Committed to tackling PTSD – P5CO ‘Tross embraces her role – P3

SERVING AUSTRALIA WITH PRIDE

NEWSNAVYVolume 60, No. 2, February 23, 2017

PLAN PELORUS ON TARGET

CN praises uptake of strategic vision – Page 2

An RAAF P-8A Poseidon supports sea trials for NUSHIP Hobart in Gulf St Vincent off the coast of Adelaide last month. Photo: CPL Craig Barrett

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2 NEWS www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS February 23, 2017

CMDR Fenn Kemp

TWO years after its launch, CN VADM Tim Barrett said the effects of Plan Pelorus were beginning to be felt across the Fleet, turning the Navy into a more agile, capable and resilient fighting force.

Navy’s strategic plan for 2018 and beyond has seen significant progress made in the key areas of warfighting, capability and workforce, as well as people and reputation.

VADM Barrett said the evidence showed Pelorus was moving Navy forward.

“When I launched Pelorus I made it clear that my priorities were to meet government expecta-tions, introduce new capabilities and to continue Navy’s path of cultural reform,” he said.

“I am encouraged by the way our people have worked to achieve these goals.”

Much has changed since Pelorus began, but VADM Barrett said Navy had continued to deliver.

“Everyone in Navy can be proud of our fleet and what we do,” he said.

“But there is a key message: We are a serious Navy – we do serious stuff.”

Pelorus has also seen significant work occur to grow Navy’s workforce. Increased training has seen fewer Navy people in training and more available to do the job.

“This has led to increased platform availabil-ity, improved seaworthiness and greater opera-tional flexibility,” VADM Barrett said.

“We are getting better at what we do.”LHDs HMA Ships Adelaide and Canberra

have participated in major exercises and opera-tions with the MH60 Romeos conducting opera-tional service in the Middle East region.

Closer to home, NUSHIP Hobart has com-menced sea trials.

“A major factor in our good results is the way our people embrace Navy Signature Behaviours,” VADM Barrett said.

“I have been particularly impressed by our ability to challenge and innovate, and drive deci-sion making down to improve our efficiency. There’s a lot more to do but there is clear evi-dence that people are thinking differently.”

An increasing number of areas are innovating

to meet Pelorus goals. These include the FFG Enterprise which is working with Navy, CASG and private industry to deliver seaworthy FFGs. Innovative work has also been done by members at the circuit card assembly test and repair facil-ity at Fleet Support Unit, cutting repair times and leading to cost savings.

“Another example of innovation is the acquisi-tion, modification and introduction into service of the Australian Defence Vessel Ocean Protector,” VADM Barrett said.

“In just a few months we have bought, modi-fied and trained new crews to operate this new vessel. The project demonstrated agility, prag-matism and innovation. It delivered a seaworthy capability, enabling the vessel to be operational only a week after its initial availability.”

VADM Barrett said the achievements made so far under Plan Pelorus were a credit to all Navy people at every rank. However, 2017 will bring further challenges.

“It is up to each of us to know our role, play our part, stay involved,” he said.

“We all have to think differently – our future Navy depends on it.”

NAVY will show off its maritime aviation assets at the 2017 Australian International Airshow from February 27-March 5.

The week-long industry exhibition, at Avalon Airport near Geelong, will be followed by a pub-lic air show including eight world-class aerobatic acts on the weekend of March 3-5.

Two AS 350BA Squirrels and an MRH90 Taipan will be on display, while an MH60R Seahawk will be shown alongside the S70B Seahawk to show the differences between the two anti-submarine helicopters.

A highlight of the air show will be the appear-ance of Australia’s first two F35A Lightning II. AU-001 and AU-002 will arrive on March 3, returning to the United States via RAAF Base Amberley, allowing the Australian pilots to con-tinue their training.

The Joint Strike Fighters will be joined at the airshow by Australia’s first EA18G Growler and almost 50 RAAF aircraft including the new C27J

Air power on display at Avalon

Spartan, three C130J Hercules and the C17A Globemaster, which will take part in the Air Power in Action flying displays and be available for inspection.

Ground and static aircraft displays of general

aviation, historic and airsport groups will give people an insight into the latest technology from avionics, communications, navigation and com-ponents suppliers.

On the ground, military re-enactment groups will turn back the pages of history with trib-utes to Australia’s military heritage, enhanced by authentic period uniforms, vehicles, artillery and weaponry.

There will also be major displays of the ADF’s ground base equipment and capabilities.

Modern weapons such as the M777 155mm Howitzer will be displayed by the Australian Army, along with combat vehicles including the M1 Abrams tank and the M113 armoured person-nel carrier.

For the first time, Avalon will feature the lat-est in unmanned aerial vehicles.

For members of the public interested in attending the air show visit: https:/www.airshow.com.au/

An MRH90 Taipan conducts personnel transfers with HMAS Farncomb.

On track to meet strategic goals

An RAAF P-8A Poseidon flies directly above NUSHIP Hobart during sea trials for the Air Warfare Destroyer in Gulf St Vincent off the coast of Adelaide last month. Photo: CPL Craig Barrett

Committed to tackling PTSD – P5CO ‘Tross embraces her role – P3

SERVING AUSTRALIA WITH PRIDE

NEWSNAVYVolume 60, No. 2, February 23, 2017

PLAN PELORUS ON TARGET

CN praises uptake of strategic vision – Page 2

An RAAF P-8A Poseidon supports sea trials for NUSHIP Hobart in Gulf St Vincent off the coast of Adelaide last month. Photo: CPL Craig Barrett

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Dallas McMaugh

HMAS Albatross has become a shining example of diversity, with the appointment of its first female CO – CAPT Fiona Sneath.

CAPT Sneath, who is the 38th CO of Albatross since its commissioning in 1948, described herself as “hon-oured and excited” by the posting.

“It’s always great to see that women can be recognised to perform in challenging and senior positions, but it’s also important to recognise that my selection demonstrates rec-ognition of the importance of not just gender diversity in leadership roles, but the utility of diversity of back-

ground and experience,” she said.In another first for Albatross,

CAPT Sneath leads a mainly female command team which includes XO CMDR Sue Cunningham, First Lieutenant LCDR Belinda Finlay, Ship’s Warrant Officer WO Sharon Campbell, Naval Police Coxswain, CPO Charmaine Edwards and Legal Officer LCDR Dominika Czaja.

“There are many aspects to the role that I’m really looking forward to, in particular, leading a strong, effective and resilient team contribut-ing to Navy capability outputs, and representing Navy and Albatross in the local community,” CMDR Sneath said.

“I am very cognisant of the great responsibility in taking on command of such an important Navy establish-ment, which is home to some incred-ible Navy aviation capability.

“I know there will be a learning curve. Coming to terms with the complexity of life on a large operational base with many resident units and having to understand and navigate the multidimensional relationships will all be challenging but not insurmountable.

“I have been struck by the accept-ance and willingness of everyone in welcoming me to Albatross and dem-onstrating and explaining their areas of operation.”

CAPT Sneath’s previous postings have included deployments on Operations Catalyst and Slipper in the Middle East where she was award-ed a Commander Joint Operations Gold Commendation for her perfor-mance as a legal officer.

She was also Staff Legal Officer to CDF from 2011 to 2014, and most recently, Director of the Military Law Centre.

“I have had some great opportuni-ties and a wide variety of postings as a legal officer,” she said.

“My most enjoyable and satisfying postings have always been those where I have been a valued member of a command team, where I have

assisted in managing complex personnel-related issues, and where I have been able to develop and implement processes to assist members and commanders.”

While it is rare for a legal officer to be given a command, CAPT Sneath said her legal and strategic back-ground brought a lot of positives to her new role.

“My previous experience has given me a strong insight into the issues that have been important to our senior leaders in the organisation, so I con-sider that I am well placed to be able to understand and interpret strategic guidance and to implement it in a practical manner,” she said.

Legal eagle leads Albatross

CO Albatross CAPT Fiona Sneath at the base where, in the background, a helicopter is washed down at the “bird bath” after returning from an exercise, and (inset), with the female members in her command team, from left, First Lieutenant LCDR Belinda Finlay, XO CMDR Sue Cunningham, Naval Police Coxswain CPO Charmaine Edwards, Legal Officer LCDR Dominika Czaja, Command Staff Officer CPO Linda Eddington and Ship’s Warrant Officer WO Sharon Campbell. Photos: LSIS Justin Brown and Rob Crawford

ADF to march with prideKatharine Martin

MORE than 150 Defence person-nel, APS employees, volunteers, family and friends will march in the Sydney Mardi Gras Parade on March 4.

OIC of the parade WGCDR Vince Chong, who in addition to his role in the ADF is also the president of the Defence LGBTI Information Service, will participate in the parade for the sixth year and said he was proud to be marching again.

“Defence has become an increasingly diverse and inclusive organisation, seeking to active-ly support all of its members,” WGCDR Chong said.

“The Mardi Gras Parade pro-vides an opportunity for Defence personnel to march with pride for their Service and showcase their

support for LGBTI members con-tributing to the team effort neces-sary to deliver Australia’s combat capability.”

