Serving Australia with prideServing Australia with pride

NEWSNAVYVolume 63, No. 5, April 2, 2020

FIGHT OF OUR LIVES

COVID-19 ADF joins the effort against

pandemicPages 2-5

Commander Joint Health and Surgeon General ADF RADM Sarah Sharkey says we all have a vital role to play in keeping the deadly virus at bay (see her message on page 3).Photo: Jay Cronan

NUSHIP Sydney sails into her namesake city

– page 7

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NNAVYAVY NEWSNEWS

LTGEN John Frewen

WHETHER you are at work, deployed overseas or on exercise, our lives are going to change for at least a few months.

If your life has not already changed, you are doing it wrong.

Like every other organisation around the world, Defence will be challenged by this rapidly evolving situation.

To sailors, I ask that you look after yourselves, look after your family and your mates, and be ready to help if called upon.

The COVID-19 task force consists of ADF personnel and Defence civilians.

It has been formed to coordinate efforts across the ADF to respond to the virus, to ensure the safety of our personnel and to contribute to whole-of-government efforts. My top priority is to help us all look after our people and maintain their health.

Like any employer, we have a duty to look after you. There is a

robust system in place to help if you or someone in your family is affected by COVID-19 or are experiencing symptoms. We need your help to follow guidance to this end.

Next, let me reiterate the ADF is not unique when it comes to this pandemic. We each must follow the same advice from the Department of Health to look after ourselves.

That means being accountable for

our actions when it comes to good hygiene, other preventative measures and, when necessary, self-isolating.

By doing this, we posture ourselves to be able to help instead of becoming a burden on the system.

It also means looking after each other.

We are a team and, like any

workplace, we need to make sure our team members are fit and healthy. For commanders and supervisors, make sure you’re checking in frequently on your team.

Every team member can play a role in ensuring our Defence resilience.

That puts us in the best possible position to make our contribution to the whole-of-government effort to

respond to the pandemic.Defence has already played a

role in the whole-of-government response, through repatriation flights of Australians, the production of surgical face masks and assisting health authorities.

It shows that we are always ready, willing and able to help out our

fellow Australians in times of need.It continues a history of the finest

traditions of the ADF.As you know, some major events

and exercises have already been cancelled or postponed. Some will go ahead in a different format.

And some will go ahead as planned if it is in accordance with Australian Government guidelines.

As much as possible, I’m keen to make sure we maintain business as usual for our operations, exercises and work across the organisation.

Ultimately, our mission has not changed.

But we must be prepared to change how we achieve it.

We proved we could do it during Operation Bushfire Assist by remaining true to our Navy values.

I’m confident the ADF will rise to meet this challenge.

Assistance is available from 1800 DEFENCE, 1800 IM SICK and the Defence Community Organisation.

2 COVID-19 PANDEMIC www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS April 2, 2020

We must all rise to the challenge

Commander of the Defence COVID-19 Task Force

– LTGEN John Frewen

If your life has not already changed, you are doing it wrong.“

LTGEN John Frewen is leading a task force of ADF personnel and Defence civilians formed to coordinate the ADF’s response to coping with COVID-19.Photo: WO2 Neil Ruskin

Readers should be aware that most of the photographs published in this edition of Navy News were taken before the social distancing guidelines were introduced.

COVID -19 PANDEMICApril 2, 2020 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS 3

RADM Sarah Sharkey

THIS is an extraordinary time for Australia and the world and each of us has a vital role to play as the COVID-19 pandemic plays out over the coming months.

While there is understandable concern, uncertainty and feelings of helplessness in the wider community, there are things you must do as an individual to help fight COVID-19.

Together we need to focus on keeping our people healthy, maintaining ADF capability and minimising the burden on the civilian health system.

The actions you take now and over the coming months have the potential to save lives.

Follow these key principles at all times:

Practise good personal hygiene and social distancing. People’s lives are literally in your hands, so make sure you keep them clean, either by washing with soap and water or using hand sanitiser. Keep at least 1.5 metres away from other people wherever possible – at work, at home and especially when in public. Sneeze into a tissue and dispose of it immediately, or sneeze into your elbow then wash your hands.

Follow the latest public health adv ice . The bes t source o f i n f o r m a t i o n i s t h e F e d e r a l Department of Health and the State and Territory Health Departments. You must follow their advice when directed. Be aware that social media can be a source of misinformation that can cause real harm. The Defence COVID-19 Taskforce, Defence People Group and Joint Health Command websites are also being updated regularly with the latest health and Defence-specific guidance.

If you are unwell, do not go to work. It has never been more important to stay at home if you are sick. Do not

soldier on through illness. You will be letting your mates and colleagues down if you turn up to work sick. Stay at home and seek medical advice. If you’re an ADF member, call your local health centre or 1800 IMSICK and follow their advice. Let your chain of command know. For our APS staff, reservists, contractors and cadets, seek advice from your regular health-care provider over the phone or call 1800 DEFENCE and let your supervisor know.

Defence and the Australian health system is well prepared to respond to this health crisis, but the challenge cannot be underestimated.

You might be fit and healthy, but if you fail to do the simple things like wash your hands and practise social distancing, you could pass COVID-19 on to someone who might not survive the virus.

If you ignore the health advice, you won’t just risk getting sick yourself, you could end up seriously harming someone you love. That might be your grandparent, an older relative, someone fighting cancer or a colleague with a pre-existing medical condition.

Most people who get COVID-19 will have mild illness and recover within a couple of weeks. If you are diagnosed with COVID-19 you will probably be able to stay at home rather than going to hospital. In this case, you must comply with isolation rules and practices so that you don’t infect anyone else.

Hospitalisation may be needed for those who are more seriously ill, or those who can’t stay in their usual accommodation for other reasons.

Defence and the wider community is relying on you to keep this virus from spreading.

Practise good personal hygiene and social distancing and encourage your family, mates, work colleagues and others to do the same.

Together we can overcome this challenge.

Keeping us all healthyCommander Joint Health

THE ADF is deploying additional personnel to assist state and territory health authorities in support of the national response to COVID-19.

Reconnaissance and planning support teams have been established in the Victorian, Queensland, Northern Territory and Western Australian state coordination centres.

Contact tracing support teams are also being established in all states and territories.

Secretary for Defence Greg

Moriarty and CDF GEN Angus Campbell visited Joint Health Command on March 23 to talk with members of the COVID-19 Operations Cell.

They met Commander Joint Health and Surgeon General ADF RADM Sarah Sharkey and personnel from various teams who play a pivotal role in the ADF response and assistance to the Australian Government.

Defence Minister Linda Reynolds said the teams would contribute to the overall strength and resilience of

the Australian health system in this challenging time.

