown stronger and fitter and the best thing is the quieter mem-bers came out of their shells and were more involved in our group activities.

“The team can now be excellent

mentors for the 2018 Invictus Games team in Sydney and also for their com-munities.”

The first official day of competi-tion began with a star-studded opening ceremony where HRH Prince Harry and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau joined an enthusiastic, packed house at Toronto’s Air Canada Centre.

The ceremony featured a parade of nations, performances and moving stories by veterans.

In welcoming attendees, Mr Trudeau thanked all the athletes for their service, before reflecting on the impact the games would have on spec-tators: “Thinking about what each of us can do in our lives to make the kind of difference you make in the world every day.”

As more than 550 competitors from 17 nations entered the stadium, Prince Harry told the roaring crowd Toronto was hosting the largest Invictus Games yet.

“Some of you have cheated death and come back stronger than before,” Prince Harry said.

“You are all winners. You are prov-ing to the world anything is possible.”

Taking it all in their stride

CPL Bill Solomou

GROWING up and living near the sea, and of course a love of surfing, has seen LAC Daniel Mooney take out the men’s short board honours at the Air Force Surfing Championships (AFSC).

The AFSC, in its 15th year, saw 27 Air Force members compete in challenging one-metre swells at Lighthouse Beach, NSW, from September 4-8.

LAC Mooney said he started surf-ing at the age of seven and now as a 28 year old, he still loves it.

“My son ‘Morna’ is named after the beach I grew up surfing on, Morna is the locals name for Birubi Beach at Anna Bay, NSW,” LAC Mooney said.

“Both my older brothers surf so following in their footsteps was always going to happen and we still always make time to get out together for a session.”

Riding his favourite 5’9 ASI short board with a thruster set up, (three fins), he said Lighthouse Beach pro-vided a good variety of waves, but selection was the key.

“The lefts were running from the outer bank holding up into the inside shore and that was the money section to secure decent points,” he said.

The round robin heat event allowed all competitors the chance to surf at least three heats, before progressing through to the final rounds.

President of the RAAF Surf Riders Association, WGCDR Mark Evans, said the association accommodated for all skill levels and he encouraged new members to join up.

“This was a really exciting event. It generated high morale and esprit de corps among Air Force person-nel – male and female – from around Australia,” WGCDR Evans said.

The championships are the precur-sor to selecting an Air Force team to compete in the inter-service surfing competition set for March 18.

Division winners:Men’s Open Shortboard: 1st LAC

Dan Mooney (3CRU); 2nd WOFF

Ricky Pfeiffer (S&CSPO); 3rd LAC Josh Poate (26SQN).

Men’s Open Longboard: 1st CPL David Bennett (2SQN); 2nd SGT Jamie Levin (26SQN); 3rd LAC Chris Wilson (26SQN).

Men’s Masters: 1st WGCDR Mark Evans (HQSRG); 2nd FSGT Euan Grant (DFSI); 3rd SGT Jamie Levin (26SQN).

Women’s Open: 1st CPL Skye Cooper (26SQN)

Body Board: 1st LAC Rob Kohler (10SQN); 2nd CPL Chad MacKenzie (AMCC)

Members keen to join can contact SGT Jamie Levin at Jamie.levin@defence.gov.au

A really swell result

LAC Wade Roberts crosses the finish line in the 200m sprint at the York University athletics track, as part of the 2017 Invictus Games in Toronto, Canada.Photo: LS Jayson Tufrey

LACW Daniel Mooney competes in the Air Force Surfing Championships 2017 at Lighthouse Beach, NSW.Photo: CPL Nicci Freeman

Don’t miss our next issue for more coverage of the

Invictus Games

LACW Melissa Roberts, Sarah Watson and LCPL Gary Wilson proudly display their medals at York University athletics track. Photo: LS Jayson Tufrey

© Image courtesy of Department of Defence

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

rsldefencecare.org.au

SP RTOctober 5, 2017

TRUE SPIRIT

Our part in the Invictus

GamesPage 23

Air Force firefighter LACW Melissa Roberts competes in the indoor rowing competition at the Invictus Games in Toronto, Canada. She won a bronze medal in the four-minute event. Photo: LS Jayson Tufrey