Defence personnel have offi-cially marched in the parade since

1996 and first marched in uniform in 2013.

For more information on the Sydney Mardi Gras Parade visit www.mardigras.org.au.

Navy’s contingent marches over the Oxford Street rainbow during last year’s Mardi Gras Parade in Sydney. Photo: ABIS Nicolas Gonzalez

‘‘ – CO Albatross CAPT Fiona Sneath

There are many aspects to the role that I’m really looking forward to.

THE AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE FORCE ARTS FOR RECOVERY, RESILIENCE, TEAMWORK AND SKILLS PROGRAM

ADF ARRTS Program It’s on again! Currently serving ADF personnel with health and wellbeing issues can now apply to attend a unique creative arts program utilising

music, drama, creative writing and visual arts.

No previous experience or training is required as tutoring and mentoring will be provided.

The Program will be held from 14 May to 11 June 2016. Applications close 1 April 2016.

More information about the ARRTS Program, including application forms, can be obtained by emailing ADF.ARRTS@defence.gov.au or calling 0419 549 383 or Nina Craven on (02) 6265 5923. D

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16LEUT Kara Wansbury

THE Royal Australian, New Zealand and Canadian Navies took part in anti-submarine warfare exercises off the New Zealand east coast late last year.

Exercise Nga Tahi sought to strengthen relations and refine operating procedures between the nations.

HMAS Dechaineux exercised for three days with HMNZ Ships Te Kaha and Te Mana, HMCS Vancouver and a P-3K2 Orion from the Royal New Zealand Air Force. Scenarios escalated from basic tracking exercises to whole-of-force protection of a high value unit.

Dechaineux Sonar Officer LEUT Nathan Whitelaw said the exercise allowed Australian sailors to hone their skills during high-end warfare scenarios.

“The maritime environment off the coast of New Zealand provided an opportunity for our acoustic warfare analysts to draw upon their skills and knowledge,” he said.

“As we had not recently operated with the New Zealand and Canadian un i t s , Exerc i se Nga Tahi was beneficial.”

FLTLT Nick Rowe, an Air Warfare Specialist of 5SQN, said the exer-cise also benefited the New Zealand Defence Force, which does not have a submarine.

“We don’t often get a chance to work with submarines so to have Dechaineux was invaluable,” he said.

“Our operators got to see first-hand how hard it is to track submarines and to practise common operating proce-dures. We also had a chance to conduct reciprocal visits to other nations’ assets, which is great to build relationships and share what we learned.”

Exercise Nga Tahi was held in November last year in the lead up to the International Fleet Review which marked the Royal New Zealand Navy’s 75th anniversary.

The South Island earthquake inter-rupted the exercise and review but FLTLT Rowe said his squadron rose to the challenge.

“November was a challenging month for the New Zealand Defence Force,” FLTLT Rowe said.

“During the exercise, a 7.8 magni-tude earthquake struck on the east coast of the South Island. This very quickly split the focus for 5SQN.

“For a relatively small organisation the challenge was about keeping the exercise going and contributing what we could to the relief efforts.

“Having as many naval and air assets in New Zealand as we did at that time who were willing to help in any way was very fortuitous and greatly appreciated.”

LCDR Jason O’Gorman

HMAS Darwin rolled out the welcome mat for about 120 family and friends recently helping them understand the life at sea of their loved ones.

CO Darwin CMDR Phillip Henry welcomed everyone on board before the warship sailed around Sydney Harbour and took a short trip outside the Heads.

Guests were given a tour of Darwin’s various departments and given the opportunity to practise some damage control procedures, such as fire-fighting and flood control.

The ship’s company demonstrat-ed ship handling skills and put on a 50-calibre weapons firing display.

The families were also treated to a flypast by a Seahawk S-70B-2 helicopter from 816SQN, based at HMAS Albatross.

ABCSO(U) Ben Hinton said the day was an opportunity for his family to see what his life was like in the Navy.

“I invited my wife, father and a good friend to join me for the day,” AB Hinton said.

“They gained a new apprecia-tion for conditions on board a Navy warship, life in general at sea, my role on board, and how important

Crews hone war skills

HMCS Vancouver seen through the periscope of HMAS Dechaineux during Exercise Nga Tahi.

their continued support is to a sailor like me.”

It was a similar experience for LEUT David Hayes.

“This was the first opportunity to show my girlfriend and members of her family around Darwin,” the Weapons Electrical Engineer Officer said.

“Opportunities like this remove potential communication barriers between me and the people I care about. They now have a deeper understanding of what Navy does and how we live.”

CMDR Henry said family days

were an opportunity to give some-thing back to those who had made sacrifices so their loved ones could serve in the Navy.

“Family and friends support us all through the year, so days like today are a chance to give some-thing back,” CMDR Henry said.

“They get to find out the things we do when the ship is away from home, and the crew get a kick out of showing off their workplace to their families.”

This is Darwin’s final year of service in the Navy. She will be decommissioned at the end of 2017.

Families receive unique insight into life at sea

ABCSO(U) Ben Hinton and family on board HMAS Darwin during the recent family day on Sydney Harbour.

ABET Darcy Barlow with his parents on board Darwin.

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

Program a boon to health, wellbeingCPL Mark Doran

APPLICANTS are sought for the next ADF Arts for Recovery, Resilience, Teamwork and Skills (ARRTS) Program, to be held in Canberra from May 15 to June 9.

ARRTS is a fully funded arts-based recovery program designed to assist ADF personnel who are wounded, injured or ill.

Last year the two four-week res-idential programs demonstrated sig-nificant rehabilitation benefits, with participants reporting improved self-esteem, renewed purpose and enhanced communication skills.

With four streams – creative

writing, music/rhythm, acting/per-formance and visual arts – the pro-gram is designed to respond to the abilities of participants, allowing them to work as individuals and part of a team. No experience or training in the arts is required.

Head of ARRTS BRIG Wayne Goodman said doing something completely outside of the box was beneficial to all members.

“During the program there are no ranks and no uniforms, and eve-ryone calls each other by their first name,” he said.

“It’s a supportive and relaxed way to learn fresh skills.

“The exposure to new experi-ences, while sharing stories, fears

and concerns with like-minded peers, assists people to reconnect with their families, the workforce and the broader community.

“All commanders who believe a member of their team will ben-efit from this program are invited to nominate them as soon as possible.”

The residential ARRTS program is open to 30 eligible ADF person-nel twice a year.

The second program for 2017 will be run in November.

To apply or request more information on ARRTS email: ADF.ARRTS@defence.gov.au or call: 02 6265 592. Applications close on April 7.

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CPL Mark Doran

PTSD is a complex and challenging disorder to treat, but effective treat-ments are available, and a key to success is asking for help early.

Commander Join t Heal th and Surgeon General of the ADF AVM Tracy Smart said the ADF provided comprehensive mental health services for personnel, but not everyone responded well to tradi-tional therapies.

“When mental health problems are left longer they are harder to treat,” she said.

“If you need help, whether serv-ing or ex-serving, tell someone and get the help you need as early as possible.

“Someone may be diagnosed with PTSD, but with treatment it may not become a chronic debilitat-ing illness.

“The value of the RESTORE [Rapid Exposure Supporting Trauma Recovery] trial is it will help us to understand if prolonged exposure therapy can be delivered effectively over a shorter time.

“To understand this we need to see if there is a different effect for those who receive the therapy once a week over 12 weeks and those who receive it every day for 10 days.

AVM Smart said the RESTORE

Any veteran, ADF member or their family members can pick up the phone and call VVCS 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 1800 011 046 or visit the VVCS website (www.vvcs.gov.au) to access free and confidential Australia-wide counselling and support for mental health conditions.

Further information on the RESTORE trial can be found on the Phoenix Australia website at www.phoenixaustralia.org/expertise/research/current-treatment-trials/restore

Applicants can register interest with the Trial Intake Officer on 1800 856 824 or restore@unimelb.edu.au

HELP IS AT HAND

Recovery program trials more intensive therapy

From left, CPL Chris May, of the School of Armour, MAJGEN Mark Kelly (retd), of the Repatriation Commission, Commander Joint Health AVM Tracy Smart, Chair of Phoenix Australia – Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health Michael Strong, and Defence Personnel Minister Dan Tehan at the launch of the Rapid Exposure Supporting Trauma Recovery (RESTORE) trial in Melbourne.Photo: CPL Mark Doran

Committed to tackling PTSD

‘‘– Defence Personnel and Veterans’ Affairs Minister

Dan Tehan

This trial offers the potential to achieve the same positive results through a two-week program of intensive treatment.

CPL Mark Doran

ALMOST 200 people will be recruited to participate in a new intensive treatment program for ADF personnel and veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) over the next two years.

The Rapid Exposure Supporting Trauma Recovery (RESTORE) trial is a world-leading research program assessing whether an intensive two-week treatment program of prolonged exposure therapy will provide better or comparable mental health outcomes to the usual three-month schedule.

Defence Personnel and Veterans’ Affairs Minister Dan Tehan launched the trial in Melbourne on February 3.

Mr Tehan said the outcomes would shape how the Departments of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) and Defence approached the delivery of mental health care for Australia’s military veterans.