“These ADF teams will provide logistics, transport, health and general planning assistance as the workload of civilian medical teams continues to increase as more Australians are diagnosed with, or affected by, COVID-19,” Senator Reynolds said.

“We will continue to ensure Defence medical facilities are appropriately staffed to minimise any impact on our public health system.”

ADF boosts medical workforce

RADM Sarah Sharkey and GEN Angus Campbell, second from left, meet members of Joint Health Command, including the COVID-19 Operations Cell, at Campbell Park in Canberra.Photo: Lauren Larking

LSIS Kylie Jagiello

POSTING to Christmas Island as the Logistics Support Element, SBLT Meeka Brooks and ABMT Matt Anderson never expected they would be part of a large whole-of-government evacuation.

SBLT Brooks first knew of the operation after the Prime Minster announced the gov-ernment would be evacuating Australians from Wuhan in China to Christmas Island.

“Initially I thought I would be dealing with it by myself,” SBLT Brooks said.

“When I received a phone call advising JOC was sending an Army logistics team, I felt the pressure taken off.”

SBLT Brooks had been on the island for more than two months and had a relationship with the community.

“When the team arrived, they needed local knowledge and con-tacts. I had managed to build this with stakeholders,” she said.

Maintaining the rigid-

hulled inflatable boats was AB Anderson’s primary duty but during the operation he worked at the airport providing forklift capability to support the Air Force load team and acting as the Defence representative to the airport operations.

“We were receiving C-130

flights of food and supplies almost daily and my job was to help load the trucks for the stores to go out to the evacuees,” AB Anderson said.

“Organising the air side of the operation alongside RAAF was different from working in an engine room of a ship and I found it pretty interesting.”

Taking advantage of the Army contingent and presence, SBLT Meeka organised a working party to clean up the HMAS Sydney Memorial site on the island.

“Working with a team of 10 soldiers, we were able to clean up the site in one day,” she said.

While SBLT Brooks and AB Anderson did not have direct contact with the evacuees, their efforts supported the running of the operation.

“This joint experience was invaluable and I’ll take it with me throughout my career,” SBLT Meeka said.

Many hands make logistics work

– SBLT Meeka Brooks

This joint experience was invaluable and I’ll take it with me throughout my career.

“

ABMT Matt Anderson and SBLT Meeka Brooks played important parts in the COVID-19 evacuations to Christmas Island.

4 COVID-19 PANDEMIC www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS April 2, 2020

ALL Defence gyms have closed and messes will only serve takeaway as Defence implements measures to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Joint Health Command has established 29 dedi-cated COVID-19 assessment stations for personnel on bases across Australia. This number may fluctuate as resources are allocated to areas of greatest need.

Current assessment services include taking and collecting samples for testing where clinically war-ranted in accordance with Department of Health guidelines.

Defence is supporting state and territory authori-ties as part of the Government’s response. Assistance will be tailored to each area in consultation with rel-evant authorities.

The scope and scale of Defence support is the sub-ject of planning and liaison.

Defence is supporting three Northern Territory border control locations with about 10 personnel at each.

This includes catering and other sustainment for the NT Police in remote locations.

Communications to assist police data and voice transmission have also been provided, along with medical support to help screen people at border con-trol.

Defence personnel will not enforce border controls.

A small team of Army engineering specialists have been assisting at a surgical face mask factory until supplementary civilian workers can be recruited.

Defence also supported repatriations to Christmas Island and Howard Springs via RAAF Bases Learmonth and Darwin.

ADF has provided logistics support and specialist staff to the Department of Health.

A three-star-led taskforce to coordinate Defence’s contribution to the government response has been established.

Defence has called for volunteers from the reserves to determine the availability of individuals to assist with the Defence response to COVID-19. This is not compulsory service.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Defence per-sonnel were standing by to provide more support.

“They are already involved in contract tracing and surging workforce support into state governments to help them with those tasks,” he said.

“Logistics support from the military will also be available and the many other tasks that they can be involved in, which were on great display during the bushfire crisis.

“All of those resources will be at the disposal of the National Coordination Commission for Coronavirus.”

Support to slow spread

Photo: Jay Cronan

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COVID -19 PANDEMICApril 2, 2020 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS 5

The ADF answered the call to look after Australians evacuated from virus-hit China, LS Kylie Jagiello writes.

All care and responsibilityAS THE Department of

Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) was organising the evacuation of Australians

from Wuhan, China, to Christmas Island to escape the COVID-19 epi-centre, ADF personnel were preparing to make them feel safe and cared for upon arrival.

Carrying more than 240 evacu-ees, the Qantas flight left Wuhan on February 3.

The DFAT-led whole-of-govern-ment evacuation operation involved close cooperation with the Australian embassy and consulates in China, the ADF, the Australian Border Force (ABF), the Department of Health, the Department of Agriculture and Qantas.

After the Qantas flight touched down in Learmonth, Western Australia, the evacuees were flown to Christmas Island on ABF charter flights. There, it was up to Defence personnel to make them feel safe and cared for.

By February 2, less than 60 hours after getting a Warning Order, person-nel from 14 different units were up to 2800km from home on Christmas Island or at RAAF Base Learmonth, ready to receive evacuees.

Air Force rapidly deployed a Contingency Response Squadron to RAAF Base Learmonth to support the Qantas flight from Wuhan and multi-ple aircraft movements of Australian Border Force-chartered aircraft con-veying evacuees to Christmas Island airfield.

A joint task unit was rapidly raised from Army’s 17, 1 and 6 Brigade elements and deployed to convert Christmas Island’s North West Point detention centre into a quarantine facility in support of the Australian Medical Assistance Team (AUSMAT).

Commander Joint Task Unit on Christmas Island LTCOL Phil Baldoni said within 48 hours of receiving orders they had landed on the island.

“We were conducting planning on the flight over,” LTCOL Baldoni said.

“With minimum direction, my team leaders on the ground used their initia-tive and got things done to meet the needs of evacuees.

“I’m incredibly proud of the efforts they made to help their fellow Australians.”

AUSMAT mission lead Dan Holmes was located on Christmas Island and said it wasn’t known how many people would be coming to the island.

“There were 600 people registered with the embassy in Wuhan when the Australian Government offered

a chance to return to Australia,” Dr Holmes said.

“Wuhan public transport was shut down and taxis were difficult to get and about 240 people made it onto the plane.”

Two days after the initial evacu-ees arrived, a further 36 Australians left Wuhan with the help of the New Zealand Government.

For 14 days, evacuees’ only human contact was with AUSMAT and ADF staff, who ensured they were kept as healthy as possible and looked after all their needs.

Because the number of people on the island had increased by 30 per cent and the local food supply was limited, it was decided to source supplies from the mainland. Until then, the chefs worked their magic as best they could with the facilities, stored frozen food and dry goods available.