“While the current PTSD treat-ment is effective, it involves weekly therapy over three months,” he said.

“This trial offers the potential to achieve the same positive results through a two-week program of intensive treatment.

“In addition, the evidence from the trial may help improve treatment for people in the broader Australian community who have PTSD.”

A four-year partnership project grant through the National Health and Medical Research Council was awarded to DVA, Defence and Phoenix Australia – Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health at the University of Melbourne to con-duct the RESTORE trial. Phoenix Australia is leading the project, which is being conducted at the Veterans’ and Veterans’ Families Counselling Service offices in Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney, the ADF Centre for Mental Health

5NEWSFebruary 23, 2017 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

in Sydney, and at Phoenix Australia in Melbourne.

Mr Tehan encouraged anyone with PTSD as a result of their military service to think about participating.

“This research will complement initiatives to provide fast access to mental health treatment for veterans and ADF personnel,” he said.

“Today – right now – mental health treatment for PTSD, depres-sion, anxiety, alcohol and substance misuse is free for anyone who served one day in the ADF.

“This treatment is demand driven and fully funded, so if someone needs treatment, it is available.

“The government is ensuring those who have served our country can readily access appropriate sup-port services and treatment for the mental health challenges they may face.”

All ADF members can seek comprehensive mental health treatment and support through their medical officer or local Garrison Health Service.

‘‘– Commander Joint Health

and Surgeon General of the ADF

AVM Tracy Smart

When mental health problems are left longer they are harder to treat.

program would hopefully remove some of the barriers stopping people seeking treatment for PTSD.

“Mental health still has an under-lying stigma attached to it – it’s often treated as a sign of weakness,” she said.

“There is also a myth that as soon as you have a mental health problem – tick a box on your Return to Australia Psychological Screening form, or put your hand up – your career is over.

“There are a lot of people who have been diagnosed with and treat-ed for PTSD who are now back in their normal roles.”

Trials in the US have shown pro-longed exposure therapy reduces the symptoms of PTSD, depres-sion, anger, and anxiety in trauma survivors.

Director General Mental Health, Psychology and Rehabilitation at Joint Health Command, David Morton, said the trial was an oppor-tunity to look at how prolonged exposure therapy could be provided in the military setting.

“While working with a mental health professional trained in this therapy, they are given the confi-dence and opportunity to explore and talk about their traumatic expe-rience in a safe environment,” he said.

“The idea is to reduce the level of fear they have when they remem-ber experiences and incorporate this into how they can get on with their life.”

In addition to reducing symp-toms, prolonged exposure therapy instils confidence and a sense of mastery, improves aspects of daily functioning, increases ability to cope with courage rather than fear-fulness when facing stress, and improves ability to differentiate between safe and unsafe situations.

Mr Morton said the RESTORE program covered current and former ADF members.

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6 NEWS www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS February 23, 2017

Flight trials off Lord Howe

LEUT Rob White

HMAS Melbourne has continued to gather strength in 2017, conducting FFG MH60R first-of-class flight trials.

While off the east coast of Australia, the embarked MH60R, Cobra 09, was required to land ashore to conduct mission-essential calibration of equipment following maintenance.

With the nearest airfield being Lord Howe Island, the decision was made to disembark the helicopter

there. Arriving during the morning of February 3 to a spectacular sun-rise over the island, Cobra 09 was launched and flight personnel landed via the ship’s RHIBs.

LEUT Ryan Brack, of the US Navy, who works with the Aircraft Maintenance and Flight Trials Unit (AMAFTU) to assist in bringing the Romeo capability online within the Fleet, said it was a great experience.

“It was amazing being able to land ashore on such a pristine island and an honour to be part of the crew for the first time a Romeo visited Lord

Howe Island,” LEUT Brack said. Lord Howe Maritime Operations

Officer Clive Wilson lent a hand throughout Melbourne’s visit, assisting with the transportation of maintainers from the lagoon to Lord Howe Island Airfield.

Mr Wilson said he was also happy to welcome back the ship’s CO, CMDR Charles Bourne, who he first met in 2006 when he visited the island as CO HMAS Brunei.

“Melbourne is the first FFG to visit Lord Howe Island,” Mr Wilson said.

HMAS Melbourne off Lord Howe Island and, inset, some of the crew of the ship’s embarked MH60R Cobra 09 on the island.Photos: LEUT Owen Higgins

7 AUSTRALIA DAY HONOURSFebruary 23, 2017 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

Leading positive changeIn the second part of our awards coverage we look at three more personnel doing Navy proud.

SGT Dave Morley

“A LITTLE overwhelmed and not some-thing I’d expect for what I perceived as just doing my job,” was how one Australia Day award recipient described how he felt when he heard the news.

SWO HMAS Cerberus WOCSM Brendan Woodsel l was awarded a Conspicuous Service Medal for “meritori-ous devotion to duty in the field of Navy values reform and training for recruits at Cerberus”.

He said he was gratified his work was appreciated and that someone had made the effort to put his name forward.

“My wife is proud of the award and sees it as a great achievement for not only me, but for the family as well,” he said.

“While I appreciate receiving this hon-

our, without the support of the whole of the Cerberus command and my family team, it would not have been possible.”

WO Woodsell said he introduced a num-ber of reforms at Cerberus to give the sail-ors, soldiers, and airmen and women some-thing to do with their time other than either sit in their accommodation or the bar.

“Most activities I have input into have been well received,” he said.

“Free movie nights, as well as enhancing the transition from recruit school into the wider Navy family, have been successful.

“Also enhancing the transition we have given the new sailors presentations from the local police on alcohol-fuelled violence and road traffic management, which have proved fruitful, and to date we have had no inci-dents with alcohol-fuelled violence.”

Another project WO Woodsell took a great interest in was Prevention of Alcohol

Related Trauma in Youth (PARTY).

“This pro-ject, like the free movie nights, was also inherited, but one that had full support of command,” he said.

“It’s a pro-gram I am pas-sionate about and would love to see introduced Defence-wide. I saw the need for these and was happy to give up my own time to run them.

“The transition from recruit to trainee is essential in giving them both the ground rules of Cerberus, as well as weaning them

from having their time being managed to self-management and accountability.”

Off-duty, WO Woodsell is involved in the Cerberus Football Club, as its treas-urer, actively involved at a national level as secretary of the RAN Australian Football Association, as well as holding the office of secretary for Navy Golf Victoria.

He is also involved in Defence-related charities such as Legacy, Dogs-for-Diggers and the Bravery Trust.

“Charities that have benefited from my involvement include Legacy, with an annual tin shake, and the assistance dog program, where Cerberus raised $31,000 in 2016, and this remains our charity of choice for 2017,” he said.

WO Woodsell, who followed his brother into the Navy in 1978, deployed to Timor-Leste in 1999 and 2000, and the Middle East in 2004 and 2008.

LEUT Andrew Ragless

CMDR Gemma Pumphrey has been recog-nised in this year’s Australia Day Honours for her devotion to duty in the field of Defence communications and information infrastruc-ture and services.

CMDR Pumphrey led the Directorate of Communication Services followed by the Directorate of Military Information Communications Technology, where she was responsible for the migration of critical communication infra-structure and service reporting and tracking.

Receiving a Conspicuous Service Medal, CMDR Pumphrey said the award was a privilege and praised the dedication of her team.

“I enjoy working in large teams undertak-ing complex technical projects,” she said.

“I had a fantastic team working for me, which comprised ADF and APS personnel and contractors, who were all focused on achieving the task at hand.

“They often worked above and beyond what was expected to solve complex technical

issues to ensure ICT services were provided to our ships on the frontline.

“I am proud of their efforts and I would not have been able to achieve what I did with-out their support.”

Using industry best practice, CMDR Pumphrey has provided direct ben-efit to Defence through efficiency and effectiveness improvements of systems.

“While a good understanding of the complexity of technical issues is required, the key is strong leadership at all levels,” she said.

“We all contributed to developing and sustaining a high-performance team in order to achieve the best level of service to meet our requirements.

“Those requirements include ICT infrastructure and support to locations across the globe, including deployed personnel in the Middle East, sailors at sea, and the regular office user in Navy Strategic Command.”

CMDR Pumphrey is currently the CN’s Women’s Strategic Adviser, where she con-tinually develops and implements strategies and initiatives that engage women in the workforce and ensure they are adequately rep-resented at all levels in Navy.

SGT Dave Morley

A LCDR who received a Conspicuous Service Medal in the Australia Day Honours list said the medal would serve as a tangible reminder of all the people who had made it possible.

LCDR Kathryn Ford, a senior training special-ist, received the award “for, meritorious achieve-ment in the development and implementation of the ADF Training Systems School”.

The school project reviewed the systems and processes used to analyse Defence performance needs and design training.

“More than 50 members have now received ADF, instead of single-service proficiencies, with courses conducted in NSW and Victoria,” she said.

The team of volunteers, and nom-inated representatives came from all three services and worked tirelessly,

often with only limited resources. “Every team member found working

with the other services greatly reward-ing,” she said.

“This was because members were honest about their concerns, willing to listen to the needs and concerns of other services, and work together towards the optimal outcome for the broader ADF.”