Rapidly adapting to the task and helped by the arrival of fresh stocks, by the end of the quarantine period they were able to provide everything from baby food to a traditional Wuhan breakfast for evacuees’ final meal before departure.

From the passenger manifests, they could see some people would be cele-brating a birthday while in the facility.

Environmental Health Officer LT Sarah Cairns started making birthday cakes to help create some normality.

“As a parent myself, I felt for eve-ryone in quarantine. I was trying to give them a bit of a feel for home,” LT Cairns said.

A large portion of the evacuees were Australian citizens with Chinese heritage and since it was time for Chinese New Year celebration, under the initiative of Dr Holmes, ADF per-sonnel helped create a lantern festival and served traditional Chinese food.

With no further separation pos-sible in the quarantine facility on Christmas Island, an additional facility was established at Manigurr-ma vil-lage in Howard Springs when a further 266 people from Wuhan returned to Australia.

This former mining site had been dormant for more than 18 months. Within 48 hours, garrison support was established in a collaborative effort, led by Estate and Infrastructure Group, managed by Defence contractor

Broadspectrum and augmented by an ADF workforce, to reactivate the facil-ity in time for the next arrivals.

Assistant Secretary Regional Services, Northern and Central Zone, Simon Buckley said all was done to ensure the comfort of the evacuees.

“We worked very closely with the personnel. If they required something that was consistent in normal society, we did our best to accommodate it,” Mr Buckley said.

“In a controlled situation and supervised by AUSMAT, personnel were able to use the swimming pool and gymnasium facilities.

“The collective professionalism and tireless efforts of AUSMAT, Australian Border Force, ADF, APS and contrac-tor staff, including Broadspectrum, Wilson Security and Veolia, was cen-tral to the successful on-site manage-ment of the evacuees.”

Manigurr-ma Village was built to house up to 3500 workers and accom-modation was spread over a large area.

When passengers from the Diamond Princess cruise ship were evacuated to Howard Springs a week before the Wuhan group was due to

leave, separation was made possible so the first group didn’t have to reset their quarantine period.

From the beginning, ABF CMDR Graeme Grosse said the ABF had to work closely with DFAT and other agencies on customs and border requirements.

“Our role was to ensure all trans-fers and movements were organised with all agencies and all evacuees got on their flights and into Australia,” CMDR Grosse said.

“The ABF also had the operational lead to coordinate and work closely with all agencies to establish an effec-tive quarantine facility that mitigated any risks to the evacuees, staff and Christmas Island community.

“The ability of all agencies to pitch in and get the job done was fantastic.”

Testament to the hard work of all agencies working together in this whole-of-government response, evacu-ees showed their appreciation in many ways, none more personal than thank-you cards made by children.

Personnel numbers Christmas Island: Army 159,

Air Force 7, Navy 2 Howard Springs: Army 47,

Air Force 2, E&IG 2 Learmonth: Air Force 50,

Army 4, E&IG 1 Darwin (HQ): Army 14,

Air Force 8, Navy 1

Services provided Maintenance of the facility

– from changing lightbulbs to fixing plumbing, air conditioners, fridges and washing.

Grounds maintenance, included digging out drains and other labour.

Laundering bed linen. Food chain from wholesaler to

delivery to accommodation. Cakes made for seven

birthdays. Transported evacuees to and

from the civilian airports.

PITCHING IN

A thank you card made for Christmas Island volunteers by quarantined Australians. ADF efforts on the island included holding a concert for evacuees and making birthday cakes.

Created welcome packs to ensure evacuees were as comfortable as possible from arrival.

Provided welfare and entertainment items, as well as clothing and personal items.

Managed all warehouse stocks at Christmas Island.

Up to 12 medical staff embedded with AUSMAT helped with disease screening, medical data and medical care.

Contributed to the Christmas Island concert for the evacuees, including performing.

ADF personnel deploy from RAAF Base Darwin to Christmas Island to meet Australian evacuees from Wuhan, China.

defencebank.com.au1800 033 139

David Marshall.Chief Executive Officer.

Defence Bank Limited ABN 57 087 651 385 AFSL / Australian Credit Licence 234582.

As the coronavirus situation evolves I wanted to update you personally on Defence Bank’s current position. I’m outlining our planning and response to coronavirus, so that you can be certain that Defence Bank has plans in place to maintain banking services.

Our purpose is to serve those who protect us and we are ready to assist members during this challenging time.

Defence Bank is in a strong financial position with one of the highest credit ratings, BBB/Stable/A2 by S&P Global Ratings, for a member owned bank in Australia.

So what’s ahead?Currently, Defence Bank is open for business for all our Members with our branches remaining open across Australia unless otherwise advised by the ADF. Our immediate priorities are as always to;

• support the well-being of both our Members and employees; and• ensure our everyday banking services continue to be delivered.

As part of our business continuity planning we have implemented a range of measures to meet these objectives which include:

• Restricted travel. Business related domestic and international air travel has been restricted. Travellers returning from overseas are self-isolating for 14 days in line with the government guidelines.

• Remote access. We are continuing to use our remote access capabilities, allowing many employees to perform their tasks remotely as required.

Importantly, we will continue to closely monitor and be guided by Commonwealth government advice on how to operate during this period.

Banking from a distance. We understand that not all Members may wish to visit a branch in today’s environment so we remind members that Defence Bank provides a number of convenient options to manage their everyday banking without the need to visit a branch. These include:

• Online Banking and our award-winning mobile banking app, which allows you to make payments by BPay, send and receive money instantly using Osko and PayID, change your PIN, report your card lost or stolen as well as a range of other options;

• Australia based Contact Centre; and,• all five digital wallet options which allow you to contactless pay using Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, Garmin and Fitbit Pay.

Financial Hardship. We count on you, and you can count on us. If you have been impacted by coronavirus please don’t hesitate to contact us on1800 033 139 or email info@defencebank.com.au to see how we can help you.

In summary.Coronavirus has created a challenging time for everyone, and we are committed to continuing to provide you with the highest level of personal service.

If you have any concerns please feel free to contact me directly on my mobile 0414 789 381or by email david.marshall@defencebank.com.au.

A message fromour CEO, David.

NEWSApril 2, 2020 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

LEUT Gary McHugh

HMAS Farncomb returned to her home port of Fleet Base West in March after a five-week deployment to the east coast of Australia.

Coming alongside Diamantina Wharf, a number of the submarine’s contingent of embarked trainees threw lines across under the watchful eye of the casing party officer in charge.

Once all lines were secured and the gangway across, CO Farncomb CMDR Michael Power went ashore, where he was met by Commander Submarine Force CAPT Doug Theobald and Deputy Commander Submarine Force CMDR Chris Forward.

CMDR Power said it had been a busy and rewarding deployment, the highlight being participation in the Fleet Certification Period (FCP20), which involved a host of ships, submarines and aircraft.

Farncomb mainly operated in the “complex and busy environment” of Bass Strait.

“Essentially, Farncomb was involved in a series of maritime warfare scenarios that tested the crews of the

surface ships and the submarines and provided invaluable training for my ship’s company,” CMDR Power said.

It was important for such exercises to include a sub-surface component as it allowed exercise planners to inject a higher level of realism into the scenarios.

“For many of the crew this was the first time exercising with Navy’s new capabilities, such as Hobart, Canberra and the MH-60R, as well as the other ships participating in FCP20, which all presented a great learning opportunity for us,” CMDR Power said.

“Submarines provide a ‘strategic deterrent’ for the Navy, which means that, due to the covert nature of submarine operations, it’s difficult for adversaries to know exactly where we are operating.

“The Collins-class submarine has a very lethal and modern weapon system and that gives us an excellent deterrent.

“Also, the endurance of the submarine is exceptional, which provides significant force projection without the need to resupply or refuel.”

Watch video at: youtu.be/5Phdwp5NgGY

Back home and learning lines

Sailors on HMAS Farncomb throw heaving lines as she comes alongside Diamantina Pier at Fleet Base West. Photo: POIS James Whittle

7

LEUT Geoff Long and LCDR Kristen Russo

SYDNEYSIDERS had a first glimpse of their city’s namesake warship when NUSHIP Sydney arrived at Garden Island on March 27.

The last of the three Hobart-class destroyers to join the Navy fleet entered Sydney Heads and made her way through the harbour with contractors and ship’s company embarked.

CO Sydney CMDR Edward Seymour said sailing into Sydney Harbour was a proud moment for all involved.

“Sydney’s arrival into her home port was the result of 15 months of hard work by her ship’s company and the product of years of Australian shipbuilding,” CMDR Seymour said.

“The Hobart-class destroyer is the most lethal warship operated by the Navy and will provide

capability including air defence to task groups as well as land forces and coastal infrastructure,” he said.

Sydney’s arrival came exactly 36 years to the day since guided missile frigate HMAS Sydney IV arrived for the first time. The latest ship is the fifth to bear the historic name.

Sydney IV was the first Navy ship POML-SO Dion Georgopoulos served in and he was proud to be a commissioning crew member of Sydney V 19 years later.

“It is a surreal feeling knowing that this is probably the beginning of a new legacy where thousands of sailors for years to come will have the privilege of being Sydney crew,” PO Georgopoulos said.

Sydney was brought into harbour under a red ensign and delivered under the direction of civilian-contracted mariners. The ship’s company operated and

maintained necessary systems for safe steaming.

On board were Defence personnel from Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group, members of Sydney’s ship’s company, and representatives from Teekay and the Air Warfare Destroyer Alliance.

LSNPC Sue Rochford was on board and had been looking forward to the moment for more than a year.

“This is the posting of my career,” she said.

“I’m pretty proud to be part of this historic occasion of driving the ship into Sydney for the first time.”

The 147m-long warship sailed from Osborne, South Australia, where she was built by the Air Warfare Destroyer Alliance and has been undergoing sea trials before she is commissioned in May.

A view of the new Sydney

NUSHIP Sydney sails into her namesake city 36 years to the day since her predecessor, HMAS Sydney IV, arrived in Sydney Harbour. Photo: AB Daniel Goodman

8 NEWS www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS April 2, 2020

MEMBERS of the Maritime Geospatial Warfare Unit deployed to Antarctica for survey operations took advantage of a rare day off the water to enjoy mountain biking and hiking in the Vestfold Hills surrounding Davis research station.

The mountain biking started early in snow showers and sub-zero temperatures.

After a couple of setbacks, including a snapped bike chain, all team members completed the four-hour journey, including a visit to the proposed Davis aerodrome runway site.

ABHSO Savas Erginel said he had never imagined riding a mountain bike in Antarctica.

“With the additional 12kg survival bag on my back, some of the slopes and terrain were certainly challenging at times but the experience was priceless,” he said.

The ride was followed by a hike to one of the highest peaks in the area, known as The Lookout. There, the team, accompanied by two

Australian Antarctic Division expeditioners, encountered a very lost Adelie penguin at the top of the mountain.

The peak offered uninterrupted views to the Antarctic ice cap 20km to the south, the nearby Sorsdal Glacier and a massive 7km-long iceberg passing close to the coast.

On the return journey the team visited an elephant seal colony, where members watched 30 of the large seals in a wallow.

LSHSO Kirsty Whyatt said she was in awe of the day.

“Having an opportunity to see some of the sights that surround Davis station was phenomenal,” LS Whyatt said.

“Being able to see the Sorsdal Glacier from the top of the lookout really gave you a sense of just how massive it is.

“Visiting the seal wallow is an experience I’ll never forget.”

On lookout for lost penguins

Seals the deal in surveysTHE icy Antarctic waters pre-sented challenges and moments of awe for members of the Maritime Geospatial Warfare Unit as they conducted survey opera-tions at Davis research station in Antarctica.

The team, deployed on Operation Southern Discovery, headed out in inflatable rigid boats every day to survey the waters surrounding Davis for potential landing sites for heavy construction equipment and materials, which will be required if the Davis aerodrome is approved.

The team conducted 557 sur-vey lines, equating to a distance of 126 nautical miles (similar to the distance between Sydney and Canberra), over 10 days and sur-veyed 6.8 square nautical miles of the sea floor.

The sub-zero Antarctic envi-ronment throws up problems only faced in polar waters.

Snow showers, wildlife encounters, sea ice and icebergs are a constant presence in the survey areas.

On one occasion, two of the boats were forced to nose up to an ice floe and shunt it out of the way to create an opening after becoming enclosed by fast-freez-ing sea ice.

POHSM Jo Hammett said sur-vey operations in Antarctica came with unique challenges.

“You have to deal with cold weather, cold equipment and cold toes, but nothing can take away from being within metres of ice-

bergs and having a seal pop his head out of the water to see what you are up to,” PO Hammett said.

LSHSO Tanya Maksimovic is on her first visit to Antarctica.

“I really had no idea what to expect, especially the daily chal-lenges that arise while out survey-ing,” she said.

“Originally, it was hard to comprehend that we would be trying to pick our way out of sea ice and be up close and per-sonal with an iceberg, but it has definitely added a new sense of adventure and accomplishment to the job.”

Maritime Geospatial Warfare Unit members pause on the sea ice during

survey operations, from left (front boat) ABHSO Jodie Dickers and LEUT Jared

Willans; (middle boat) LSHSO Tanya Maksimovic and Tom Clarke, of the

Australian Antarctic Division; and (rear boat) LEUT Giovanni DiGennaro, LSMT

Ben Seehars and LSHSO Kirsty Whyatt.