While the project focused on ADF future needs, LCDR Ford said the team at the Training Systems School provided out-standing support to the pro-

ject members, as well as maintaining their efforts on single-service require-ments such as the new RAN Learning Facilitation Course.

LCDR Ford and several other pro-ject members posted out this year.

The School now has designated gov-ernance and training development staff, continuing to expand the suite of avail-able courses, and building one ADF Training Systems community.

Recipient lauds effort of ‘fantastic team’

Educating Navy’s future

Governor of NSW GEN David Hurley (retd) receives the Salute to Australia at Bradfield Park in Sydney on Australia Day. Photo: LSIS Helen Frank

8 NEWS www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS February 23, 2017

James McPherson and Matt Collins

NAVY’S Laser Airborne Depth Sounder Flight has deployed to Tasmania to survey coastal waters from King Island to Launceston.

The unit’s CO, LCDR Mark Matthews, said the survey would pro-vide improved data that will be used to update the existing nautical charts used by civilian and military vessels.

“The RAN is responsible for charting approximately one-eighth of the world’s surface,” LCDR Matthews said.

“The Navy is currently recharting parts of Bass Strait, with survey ship HMAS Leeuwin undertaking sur-vey operations at sea and the Depth Sounder Flight mapping the coastline off northern Tasmania.

“The charts that are updated from the data captured by the flight will ensure safer navigation and greater environmental protection by reducing the risk of a marine accident.”

The flight will be airborne 35 hours each week until March 31, fly-ing out of Launceston.

LCDR Matthews said the unit was LEUT Will Singer and LSIS Lee-Anne Cooper

TIME apart from families because of postings, deployments or training is a routine part of Navy life, and Navy members are increasingly finding that an emphasis on wellbeing helps supplement endurance and increase energy.

ABCTS Lisa-Jane Manning said she credits her two French bulldogs for helping to build her mental and physi-cal resilience.

AB Manning and her “Frenchies”, Ari and Cade, were recently selected by award-winning photographer Janet Craig to be showcased in the ‘One of the Family’ Pet Project campaign.

The trio were selected as one of 100 Australian families to be photographed for a national exhibition to help raise money for LifeLine’s 24-hour suicide helpline.

“The inspiring campaign will incor-porate pets to create awareness for mental health, which is a great cause and an opportunity to represent Navy,” AB Manning said.

The football and netball-loving sailor manages her personal resilience by keeping fit, taking a keen interest in her nutrition and spending time with her dogs.

AB Manning said the transient nature of Navy life could be tough, and

taking time out to walk her dogs on the local beach was a coping mecha-nism for being away from family and friends.

“Both my grandparents were in the services during WWII, and inspired me to alter my career direction from administration to join the Navy warfare community as a Cryptologic Systems sailor,” she said.

Her five-year Navy career has involved many interstate postings and sea-time on HMA Ships Ballarat and Toowoomba.

“I juggled my work/life balance with part-time studies, completing a Business Degree in Organisational Leadership, and the management of the Navy Football Federation of Australia teams, as well as being away on deployment,” she said.

“My job involves communication and safeguarding intelligence information.”

She encouraged the use of technol-ogy and social media to keep abreast of family life, which for her is Sydney-based, while her current workplace is in Western Australia.

“I was excited to be selected for the exhibition, along with the Frenchies – all for a great cause,” she said.

For information on how to increase your wellbeing, visit: www.defence.gov.au/health/healthportal/

Airborne survey of Bass Strait

unique to any Navy in the world.“The system was developed in

Australia and uses a scanning laser mounted in the aircraft to collect hydrographic survey data and depth information,” he said.

“The system is particularly suited to coastal and dangerous reef areas where it would be less safe for our survey ships to operate.”

A prime example of this was the recent deployment to New Zealand to survey parts of its coastline after the recent earthquakes, which had substantially altered areas of the seabed.

“The team has spent much of its life in the Great Barrier Reef and the Coral Sea, but is now expanding its operations, which means we can

bring the safety and efficiency of an airborne system to larger and more complex areas of the ocean,” he said.

The modified Dash 8 aircraft is based in Cairns and can survey more than 40 square kilometres an hour, and reach depths of up to 80 metres in good conditions.

“This is an area equivalent to the reach of six survey ships,” LCDR Matthews said.

The data collected during the sur-vey in Tasmania will be reflected on the chart amendments issued in April and in the fully revised charts later in the year.

More information on the unit is available at: www.navy.gov.au/fleet/aircraft/laser-airborne-depth-sounder

‘Frenchies’ make postings less ruff

ABCTS Lisa-Jane Manning with her two French bulldogs, Ari and Cade, at the Naval Memorial Park, Rockingham, Western Australia.

Photo: LSIS Lee-Anne Cooper

Surveys by the Laser Airborne Depth Sounder Flight will be used to update existing nautical charts.

DEFENCE will mark International Women’s Day (IWD), on March 8, with activities around the coun-try that support both the UN Women Australia’s “Empower a woman, empower a nation” and the global “Be bold for change” themes.

The flagship Defence event will be in Brisbane’s Gallipoli Barracks’ Monash Centre Lecture Theatre at Enoggera from 10.30am to 11.30am.

The event will feature an address from the President of the Queensland Court of Appeal, Justice Margaret McMurdo, followed by a photo and

print media exhibition and high tea.High tea will also be on the agenda

at a supporting event in the R2 court-yard at Russell Offices in Canberra from 10am to 11am.

ACT Australian of the Year nomi-nee Katrina Fanning will be the guest speaker.

For information on Defence’s IWD events, go to the Defence Corporate Events and Campaigns page on the DRN (http://drnet.defence.gov.au/AssociateSecretary/MECC/DefenceCorporateEventsandCampaigns/Pages/International%20Women_s%20Day.aspx).

Defence commemorates International Women’s Day

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ENSURING a future for women in the workplace in Afghanistan comes with its challenges.

It’s something Senior Gender Adviser at Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan, CAPT Stacey Porter, knows all too well.

A s G e n d e r A d v i s e r t o Commander Resolute Support Mission US four-star general GEN John Nicholson, CAPT Porter is focused on increasing participation of women in the Afghan National Army (ANA) and Afghan National Police (ANP), and ensuring they do so in a safe and culturally accepting workplace.

“We need to ensure there are adequate policies, infrastructure, logistics and equipment in place so women are accepted and valued and can enjoy career progression and promotion,” CAPT Porter said.

“ I n a c o u n t r y s u c h a s Afghanis tan where societal , c u l t u r a l , i n s t i t u t i o n a l a n d organisational barriers exist , this makes for a challenging but immensely fulfilling job.”

There were 109 ANA women

undertaking basic training last year in Antalya, Turkey, which marked the first time an ANA training course had been conducted outside Afghanistan.

A s w e l l a s c e m e n t i n g international relations, it resulted in a large increase in recruits for the ANA, which has traditionally been slower in the uptake of women than their police counterparts.

A s ign i fican t amount of work has been conducted in establishing training programs to professionalise the women in the Afghan National Defence Security Force (ANDSF), with literacy and computer training skills offered to serving women.

Women were also trained in non-traditional female roles, such as countering IEDs and radio maintenance.

“The challenge is moving from increasing recruiting figures to advising the Afghans on the development of a human resource strategy for women in the ANDSF,” CAPT Porter said.

“Crucial to this has been

the push to have females assigned to positions on the manning document so that adequate specialised training and career management can be achieved.”

CAPT Porter said women were still not fully accepted in Afghan working environments, but training on human

rights, women’s rights awareness, and anti-harassment training for both genders significantly increased in 2016.

“It is vital women are recognised for the value they add to the ANA and ANP,” CAPT Porter said.

“The vision is that the Afghan secu-

rity institutions and forces integrate UNSCR 1325 and a gender perspec-tive, respect gender equality and ena-ble women to serve actively and mean-ingfully in the Afghan security forces to support peace-building efforts in Afghanistan.”

Towards an equal futureAdviser determined to recruit women into Afghan armed forces

Senior Gender Adviser CAPT Stacey Porter, second from right, on a visit to the Afghan National Army Officer Academy (ANAOA) with Chief Mentor ANAOA BRIG Ian Rigden and Ministry of Defence Gender Adviser Donna Fanning. Photo: MAJ Sarah Hutchinson

9NEWSFebruary 23, 2017 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

10 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS February 23, 2017 CENTRE 11 Operation Manitou

INTEROPERABILITY AT SEALEUT Pat Velu and LEUT Deanna Garbutt

THE crew of HMAS Arunta has been kept busy since deploying to the Middle East region (MER), conducting patrols and training.

After conducting a logistics visit to Dubai, Arunta conducted a Passex with United Arab Emirates Navy patrol boat Ghantut while transiting the southern Arabian Gulf.

The Passex was an opportunity for the two countries to prove their interoperability.

Arunta’s Officer of the Watch SBLT Lisa Blakiston enjoyed the opportunity to work

with the UAE. “It was a great way to con-clude our visit to Dubai,” SBLT Blakiston said.

“It was good to work closely with Ghantut at sea. We don’t get a chance to work with the UAE Navy usually. ”

Arunta also recently completed her first underway replenishment in the Gulf of Aden, in company with US Naval Ship Walter S. Diehl and Pakistani Naval Ship (PNS) Shamsheer.

Arunta’s Navigating Officer LEUT Stuart McPherson enjoyed the opportunity to con-duct the RAS.

With Arunta on Walter S. Diehl’s port side and PNS Shamsheer on her starboard side, both frigates simultaneously refuelled

from the US Navy ship's bunkers.“Opportunities like this are a great way

to gain valuable experience and learn how other navies operate,” LEUT McPherson said.

“Experiences like this remind me why I love being on the bridge; helping mentor junior officers.”

On completion of the RAS, Arunta and Shamsheer conducted a set of officer-of-the watch manoeuvres to provide ship han-dling experience for the Maritime Warfare Officers in both ships.

During her first patrol for Operation Manitou, Arunta has been busy conducting multiple boardings as part of efforts to com-bat illegal narcotics and weapon smuggling

in the region that fund terrorist activities. Arunta also assisted in a search-and-rescue operation off the coast of Socotra, Yemen.

Arunta's port visit to Bahrain provided an opportunity for her boarding parties to con-duct training with the US Coast Guard and agents from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service at the US Coast Guard Patrol Forces South-West Asia Training Facility.

The US teams gave in-depth briefings and hands-on training using specialised search equipment.

LSMT Christopher McDougal said the training at the purpose-built facilities provid-ed a realistic experience.

“The training was extremely helpful, especially being able to conduct deeper level

searches on an actual fishing dhow,” LS McDougal said.

CPO Chris Ramirez, of the US Coast Guard, said the enthusiasm from both boarding parties created an effective training environment. “We love having the Australian Navy here. The sailors were so engaging, asking questions and getting involved,” CPO Ramirez said.

LEUT Jahan Barr, one of Arunta's board-ing party officers, said they were already putting the training to use on patrols.

“The training and experience gained from operating with the Coast Guard gives us increased confidence to successfully carry out our duties professionally and, more importantly, safely,” LEUT Barr said.

HMAS Arunta's boarding party conducts a flag verification on a vessel in the MER. ABCSO David Small, left, and ABET Bradley Springer prepare to make a door entry during a training exercise held at the US Coast Guard Patrol Forces South-West Asia Training Facility in Bahrain.

LEUT Jahan Barr observes from the port bridge wing as HMAS Arunta and Pakistani Naval Ship Shamsheer conduct officer-of-the-watch manoeuvres in the MER.

HMAS Arunta's S70-B Skeletor fires decoy flares during an exercise while on patrol in the MER.

HMAS Arunta, right, and Pakistani Naval Ship Shamsheer conduct a simultaneous RAS with US Naval Ship Walter S Diehl while on deployment in the MER. Photos: ABIS Steven Thomson

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SBLT Samuel Penfold

DECADES after the original Wyatt Earp’s Antarctic expeditions came to an end, its mod-

ern namesake continues to follow in its wake.

The Australasian Hydrographic Society’s Antarctic Survey Vessel Wyatt Earp is conducting surveying opera-tions based out of Casey, one of Australia’s Antarctic stations.

The survey work, part of Operation Southern Discovery, aids safe navigation in the region.

The original Wyatt Earp went to a watery grave during a Queensland storm on January 24, 1959, after 40 years of service.

Originally built in Norway in 1918 to be a fishing boat, Wyatt Earp was named after the legend-ary marshal of Dodge City and Tombstone.

International fame came when she was used as a base ship by American explorer Lincoln Ellsworth in four successful explorations of the Antarctic between 1933 and 1938.

Purchased by the Australian Government in 1939, it was decided the name was not fitting

Wyatt Earp reincarnated

Antarctic Survey Vessel Wyatt Earp passes an iceberg in Antarctica. Inset: the second unofficial

badge of the original Wyatt Earp depicting the ship’s namesake flanked by two penguins.

Photo: LCDR Michael Kumpis

Why the name of a US marshal continues to be associated with Antarctic exploration.

for a Navy vessel, so the name Boomerang was chosen.

When it came to light the name was already taken, the cap-tain-in-charge suggested the name ‘Wongala’, an aboriginal word meaning boomerang. During WWII, Wongala served as a store and ammunition carrier and then as the examination vessel at Port Adelaide and Whyalla. After post-war use by the sea cadets in SA, she was returned to the Navy and refitted for Antarctic missions in Adelaide in 1947.

On recommissioning she was renamed Wyatt Earp with plans for continued use in the Antarctic.

After only one challenging voyage south, however, when the ship’s movements were often

violent and uncomfortable, it was decided to never use her again for Antarctic voyages.

Wyatt Earp was such an improbable name for a Navy ship that people often doubted her existence. She was ultimately given the nickname “Twerp”.

There were two known unof-ficial badges for the Wyatt Earp, the first of which was recorded in photos taken before its final Antarctic voyage in 1947.

The badge design was an image of the ship steaming through Antarctic waters with three penguins on an ice sheet in front of the ship. This design was never officially approved but did appear on the ship’s lifebuoys.

The second unofficial badge originated from the officers of the ship in 1947. It depicts an image of Marshal Wyatt Earp on skis flanked by two penguins.

She was paid off in June 1948 and was later sold to a coastal shipping firm.

In her final voyage, Wyatt Earp was battered by a storm and destined for the seabed. Her crew of six Australians and 12 Papua New Guineans all survived, reaching the shore using her hatch covers as rafts.

13HISTORYFebruary 23, 2017 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

OUTSIDE Darwin’s har-b o u r, a n e n o r m o u s Japanese submarine still lies with the remains of

her 80-man crew. Sunk 75 years ago, on January

20 1942, I-124 is part of the secret history of the assaults on northern Australia.

A month before the famous attack on Darwin, four giant vessels of the Sixth Submarine Squadron’s Imperial Japanese Navy were deployed to northern Australian waters in January 1942.

Darwin was a harbour of con-siderable strategic importance. The Japanese knew the deployment of any allied warships or aircraft from the northern port would be a dan-gerous attack on their right flank as they drove east to secure New Guinea, and the town’s airfields could be used to strike against what they had won in South-East Asia.

Built by Kawasaki Heavy Industries, the four Japanese sub-marines were armed with 12 tor-pedoes in four 21-inch bow tubes and a foredeck 5.5-inch gun. They carried 42 mines, launched through torpedo doors in the stern. Under the leadership of CMDR Endo, they made their way south, and deployed quietly around Bathurst and Melville Islands.

On the morning of January 20, one of the submarines attacked the US Navy fleet oiler USS Trinity with three torpedoes. The tanker was escorted by two destroyers. As the torpedoes were seen, the USS Alden turned and launched depth charges. The response was unsuc-cessful, and the destroyer lost the contact and broke off the attack. But the alarm was given in Darwin.

Remnant of a secret warIntrigue still surrounds I-124, three quarters of a century after the Japanese submarine and its 80 crew members were fated for the seabed, Tom Lewis writes.

Later the Australian corvette HMAS Deloraine was searching near the scene with sonar. The Bathurst-class vessel, command-ed by LCDR Desmond Menlove, was a newly launched ship, and her first action was nearly her last. Deloraine was ambushed by I-124.

Frank Marsh, a stoker on the vessel, remembered seeing “the trail of the torpedo which missed our stern so closely that the wake thrown up by the propellers actu-ally caused the torpedo to come out of the raised sea surface”.

The torpedo streaked towards the corvette. Deloraine turned right inside the course of the torpedo, which missed the ship’s stern by metres. Deloraine then charged straight down the weapon’s track.

An attack commenced with patterns of depth charges explod-ing astern of the warship as she wheeled and swooped, guided by the use of her sonar. Then a Deloraine bridge lookout reported the submarine was breaking the surface, and abruptly the conning tower was seen ahead.

Deloraine powered towards the enemy vessel, and another depth charge explosion caught the sub-marine as it dived. Soon sonar confirmed it was motionless on the seabed. The boat’s captain, LCDR Koichi Kishigami, his division commander Endo, and 78 others were dead or trapped on board.

Later the boom defence vessel HMAS Kookaburra was deployed to the site, and Australian divers attempted to find I-124. They were unsuccessful, and engaged the help of divers from the American sub-marine repair ship USS Holland.

The divers found the subma-rine, several nautical miles south of Bathurst Island, with hatch gaskets blown out, suggesting the stern sec-tions were flooded. Some reports claim divers from the American ship Blackhawk descended and heard the Japanese crew, still inside, tapping on the hull.

The Allies were interested in recovery: taking the submarine’s codebooks would be a great intel-ligence coup. Secretly the Navy began arrangements for recovery, moving personnel and equipment to Darwin. But three weeks later

Australian corvette HMAS Deloraine undergoes a repaint and, below, Japanese submarine I-124 with her aerials up and crew members gathered on the conning tower.

To mark the 75th anniversary of the sinking of I-124, the NT’s Australian-Japanese Association organised the unveiling of a commemorative plaque on a clifftop outside Darwin on February 17 by the Japanese Ambassador to Australia, Sumio Kusaka, Federal Senator Nigel Scullion, Northern Territory Chief Minister Michael Gunner, and Kathleen Bresnehan, the association’s president. The commissioning of the plaque was a joint project by the association and governments of Australia and Japan.