A mountain bike ride was a change of scenery for members of the Maritime Geospatial Warfare Unit in Antarctica, from left, LSHSO Tanya Maksimovic, LSHSO Kirsty Whyatt, LSMT Ben Seehars, ABHSO Savas Erginel and LEUT Jared Willans.

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9NEWSApril 2, 2020 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

LEUT Geoff Long

NAVY’S most important strategic asset, the Captain Cook Graving Dock at Garden Island in Sydney, turned 75 on March 24.

The dry dock has been in near con-tinuous service since construction was completed in 1945, servicing the needs of Navy, Australia’s allies and commer-cial ships.

The dock receives an average of 27 ships a year for maintenance and, since 1998, has been operated and maintained by Defence partner Thales Australia.

Superintendent Garden Is land Defence Precinct CAPT Gavin Irwin said the dock played an integral role in maintaining a fleet capable of preserv-ing maritime security for the nation and regional partners.

“The dock is a critical infrastructure asset which ensures we can continuously sustain an agile and lethal naval capabil-ity,” CAPT Irwin said.

“The facility also highlights the close ties Navy has with industry as a strategic partner in maintaining our capability.”

HMA Ships Brisbane and Gascoyne

have been two of the more recent entries in the dock.

At 347m long, it is one of the largest dry docks in the southern hemisphere and is the last remaining facility in Australia that is capable of docking ships with a displacement of more than 12,000 tonnes.

Two underwater gates, known as cais-sons, separate the dock from the harbour. These are the oldest structural vessels in the Navy and enable sections of the dock to be drained separately.

The dry dock is emptied by three massive centrifugal bronze pumps, which have the capacity to empty the dock in eight hours at a rate of 320,000 litres a minute – equivalent to emptying an Olympic-size swimming pool in 37 seconds.

At the time of construction, the dock was the largest and most complex engi-neering task undertaken in Australia. It has been surpassed only by the Snowy Mountains Hydro Scheme in the 1950s.

The dock was officially opened by the Governor-General of Australia, the Duke of Gloucester, on March 24, 1945.

High and dry for the long haul

HMAS Hobart spent time last April in the Captain Cook Graving Dock, which has been in almost continuous use for 75 years. Photo: CPOIS Cameron Martin

Focus on spirituality and fighting spirit

Archbishop of Melbourne Dr Philip Freier, left, with CHAP Grant Dibden during his consecration as the Anglican Bishop to the Defence Force. Photo: SGT Janine Fabre

SGT Janine Fabre

THE new Anglican Bishop to the Defence Force, CHAP Grant Dibden, doesn’t stand on ceremony.

Although he should be for-mally addressed as “your grace” he is quite happy for personnel to call him Bishop Grant or Bishop Dibden.

“In a unit, the vast majority of people don’t really care what brand the chaplain is,” CHAP Dibden said.

“We have all sorts of denomina-tions and other people who might be non-believers who will come and ask for guidance and support and to bounce ideas off, so I am going to try to help them and serve them as best as I can.”

CHAP Dibden’s consecration as Bishop was held at Anzac Memorial Chapel of St Paul, RMC-Duntroon, on March 18.

CDF GEN Angus Campbell and CN VADM Mike Noonan attended

the service, along with CHAP Dibden’s family, friends and col-leagues.

CHAP Dibden has had a long military career, first serving as an officer for 26 years in the Army in the Royal Australian Army Ordnance Corps, where he com-manded troops in East Timor and Solomon Islands.

About 15 years ago, he transi-tioned to an Army Reserve chaplain and believes this was a path he was destined for.

“I think my military service has all led up to this particular role – all the preparation to be able to do this role with a good understanding of the people I will be charged to serve,” CHAP Dibden said.

“Having been a commanding officer, I have a good understanding of what it is like to be on that side and therefore what an important role a chaplain can play in support of command.

“I’ll be able to bring that per-

spective to help people, I think, par-ticularly when our soldiers, sailors, airmen and airwomen are in life-and-death situations overseas.”

CHAP Dibden said his recent deployment to the Middle East as Coordinating Chaplain for the ADF was a reminder of the dangers ser-vice personnel face every day.

“It was a tremendous experience to be able to support and provide advice to command on spiritual issues and morale for the troops and oversee the chaplains on the ground,” he said.

“To be able to bring important spiritual intervention for people and share with them and walk with them and encourage them, I think it was a particularly important role to play.

“I think the role of Anglican Bishop to the Defence Force is criti-cal because, in essence, we are all spiritual beings.

“In a defence force, spirituality is part of morale, the fighting spirit of people.”

www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS April 2, 2020 11OPERATION MANITOU10

HMAS Toowoomba exercised with French Ship Guepratte in the vicinity of the Gulf of Aden, near the Arabian

Sea, in mid-March as part of the Australian warship’s support of Combined Task Force 150.

The task force’s mission is to stabilise the region and disrupt weapon and narcotic smugglers supporting terrorism.

During the exercise, Toowoomba and Guepratte conducted ship-handling training, including officer

of the watch manoeuvres and replenishment at sea approaches.

For LEUT Kate Millward, officer of the watch during the ship-handling serials, the in-company time was a final test before she was awarded her Anzac-class Frigate Bridge Warfare Certificate.

“Our passex (passage exercise) was another great opportunity to practise core skills of ship handling and warfare in company with a coalition partner,” LEUT Millward said.

“There are always new things to learn about the way other nations conduct their business at sea and I’m looking forward to taking our lessons learnt into our next patrol.”

The two ships also conducted a medium-calibre gunnery firing to practise command and control as well as flex their gunnery skills and operations teams.

Both ships were accurate and efficient, meaning the ‘killer tomato’ target came off second best.

Toowoomba justified her status as

the winner of the Otranto Shield for the fleet unit that achieved the highest standard in gunnery in 2019.

Newly qualified fire control officer (FCO) ABET Ben Turner enjoyed the opportunity to conduct the firing as the on-watch FCO.

“After conducting two patrols on watch, it was great to get to fire the gun and get rounds down range,” AB Turner said.

“It was also great to see the combat system and gun remain pinpoint accurate.”

Following the interaction, the ships detached to the strains of Midnight Oil coming from the French ship, whose captain professed a passion for the Australian band.

CO Toowoomba CMDR Mitchell Livingstone said it was “a wonderful afternoon spent in company with a modern foreign warship”.

“Concluding the interaction with a gunnery serial really brought home the reality of why our parallel missions are so important to the region,” CMDR Livingstone said.

Two warships, from Australia and France, spent an afternoon practising their handling and gunnery-firing skills together in the Middle East, LCDR Jason Grivas reports.

BON AMI IN THE ARABIAN SEA

HMAS Toowoomba conducts manoeuvres with French Ship Guepratte in the Arabian Sea.