COMMEMORATION

14 HISTORY www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS February 23, 2017

Darwin was struck a shattering blow by the same force that had devastated Pearl Harbor. It was now too dangerous to attempt recovery.

However, the submarine was not to quietly lie in her grave. Controversy was to follow the I-124 over the decades, with strange stories and theories sur-rounding the wreck.

One sought to connect the I-124 with a supposed Japanese sub-marine working with the German armed raider Kormoran, which sank HMAS Sydney in 1941. Michael Montgomery, in Who sank the Sydney? suggested a subma-rine was refuelling or re-arming Kormoran when the Sydney was sighted, dived to escape detection, and torpedoed the Australian cruis-er, winning the battle for the raider. Other stories say a seaplane was sighted in the vicinity of the battle: many Japanese boats did carry fold-ing planes in hangars on the fore-deck. Suggestions have been made that a second submarine wreck – which some claim lies nearby – could be that alleged helper of the Kormoran; other stories have the I-124 as the Japanese submarine involved.

More than one source suggests codebooks were recovered from the I-124, helping to win the Pacific War. Ed Drea in MacArthur’s Ultra wrote:

“Shortly after the outbreak of the Pacific War, US Navy divers had salvaged the Japanese Navy’s Water Transport “S” codebooks from a submarine that had been sunk off Darwin in January 1942. With these documents in hand, Navy cryptanalysts were able to read Japanese naval shipping messages.”

In the 1950s the daughter of the sub’s commander, Atsuko

Kishigami, began a campaign to have the submarine raised and its entombed bodies returned to Japan.

The Japanese Fujita Salvage Company, then in Darwin salvag-ing the wrecks of ships still lying in the harbour, made a brief investiga-tion into the proposal, before it was decided the costs were prohibitive.

At some stage, the NT govern-ment asked the Navy to see if the safety of I-124’s war stores could be determined. Navy divers from HMAS Curlew, led by then-LCDR Russ Crane, later to become CN, carried out dives to the boat to ver-ify its condition: they reported the conning tower had been damaged, but the casing appeared undamaged and sealed.

In 1989 the research ves-sel Flamingo Bay, captained by David Tomlinson, sent down an unmanned mini-submarine equipped with a TV camera. Pictures showed the I-124’s con-ning tower still upright but with a list to one side. With person-nel from NT and WA museums involved, the operation hoped to dive to the submarine for research purposes, but the project was even-tually cancelled because of political considerations.

Stories about I-124 continued to re-appear, with one claiming a valuable cargo of mercury was on board.

She may be less known to Australians than the three midget submarines which attacked Sydney Harbour, also in 1942, but I-124 remains one of the most interesting stories of the country at war: a tale of bravery on both sides, loss, and an insight into the secret war fought in Australia’s north.

Tom Lewis is the author of 14 books, including Darwin’s Submarine I-124.

‘‘– Author of MacArthur’s Ultra,

Ed Drea

US Navy divers had salvaged the Japanese Navy’s Water Transport “S” codebooks ... With these documents in hand, Navy cryptanalysts were able to read Japanese naval shipping messages.

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15FEATURESFebruary 23, 2017 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

Loss of ‘a true gentleman’

MEMBERS across the ADF have celebrated the life and service of William “Billy”

Cunneen after he died on New Year’s Eve 2016, aged 83.

WO2 Cunneen was one of the ADF’s most extraordinary and decorated photographers and captured historical military events spanning decades.

A c c o l a d e s f o r t h e photographer’s life came from high places, with CDF ACM Mark Binskin stating “he was a fine soldier”, while Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull called his work “instrumental in explaining to all Australians the sacrifices made by Bill’s comrades in some of the most challenging conflicts in our nation’s history”.

Governor-General GEN Sir Peter Cosgrove (retd) wrote to WO2 Cunneen’s family to express his condolences and gratitude.

“Bill Cunneen was a man who saw the same things we all see, but he had that great and rare ability to capture them – to capture moments, time and history,” he said.

“Bill witnessed some of the defining and most difficult times our country has faced – 50 years on from the Battle of Long Tan, Bill’s images are as powerful and insightful as ever.”

BRIG Adrian d’Hage (retd) discussed his early military career during WO2 Cunneen’s eulogy.

Tributes flow for one of Australia’s finest combat photographers.

WO2 Cunneen was just 16 when he enlisted in the Citizen Military Forces in 1949. In early 1952 he embarked in HMS Devonshire to Japan to complete further training.

“During his t ime with the British Commonwealth Occupation Force in Japan, he further developed and refined his love of photography,” BRIG d’Hage said.

“This led to a transfer to Army public relations, and the beginning of a long and distinguished career as a combat photographer.”

WO2 Cunneen spent time throughout Asia capturing his-torical military events, but it was his coverage of the Vietnam War that best stood the test of time.

“When that battalion’s (6th Battalion) D Coy was pitted

against an overwhelming force at the Battle of Long Tan, the next morning, in true Billy Cunneen style, he managed to get himself on one of the first Hueys into the rubber planta-tion,” BRIG d’Hage said.

“His now famous series of photographs were featured in last year’s 50th anniversary of the battle, one of many testimo-nies to the longevity, and value of his highly professional work.

“For 50 years his shutter recorded the actions and sac-rifices of legions of Australian servicemen and women.

“It is a legacy that will remain part of Australian mili-tary history forever. Modest to the core, and a true gentleman, he was one of the finest com-bat cameramen this country has ever produced.”

WO2 Bill Cunneen during an Army exercise at

Shoalwater Bay in 1968.

An American helicopter lifts off behind 6RAR soldiers in Vietnam, 1966. Photo: WO2 Bill Cunneen

Bravo Zulu - Vol 1Author: Ian PfennigwerthRRP: $65.00 Reviewer: SGT Dave MorleyPages: 716 THIS is one of those rare books you can flick open at any page and still enjoy a good read.

The author, CAPT Ian Pfennigwerth (retd), spent 35 years in the Navy and has published eight books on Navy history.

Bravo Zulu - Vol 1 details hon-ours and awards to Australian naval people from 1900-1974, but it’s not a long, boring and confusing list – it’s a chronological narrative complete with photos and detailed maps. The book is well-indexed and gives details of the Navy’s ships and bases during the periods mentioned.

CAPT Pfennigwerth said the book took seven years to compile, so readers can be assured of accuracy.

“The project was generated out of a discussion with a colleague about the lack of any document recording honours and awards to Australian naval people,” he said.

“Other authors had published information on awards won in later campaigns, but there was nothing on peacetime honours and awards at all.

“We thought a full account wouldn’t be hard to research and write, and then we got started – we now know how wrong we were.”

CAPT Pfennigwerth said for three years he and another researcher struggled on, generally accessing archival records in Australia, the UK and the United States.

“By January 2012 it was clear we’d exhausted those possibilities and the project would fail without the injection of new blood and new ideas on how to find the data we were looking for,” he said.

“That was the genesis of the ‘BZ Beavers’, all but one former or serving Navy people, who took over much of the research load and applied innovative and imaginative methods to winkle out the infor-

mation we required on post-1970 recipients. The motivation to per-severe was simple – the stories we uncovered were inspirational and we would have been letting down the recipients if we allowed the project to lapse.”

CAPT Pfennigwerth said of the more than 4000 recipients whose stories appeared in the two volumes, direct contact was made with about two thirds.

“We also spoke with relatives, friends and workmates of at least another couple of hundred,” he said.

“We were even able to interview a handful of WWII vets.”

CAPT Pfennigwerth said pub-lishing books on naval history was an expensive and risky venture.

“If enough people don’t buy books on the RAN’s history – and I’m particularly directing this remark to serving personnel – then authors won’t be able to afford to publish any more,” he said.

“It’s hard enough to spread the word on the pride Australians should have in the achievements of their Navy and its people in an Anzac-oriented environment, but without active support from Navy people, the genre will inevitably decline further.”

The book is available at nautilushistory.com.au. Navy News has a copy to give to a reader. Contact navynews@defence-news.gov.au

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objectives

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TIME is running out to have ‘YourSay’ on your working life.

The YourSay survey is held once a year to measure attitudes and experiences relating to topics such as Defence and ADF culture, leadership and management, career progression, resources, work-life balance and working conditions.

Head People Capability Division RADM Brett Wolski said maximum input from ADF and APS personnel was instrumental for Defence’s leadership to gain a better understanding of personal views, circumstances and experiences of working in Defence.

“YourSay enables you to tell us the extent to which your expectations are being met, and what could be done to improve the satisfaction, com-mitment and performance of all Defence people,” he said.

Reservists’ contributions to the 2017 survey will also continue to inform the detailed implementation of the Total Workforce Model that Project Suakin is working to deliver.

Personnel who have received an email invitation to participate have until March 3 to respond via the link sent to their DRN email address. YourSay can be completed on either the DRN or on a personal computer, tablet or smartphone.

“I encourage you, if invited,

to take the time to participate,” RADM Wolski said.

“Without your input, change is difficult to achieve. Your participation in the survey is critical to helping us meas-ure where we are at today. It is a chance for you to have an input and to identify areas for improvement in our leadership and behaviour.”

Survey participants will receive an email informing them of key results and analy-sis will be provided to Defence leaders to assist in policy and program development.

For further information regarding the YourSay survey, contact the YourSay team at your.say@defence.gov.au

BEING a member of the ADF is a unique experience, not only for the individuals in uniform, but for their parents, partners and children who are also asked to accept the distinct challenges associated with military life.

Throughout March, ADF families have the chance to provide feedback about their experiences and views on service life through the ADF Families Survey. CDF ACM Mark Binskin said Defence valued the significant contri-bution of ADF families.

“As an organisation, we have a far greater appreciation today of the support family provides to our serving members and a much better understanding of the important role Defence families play in sustaining the ADF,” ACM Binskin said.

“There is no such thing as a ‘typi-cal Defence family’, so the ADF Families Survey is your opportunity to share your views on the services and support currently available to you and your family and suggestions for improvement.

“No one understands your family circumstances or needs like you and Defence is committed to putting initi-atives in place to support your family at every stage of your life and career.”

This year’s survey will focus on employment for partners of ADF members and on the support services available for Defence families.

“We value your views and I encourage all ADF personnel and their families to have their say,” ACM Binskin said.

“Understanding what is important to your family will inform decisions we make in the future and ensure we are focusing on the right areas. It’s your chance to affect real change.”

The ADF Families Survey opens on March 1 and will close on March 31. The results are expected to be available mid-year.

Your voice counts

YourSay survey returns in March

Spouses and recognised interdependent partners of permanent ADF mem-bers

Permanent ADF members who are single parents

Permanent ADF members who are single with other dependants

Both members of dual ADF couples (where both are permanent ADF members)

Parents of permanent ADF members

WHO SHOULD PARTICIPATE?

LSET-SM Gordon McPhillie with his wife Jennifer and daughter Archie after HMAS Waller berths at Fleet Base West. Families of serving personnel are encouraged to participate in the ADF Families Survey. Photo: CPOIS Damian Pawlenko

16 PERSONNEL www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS February 23, 2017

Dallas McMaugh

JANUARY was a month of milestones for the Fleet Air Arm’s Quality Assurance Inspector and Auditor, with WOATA Colin Tietzel marking his 53rd year of service in the Navy, his birthday, and retire-ment.

When his colleagues in the Assurance Cell heard WO Tietzel planned nothing more than a quiet beer at sunset as way of celebra-tion, they organised a surprise gathering of family and colleagues on board HMAS Adelaide.

The location was chosen because WO Tietzel originally joined the Navy in Adelaide and his son, CMDR David Tietzel, is the ship’s XO.

Rod Tremlett, one of the Public Service Avionics Technicians, was a key organiser.

“My motivation for organising the event was sheer admiration for Col and his family, and this moti-vation was supported by many others,” he said.

“I couldn’t think of anyone more deserving of a lovely farewell.

“His absolute dedication and conspicuous service have made the Navy a better place for all, and I wanted to make sure we cele-

Milestones a family affair

brated a wonderful career and one of our most valued shipmates.”

Head of Joint Systems Division RADM Tony Dalton presented WO Tietzel with his Gold Service medallion, saying his contribution to Defence had been of the highest standard.

“In his five decades of service he has played a pivotal role in the growth of the Fleet Air Arm, particularly in his training and mentoring of hundreds of sailors,” RADM Dalton said.

He also presented a bouquet of flowers to WO Tietzel’s wife, Rhonda, in acknowledgement of her invaluable support and contribution.

On behalf of the aviation world CMDR Tietzel presented his father with an engraved Sea King tail rotor blade and, as a memento of the celebration of three such significant milestones, a col-lage of the current and previous Adelaides.

XO HMAS Adelaide CMDR David Tietzel stands proudly with his father WOATA Colin Tietzel who retired in January after 53 years of service in the Navy. Photo: ABIS Bonny Gassner

Sailor bows out with skillsLEUT William Singer

ENACTING a character in a gritty Western Australian 1800s Western feature film is a far cry from maintaining multiple weapon systems on board Anzac-class frigates.

Defence skills acquired during post-ings and deployments have helped LSET Peter Williams improve his confidence as an actor in the entertainment industry.

He said skills acquired in the Navy, such as weapons training, leading people and a professional work ethic has pre-pared him for an acting career in the com-petitive industry, as he transitions to the active reserves.

“When I was in school I used to love drama, school plays and pantomimes, basically anything where I could entertain people,” he said.

His fondest memories are of making films with friends before joining the Navy in 2007.

He said he was most proud of recently being cast in the movie The Decadent and Depraved.

“Going from such a technical and pro-cess-driven environment to the creative arts is daunting,” he said.

“The transition to active reserves allows me the opportunity to render reserve service and still fulfil my univer-sity commitments.”

He ranked travelling to unique loca-tions as some of the most memorable moments of his many deployments.

LSET Peter Williams at Fleet Support Unit-West. Photo: CPOIS Damian Pawlenko

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17TRAININGFebruary 23, 2017 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

LEUT Gary McHugh

TRAINING Authority – Submarines was recently recognised in the 2016 Navy Safety Awards.

The authority, part of Training Force and based at Fleet Base West, received the Category Three Award for a Solution to an Identified Workplace Health and Safety Hazard, with its submerged signal ejector (SSE) training rig.

The ejector, consisting of a bar-rel and breech, is designed to fire explosive ordnance pyrotechnics such as “red” and “green” indicator grenades from a submarine.

Manager Training Administration at the Submarine Training and Systems Centre CMDR Gavin

Reeves said while the ejector was not an overly complex system, the operator is forced to use the equip-ment in a cramped position in order to load and fire the pyrotechnics.

“Due to its location on a sub-marine, the ejector is not conducive to practical training, with only one person realistically able to operate within the confined space available,” he said.

“The SSE training rig has been designed so that the space where submariners load the SSE can be expanded for use in initial training, and then contracted to the same size as in the workplace during assessment.”

The training rig is a fully work-ing, full size model of the ejector

in Collins-class submarines, and features the capability for instruc-tors to simulate faults in order to test submariners’ skills in a range of environments.

“This allows assessors to truly reflect the range of potential ‘dan-ger scenarios’ that may occur in the workplace,” CMDR Reeves said.

DCN RADM Michael Noonan said the training rig and the ini-tiative shown by the members of the authority deserved recognition through the safety awards.

“The authority’s manufacture of this training rig, that permits real-istic training to reduce the risk of an accident at sea, is an innovative solution that directly benefits the safety of our Navy people,” he said.

A team from Training Authority – Submarines comprising, from left, Training Systems Development consultant Keith Robinson; the authority’s director CMDR Dylan Findlater; Training Manager CMDR Gavin Reeves; Platform Systems Training Equipment Manager Brian Graves; and, Platform Instructor Auxiliaries/Weapons Anthony Masters, with the award.

Reducing risk of accidents

LCDR Peter Croce

HMAS Moreton has hosted 60 Army Assault Pioneer Platoon personnel for a three-week intensive Advanced Small-Craft Operations Course at the Brisbane Navy base.

The base on the Brisbane River at Bulimba hosted 30 trainees and 30 support staff from 2nd Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment (2 RAR) during November.

The platoon conducted a series of tactical inser-tions at Bribie and Moreton Islands as well as surf negotiation on the Gold Coast.

The course aimed to enable the platoon to conduct pre-landing force operations from the LHDs, operat-ing a number of zodiacs to perform insertion of the battalion’s ISR elements before the arrival of the main landing force.

SGT Mike Morton said Moreton’s facilities were ideal to hone their watercraft handling skills in a wide range of conditions.

“Being situated on the Brisbane River in close proximity to Moreton Bay and the South East Queensland coast makes Moreton an ideal location for the platoon to practise its skills in riverine, in-shore and coastal settings from calm water to surf condi-tions,” SGT Morton said.

“This variety also allows the platoon to practise in the types of environments that could be expected dur-ing the initial phases of an amphibious lodgement.”

This is only the second such course to be con-ducted at Moreton and the first undertaken by 2 RAR independently.

“Moreton provides a great balance between access to a diverse range of conditions, as well as the administrative facilities to enable the platoon to gain maximum training benefit in the time allocated,” SGT Morton said.

CO Moreton CMDR Mark McConnell said hosting the Army training evolutions showed the capability of Navy’s newest base after its commissioning in May.

“Moreton is proud to be able to lend support to the development of the amphibious capability,” CMDR McConnell said.

“With the improvement of the site in the next two years, Moreton looks forward to continuing to provide this type of assistance well into the future.”

Navy helps soldiers find their sea legs

HMAS Moreton hosted Army personnel as they conducted surf negotiation training on the Gold Coast.

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Jury’s still out onvaping

THERE’S a fairly new breed of individual lurking in the smok-ers’ pit.

Some smokers have forgone the traditional burning of tobacco for inhaling vaporised nicotine from elec-tronic cigarettes.