HMAS Toowoomba fires her 5-inch gun during a gunnery exercise in the Arabian Sea.

Photos: LSIS Richard Cordell

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LEUT Mick Wheeler

AUSTRALIAN Clearance Diving Team Four received formal recognition of its outstanding work during 2019 when it was awarded the Rushcutter’s Shield in a presentation ceremony at Fleet Base West.

The shield was presented to CO CDT4 LCDR Fletcher Wall by Commander Mine Warfare, Clearance Diving, Hydrographic, Meteorological, Oceanographic and Patrol Force

CAPT Bryan Parker on behalf of the Fleet Commander.

The Rushcutter’s Shield is awarded each year to the minehunter coastal or Australian clearance diving team that has been foremost in all aspect of mine counter-measure operations, safety, reliability and unit-level training.

CAPT Parker noted the strong contribution of the team, particularly its role in organising and conducting Exercise Dugong during the year.

“Team Four’s preparation for and conduct of exercises and operations in 2019 was outstanding,” CAPT Parker said.

“The team demonstrated astute planning, consistently superior reli-ability and proven operational excel-lence in every task assigned both on the Australian station and across the globe. Team Four’s efforts supporting Exercises Dugong and Talisman Sabre were first-rate.

“Participation in Operation Render Safe enhanced the Navy’s reputation as a highly capable maritime force.”

CAPT Parker highlighted the con-tribution of the team’s former CO, CMDR Ryan Post, who led it during 2019, including through the multi-national Exercise Dugong.

“Exercise Dugong was a very com-plex Five Eyes activity with multiple water-space management challenges encompassing very shallow water

mine counter-measures, explosive ord-nance disposal, counter-IED disposal, underwater damage repair and expedi-tionary reconnaissance and clearance activities,” he said.

“The entire exercise in the end met all expectations with CMDR Post’s excellent leadership of Team Four being instrumental in its success.”

Imagery available on the Defence Image Library: images.defence.gov.au/S20201099.

Above par under water

13NEWSApril 2, 2020 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

LEUT Ryan Zerbe

AFTER 78 weeks of technical training in a range of disciplines, three officers have completed the Navy’s most mentally and physically challenging specialist program.

Having graduated from the Mine Warfare and Clearance Diving Officer course in March, the officers can now be employed across the globe delivering a maritime warfighting effect in the joint environment.

LEUTs Samantha McKay, Matthew Smith and Joe Woods received their qualification badges at HMAS Penguin from Fleet Commander RADM Jonathan Mead, himself a mine clearance diving officer (MCDO) and head of the mine warfare and clearance diving profession.

ADF Diving School acting OIC LEUT Matthew Rayner said the graduates had worked brilliantly as a team and had excelled in all aspects of their warfare training.

The course was a challenge but the graduates demonstrated how teamwork and resilience were key to achieving a positive outcome.

“The mental resilience and maturity required

to make it as an MCDO should not be understat-ed,” LEUT Rayner said.

“Our three newest MCDOs have proven that not only can they meet the physical demands that come with working day or night, in depths of more than 50m, but that they can also lead a team while doing so.

“They will lead sailors in implementing mine counter-measures, underwater damage repair, expeditionary reconnaissance and clearance and explosive ordnance disposal, which is a signifi-cant responsibility.”

LEUTs Woods and McKay will join CDTs 1 and 4, while LEUT Smith will join the mine-hunter HMAS Yarra.

LEUT Smith said becoming an MCDO had been his ambition since joining the Navy in 2010.

“The expeditionary reconnaissance and clear-ance phase is definitely the most mentally and physically draining part of the course, but having passion for the job and the camaraderie you build helps when you’re training over such long hours,” LEUT Smith said.

“If it wasn’t tough, it wouldn’t be worth doing.”

Divers emerge from toughest challenge

From left, CMDR Ryan Post, CAPT Bryan Parker and LCDR Fletcher

Wall and personnel from Australian CDT4 with the Rushcutter Shield at

Fleet Base West.Photo: LSIS Ronnie Baltoft

Mine Warfare and Clearance Diving Officer course graduates, from left, LEUTs Matthew Smith,

Samantha McKay and Joseph Woods at HMAS Penguin.

Photo: ABIS Thomas Sawtell

14 FEATURES www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS April 2, 2020

Following in his footsteps

SIBLING rivalry aside, SBLT Matthew Dobrincic was proud to officially appoint

his younger sister Jade as an Army nursing officer – at the equivalent rank to him – during a ceremony at Sydney Defence Force Recruiting (DFR), on February 25.

LT Jade Dobrincic said her brother influenced her decision to join the Army as a nursing officer.

“Going through school I looked into joining the ADF but I wasn’t sure at the time what role I wanted to take on,” LT Dobrincic said.

“I could see Matt really enjoyed the spontaneous aspect of his career.

“He was always moving around, getting a range of training and always seemed to enjoy the challenge.”

A naval police officer and lawyer, SBLT Dobrincic started his career in the Army Reserve.

“I joined the military police as a soldier while I was going through uni and then service-transferred to the permanent Navy as an ABNPC sailor,” he said.

“About a year ago I completed my law degree and I commissioned as a naval police coxswain officer in the same year.”

SBLT Dobrincic encouraged his sister to join the Defence University Sponsorship Program, which sponsors her for her remaining undergraduate year and two years of placement at a civilian hospital.

“She had already done some placements at civilian hospitals,

and I could tell she was craving more of a dynamic and team environment,” he said.

“I knew the military environment would provide the challenge and team culture she was seeking, so gave her a nudge in that direction.”

As LT Dobrincic progressed through the recruitment process and was given her appointment date, coincidence led SBLT Dobrincic to look into the possibility of becoming her appointing officer.

“It was only by chance that I met CAPT Simon Ho, the senior military recruiting officer at DFR Sydney during the Anzac Day ceremony in Kanchanaburi, Thailand, last year,” SBLT Dobrincic said.

“I just asked the question. When I got the go-ahead, I just ran with it.

“Jade knew I was going to be there but didn’t know I was going to be the appointing officer. It was a surprise to the family when I walked into the room in ceremonial rig.”

SBLT Dobrincic said it was his way of welcoming his younger sister into a “community I know she’ll enjoy”.

“I was pretty proud. It was an awesome moment to be involved in her joining the ADF” SBLT Dobrincic said.

“It will give her opportunities and experiences she almost certainly wouldn’t get in a civilian career.”

For more information on the Defence University Sponsorship Program, call Defence Force Recruiting on: 13 19 01.SBLT Matthew Dobrincic and his sister, LT Jade Dobrincic, with her Certificate of Appointment.

A brother welcomed his sister into military life at her appointment ceremony, writes CPL Julia Whitwell.

Cerberus club a sweet successHMAS Cerberus Bee Club was all abuzz as its members conducted their first “robbing” of their hives in January.

After collecting the honey-laden frames, more than 20kg was extracted, with jars of ‘Cerberus’ honey presented to CO Cerberus CAPT Mike Oborn.

“It was an honour to be presented with honey from the first harvesting by the Cerberus Bee Club,” CAPT Oborn said.

“The honey tastes great, but it’s even better to know that it is our Cerberus bees and Cerberus Bee Club that made this happen.”

Cerberus Bee Club president Andrew Thomas said it represented the hard work of the team members and, importantly, the hard work of all the bees.

“It was our first harvest since we established the club mid-last year,” Mr Thomas said.

Given the frequent flowering of native species around Cerberus, it is hoped that it will be full of honey in the next month.

Cerberus Bee Club vice-president LEUT Ian Murphy said it was important to understand the role of bees.

“Bees play a symbiotic part in the pollination of native vegetation around Cerberus and the surrounding farms,” LEUT Murphy said.

A call for interest in bee keeping went out to Cerberus personnel last August, with nearly 40 people attending.

Some had years of experience and personal hives, while others were seeking to increase their knowledge.

Beekeeping enthusiast ABCSO Susan Leggett said she was intrigued by the process.

“I’m fascinated by the important role that bees play for agriculture, with the pollination of so many food crops,” AB Leggett said.

Starting with two hives named Formation and Battleship, it provided junior members of the club an opportunity to learn about caring for bees.

The third hive, Mike, named after the CO, was added a few weeks ago to the bee club.

Formation, Battleship and Mike were from swarms that had occurred on buildings within the Cerberus precinct.

Bee Removals Victoria apiarist Shane Doran provided professional mentoring and guidance on how to best care for these important members of the biosphere.

It is hoped there will be another harvesting of the hives soon, allowing others to enjoy the sweet success of the Cerberus Bee Club.

HMAS Cerberus Bee Club members inspect their hives.Photo: POIS Nina Fogliani

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15FEATURESApril 2, 2020 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

Fodder for life and for thought

LSA Bradley Thomas drops carrots from an MRH-90 to feed wildlife in the Moreton National Park near HMAS Albatross. Photos: CPOIS Cameron Martin

SHOALHAVEN Mayor Amanda Findley took in a bird’s-eye view of the devastation caused by the summer bushfires when she

joined 808SQN in an MRH-90 to drop fodder for wildlife.

Cr Findley said it was sobering to see the damaged bushland from the air.

“The amount of soil erosion within our catchments was mind-blowing. Water is such a powerful vector. But it was good to see so many puddles and rivulets water-ing the land. Recovery is such a slow and pain-filled journey. The bush has been burnt so hot in some parts there is no regrowth at all.”

Personnel from 808SQN played a key role in the emergency response to Australia’s bushfire crisis, not only in the Shoalhaven. They also assisted with evacuations in Victoria, delivering liaison teams into isolated areas, and food, water and medical supplies to Mallacoota.

They resupplied HMAS Choules with everything from nappies for the children of the evacuees to food for the galley.

CO 808SQN CMDR Paul Hannigan said the bushfire assistance had been a demanding time for the Fleet Air Arm. The squadrons flew a total of 640 hours and 808SQN had flown 310 of those.

“We were the smallest unit with the highest output,” CMDR Hannigan said.

Pilot LCDR Jack Wadey, who flew

Cr Findley, conducted the forage drop of carrots and sweet potatoes over Moreton National Park

“It was encouraging to see some signs of regeneration,” LCDR Wadey said.

“I noticed a lot of the gum trees are starting to grow some green foliage and there is some greenery starting to come through on the ground close to the rivers and waterways. Otherwise there is nothing on the ground outside of this.”

The normal protocol is to avoid feed-ing wildlife, but the exceptional circum-stances have called for a fodder drop. An estimated 1 billion animals died in the bushfires and it is hoped the food drops will help to sustain wildlife while the bush regenerates.

CMDR Hannigan said the flight over the area allowed Cr Findley to see the extent of the fires in real time and appreci-ate how much worse it could have been for the Nowra/Shoalhaven region.

“Additionally, I hope she got an appre-ciation for the MRH-90 as a capable platform and for the professionalism of 808SQN aircrew.” he said.

Cr Findley said it was a privilege to join the Navy team on the flight.

“Thank you so much to all of our wild-life feeders, carers, medical assistants and to the ADF for doing amazing remote air relief for our animals,” she said.

The view from a Navy helicopter gave the mayor of a bushfire-ravaged region a new perspective, Dallas McMaugh reports.

Shoalhaven Mayor Amanda Findley carries a box of

sweet potatoes for the animals.

SGT Janine Fabre

ADF skydivers snagged a trifecta of medals at the Australian and New Zealand National Skydiving Championships in Nagambie, Victoria, in March.

A contingent of eight personnel from the three services joined more than 150 other competitors to compete in a series of jumps in formation and artistic skydiving.

The contingent took home three gold, three bronze and a silver medal in various disciplines throughout the competition.

Formation skydiving involves two or more competitors holding each other to create designed formations in freefall. The teams are known as two-way, four-way or eight-way, which refers to the number of jumpers.

The skydivers leave the plane at 12,000 to 15,000 feet and have only 35 seconds to create as many forma-tions as possible. Points are awarded to determine the winner.

Marine engineer LEUT Richard Phillips has completed 600 jumps in five years.

He was awarded gold alongside his two Army teammates after they achieved the highest number of forma-tions in the given time.

A critical element of the competi-tion is the videography as judging is done entirely on screen after land-ing. One of the members has the sole responsibility of staying above the formation and capturing it all on their helmet camera.

“The cameraman is considered part of the team and I had to ensure I kept them in frame, which can be challeng-ing at speed,” LEUT Phillips said.

His team competed in the verti-cal formation skydiving intermediate event. LEUT Phillips said this dis-cipline involved the skydivers doing formations at high speed, which added to the complexity.

Because the team comes together only for specific events and competi-tions, it has a limited period to train.

The team did about five jumps each day in the week before the competi-tion.

“We all knew each other but had never jumped together before,” LEUT Phillips said.

“We had to deal with the differenc-es in body weight and speed differen-tials, which we had to smooth out with adding weight and jumpsuit choices.

“It is incredibly rewarding to see the hard work and the training that the team put in has come to fruition and seeing their development over the course of the training jumps.

“I’m extremely grateful for the sup-port from the ADF Sports Council, the Australian Parachute Federation and Skydiving Nagambie for hosting the competition.

“I’m definitely hoping to go back if the opportunity arises.”

LEUT Phillips is now setting his sights on the Australian indoor nation-al skydiving competition, scheduled for later this year.