E-cigarettes use heat to vaporise a nicotine-based liquid that might be a less harmful alternative to regular cigarettes.

Emeritus Professor at University of Sydney’s School of Public Health, Simon Chapman, said this was because e-cigarettes did not involve inhaling any smoke from burnt tobacco.

“They’re likely to be considerably less detrimental because you’re not burning anything and inhaling those combusted materials, so that’s a very big tick,” he said.

“But there’s a lot of hype about how they’re almost completely safe and how wonderful they are for quitting smoking.

“It would be wonderful if that were true, but we don’t know yet.”

Along with vaporised nicotine, ‘vapers’ are inhaling chemical fla-vouring agents and propylene glycol through their e-cigarettes.

“Some people tell you it’s just like standing in the shower, breathing in steam, but in the shower you haven’t got all those chemicals and nicotine,” Prof Chapman said.

“None of the flavouring chemicals have been tested for safety in inhalation, only ingestion. That’s a huge difference.”

E-cigarettes vaporise the nicotine-laced liquid into ultrafine particles that are quickly absorbed into the airways.

These are smaller than particles from burnt tobacco.

“They’re inhaling ultrafine particles into their lungs,” Prof Chapman said.

“At the amount they’re doing it, there’s no precedent to know how it will affect them doing it every day for years.”

Prof Chapman said the average

E-cigarettes may not be as safe as you think, CPL Max Bree reports.

Experts say it is too early to believe the hype about e-cigarettes being a safe alternative to smoking. Photo: CPL Casey Gaul

vaper took somewhere between 200-600 puffs a day on their e-cigarettes.

“There’s been some really disturb-ing stuff recently saying just 10 puffs of an electronic cigarette is equivalent to smoking a single cigarette in terms of inflammation of the airways,” he said.

“That could lead to the possible onset of cardiovascular diseases.”

Decades of research went into deter-mining the health effects of smoking and Prof Chapman said it was also too early to understand the long-term impact of vaping.

“We have really little idea because they’ve only been around for the past five years,” he said.

“The diseases they might cause in the heart and respiratory tract don’t start showing up in such a short periods of time.

“We don’t have a huge amount of evidence about what they’re doing.”

Prof Chapman also noted that most people using e-cigs were still smoking as well.

Defence does not encourage the use of e-cig-arettes generally or as a part of a quit smok-ing program. ADF members wishing to quit smoking can see their medical officer or other health provider at their local Garrison Health Centre for professional advice and support.

‘‘– Prof Simon Chapman,

University of Sydney

None of the flavouring chemicals have been tested for safety in inhalation, only ingestion.

18 HEALTH www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS February 23, 2017

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19SPORTFebruary 23, 2017 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

LEUT Todd Fitzgerald

A BIG serve and an aggressive game helped LSATA Tim Holder win the 2017 Carr Cup, Navy’s men’s singles tennis competition held at HMAS Kuttabul earlier this month.

LS Holder beat defending champion LSCD Rob Anstee 6-2 in the final after losing to him earlier in the round-robin contest.

Typifying Navy’s keeping-fit-to-fight ethos, LS Holder said his serve and improved fitness levels won him the day.

“Rob is a consistent hitter so I knew I had to play an aggressive game,” he said.

Both men played a heavy schedule of games to get to the finals, and the humid conditions took their toll.

“I played last year and did okay but didn’t make it past the round-robin stage,” LS Holder said. “Since then I have been playing tennis weekly and my fitness has improved.”

LS Anstee said his opponent’s serve and low error count were the reasons for his success.

“I didn’t play my best in the final.

I was fatigued and lost concentration,” said the big-hitting diver, of HMAS Penguin.

“I struggled with the ping of the new balls and kept hitting it long.”

LS Anstee said he was looking for-ward to the Burrell Cup, Navy’s tennis doubles competition.

LS Holder, of HMAS Albatross, has played tennis since age 10 and partici-pated in state competitions.

The cup was held at the Garden Island Heritage Centre Tennis Courts, in Sydney, with 21 competitors battling it out.

POPTI Corey Short took on LS Anstee in one semi-final, while 2015 winner CMDR Marc Pavillard played LS Holder in the other.

Event organiser LSPTI Zac Stanley said the day was a success, with some quality tennis on display.

“It was a fantastic victory and con-gratulations to all the players who com-peted,” LS Stanley said.

Navy service requires fitness for personnel to have the resilience for sea service. Members are encouraged to play sport regularly for the health and wellbeing benefits.

Winner of the Carr Cup singles tournament, LSATA Tim Holder is handed the trophy by CPOPTI Andrew Gibson at HMAS Kuttabul. Photo: ABIS Bonny Gassner

Big serve too much

MAJ John Grisinger

NAVY representatives helped ‘Terminal Velociraptor’ win the four-way formation in the Military Parachute Championships in late December.

An ecstatic POET-SM Matt Holmes, of HMAS Farncomb, captained the winning side at the Sydney Skydivers’ Drop Zone.

“We have been working towards this for the past three years,” he said.

“When we saw our score of 19 points in the first round we knew we had a chance of winning.”

T h e w i n n i n g Te r m i n a l Velociraptor included PO Holmes and fellow sailor LSBM Stephen Baker, of HMAS Kuttabul, who helped the side finish the competi-tion with an average score of 11.1 points per dive.

The four-way formation event was hard fought with 11 teams from

across the country battling it out. The event involved exiting an air-craft linked as a four-person team with a fifth team member flying above the team with a camera.

Terminal Velociraptor halted a six-year run of gold medals for ‘Taipan Defence’, whose members had to settle for silver.

The runner-up combination included LSATA Melissa Bourke, of the Federation Guard, who helped them earn an average score of 9.1.

The competition was carried out over 10 rounds with one point accrued for each correct formation.

LEUT Cam Wise has competed in this event for the past three years and said practice was important.

“The only thing that will make you better is getting jumps in together as a team. You can’t talk up there and you only have 35 seconds to get your formations in,” he said.

The championships had more than 700 parachute descents and comprised 7.5 hours of wind tunnel.

The event also prepared select teams for competition in the Australian Parachute Federation nationals to be held in York, Western Australia, in March.

CAPT Holly Godwin, one of the event organisers, said the event was open to all full-time and reserve members of the ADF who held an Australian Sporting Parachute B Licence.

“This event is the main event on the Defence parachuting calendar and we aim to get as many members here as we can,” she said.

“We have people here from all walks of Defence life, from sailors to lieutenant colonels, so it’s a big mix.”

Want to get involved with Defence parachuting? Membership of the ADPA is open to all full-time and reserve ADF members. Visit our DRN website or email sky.diving@defence.gov.au for more information.

CPL Mark Doran

A TEAM of veterans hit the water with a splash to form a unique dragon boat club based on the Purple Warriors, an initiative hav-ing success in UK, where it began, as well as Canada and the US.

The Purple Warriors Australia (PWAUS) is a new club solely for serving and retired ADF personnel who are wounded, injured or ill.

The ultimate aim is for Australian veterans to compete against Purple Warriors from other nations, as well as clubs in Australia, as they use the power of the sport to inspire recovery and rehabilitation.

PWAUS builds on the quali-ties of discipline, professionalism, endeavour, and personal sacrifice, all of which define ADF veterans.

PWA board member Gil Swadling is a former British Royal Marine and Australian Army officer who is passionate about the sport of dragon boat racing.

“It is the ultimate team sport, but the best part is the camarade-rie,” he said.

“It’s only early days, but our plan is to set up PWAUS in Sydney and Canberra before we expand to the other states.

“Nearly everyone with PWAUS

Free-falling to victory

are ADF veterans who are all heav-ily involved in dragon boating and some have represented the states and Australia in many regattas.”

The club is also working with the International Dragon Boat Federation to create a special crew category for the 2017 Hong Kong Dragon Boat Championships to be held in June, where they will race against the UK Purple Warriors before competing in Hawaii against the US and Canadian Purple Warriors teams.

Mr Swadling said serving and retired personnel who wanted to train and race would be introduced to local dragon boat clubs and attend weekly training sessions.

“We will then run dragon boat camps on dates when everyone can train together in our boats as Purple Warriors,” he said.

“When there are dragon boat regattas they will be able to com-pete as Purple Warrior teams in their own boats against local teams.

“When a Purple Warrior team lines up for a race with injuries or missing limbs, the other teams don’t even notice, because it’s just about the competition.”

For more information about Purple Warriors go to: purplewarriors.org.au or contact Gil Swadling at: 0417 413 939/02 4735 5008 or Ray Bennie at: 0412 322 336.

Dragon boating inspires rehabilitationDragon boating has been used around the world for its ability to inspire recovery and rehabilitation.

‘Rushin Defence’ exits over Picton Drop Zone with LEUT Cameron Wise, FLTLT Ariel White, MAJ Stephen Johnson and SBLT Richard Phillips in formation.

© 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. 2, February 23, 2017

SPORT

Victor turns tables in final – Page 19

SERVE WINS THE DAY

LSATA Tim Holder on his way to becoming the singles tennis champion in the 2017 Carr Cup tournament held at HMAS Kuttabul. Photo: ABIS Bonny Gassner