16 SPORT www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS April 2, 2020

All falls into place

CPL Hannah Kennedy

RESERVE nursing officer LEUT Paul Adams gave himself a shot at making the Australian Olympic team after taking the Australian Clay Target Association ISSF Skeet Commonwealth and National Championships at Lake Macquarie Clay Target Club earlier this year.

LEUT Adams took out the second of four Olympic skeet qualifying events with a final score of 234/250, increasing his lead on the national com-petition to eight points.

“This competition was an important part of the process for Tokyo selec-tions,” he said.

LEUT Adams used ADF Clay Target

Association (ADFCTA) events, including last year’s Combined Services Carnival, as preparation for the national event.

As well as shooting at the ADFCTA carnival, he also coached new skeet shooters through the basics.

“I’m grateful the Navy Reserve gave me the opportunity to pursue my two passions – clay shoot-ing and nursing,” he said.

The association’s 2020 Combined Services Championships, includ-ing all clay target disci-plines, are scheduled for September 13 to 19 at the Wagga Wagga Gun Club.

More information can be found at the ADFCTA ForceNet page, or by contacting SGT Chris Whyte on (02) 6937 5686.

Nurse takes careful aim at Olympics

ADF competitors, also pictured below, in action

during the Australian and New Zealand National Skydiving Championships in Victoria.

LEUT Paul Adams takes aim during practice and, inset, shows off the spoils of his success.

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WHILE Air Force Hornets and Army street machines attracted attention with noise and colour during the Superloop Adelaide 500 in late February, thee sailors from Team Navy beavered away quietly in the pits, helping to keep four supercars on track.

ABET Joshua Wakefield, LSATA Phillip Cowan and LSMT Colin Wilson joined the Tickford Racing Team at the start of the year as part of the Navy Industry Outplacement Program.

The three sailors had been work-ing full days at Tickford Racing’s headquarters in Melbourne since the start of the year, but Superloop was their first racing event.

LS Wilson, previously an air conditioning mechanic, said the experience was surreal, exceeded his expectations and exposed him to new ways of working.

AB Wakefield said the experi-ence allowed him to delve into the finer parts of his trade.

“Lots of guys wouldn’t get to do this on ships – breaking down engines into tiny bits and pieces – and it’s been the same for me with electrical,” AB Wakefield said.

“I’ve learnt heaps in regard to cabling that I just wouldn’t do in the Navy.”

The pressure was intense as the sailors watched video screens that counted down to the next race.

LS Cowan said this called for a different approach to what he was used to in his role of maintaining

MH-60R helicopter airframes.“The racing time slot waits for

nobody, so the other day I had to do a 40-minute job in 20 minutes by drilling into a composite panel and adding rivets after a panel wouldn’t align properly. It was a quick fix that allowed the car to make the race,” LS Cowan said.

“This isn’t the sort of thing we could do with a helicopter.”

Team Navy founder and man-ager LCDR Don Hogarth said he was proud of their efforts.

“They went through an exten-sive selection process to become part of the team this year, were thrown in the deep end within a completely new environment and have come through representing Navy extremely well,” he said.

“After working long days and nights in high-pressure situations, at the end of the year they will come away with new and different skill sets and bring those back to Navy. It’s definitely a win-win.”

17SPORTApril 2, 2020 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

It’s the pits but they love the challenge

– LSATA Phillip Cowan

‘‘ This isn’t the sort of thing we could do with a helicopter.

Team Navy’s LSMT Colin Wilson and ABET Joshua Wakefield (inset) in the Tickford Racing team garage during the Superloop Adelaide 500. Photos: LACW Jacqueline Forrester

18 SPORT www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS April 2, 2020

A range of skills on show

A sailor engages targets during the champion shot stage of the Australian Army Skills at Arms Meet at the Greenbank Training Area, Queensland.Photos: CPL Chris Beerens

A Navy competitor spots the fall of shot for an Army

shooter during the meet.

A sailor takes aim during the champion shot stage of the event.

Sailors receive their scores during the champion shot stage.

MAJ Carrie Robards

SBLT Jerome Dillon-Baker, of HMAS Albatross’ 723SQN, is Navy’s champion shot for 2020.

SBLT Dillon-Baker earned the title against his own service’s shooters during the Australian Army Skill at Arms Meet (AASAM) in Greenbank Training Area, Queensland, from March 13-19.

While it is called an Army competi-tion, teams from across the ADF are encouraged to compete.

International shooters are also usually included but that component was can-celled this year because of COVID-19.

The competition, which featured 160 shooters this year, tests the skills of the ADF’s elite shooters through realistic and challenging scenarios that require them to demonstrate sound judgement and rapid decision making, as well as testing their technical skill.

SBLT Dillon-Baker said the level of experience was often minimal, since many competitors would not have used their weapons since qualification courses, but this year’s field included a number of AASAM veterans.

“The exposure we get at one week at AASAM, as opposed to years of generic Navy range training, can’t be underesti-mated,” he said.

COL David McCammon, comman-dant of Army’s Combined Arms Training Centre, which hosted the competition, said AASAM exposed sailors to Army’s combat behaviours.

“We’ve seen our shoots go from more traditional range shoots to a more pro-gressive combat-shooting focus,” COL McCammon said.

“AASAM provides a great opportu-nity for teams to come to an activity that is already laid out for them.

“Competitors shoot four or five ranges in a day and get that exposure to those ranges they normally wouldn’t get.”

COL McCammon said teams had arrived at AASAM better prepared than in previous years.

“I’m really impressed with the three Navy teams, who gave Army a real run for their money in some of the shoots,” he said.

This year’s Army and ADF champion shot was LCPL Nicholas Latham, of 1RAR.

LCPL Latham said the secret to suc-cess was experience and time on the tools.

“I am fortunate enough to have com-peted in these competitions for many years. During this time I have learned how the practices are held, how to train for the shoots and how to manage me and my team best for the competition.”

But SBLT Dillon-Baker said just giv-ing it a go was worth it.

“Over the course of this week, we became much more comfortable with the weapons systems and definitely all went home from AASAM as better shots,” he said.

COL McCammon encouraged sailors to be involved in next year’s competition.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for indi-vidual shooters across the ADF to get a team together and come and see the latest techniques in combat shooting and apply the latest range shoots,” he said.

Nominations for the 2021 AASAM will open in September through the chain of command.

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19SPORTApril 2, 2020 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

A sailor takes aim during the champion shot stage of the Australian Army Skills at Arms competition.Photo: CPL Chris Beerens

Watch video at: youtu.be/KsdgmHayo9E

Volume 63, No. 5, April 2, 2020

SPORT

SURE FIRE

Top shot wins an arms chair ride

Pages 18-19

SBLT Jerome Dillon-Baker, of 723SQN, rides in the champion’s chair after being named Navy’s hottest shot at the Army Skills at Arms Meet in Queensland.Photo: CPL Chris Beerens