AIRAIRFF RCERCEVol. 62, No. 5, April 2, 2020 The official newspaper of the Royal Australian Air Force

INSIDE: OUR CHAMPION SHOT FOR 2020 – Page 7 ENGINEERING PATHS TO THE FUTURE – Page 15

HERETO HELP

Our response to COVID-19

Personnel from 8/12 Regiment

and 10FSB deploy from RAAF

Base Darwin to Christmas Island

to meet Australian evacuees from Wuhan, China.

Reports – Pages 2-5

2 COVID-19 pandemic

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EDITORIALDirectorDavid Edlington

Acting Managing EditorRichard Mihaich

EditorBenjamin Doherty: (02) 6266 7612

Deputy EditorMichelle Fretwell

ReportersSGT Max BreeSGT Dave MorleyCPL Sebastian BeurichCPL Veronica O’HaraCPL Julia WhitwellLS Kylie Jagiello

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

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AIRAIRFF RCERCE

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

READERS should be aware that most of the photographs published in this edition of Air Force News were taken before social distancing guide-lines were introduced.

The March 19 edition incorrectly referred to a C-130J Hercules as from “No. 3 Squadron”. The aircraft is from No. 37 Squadron.

In the same edition, the article “Role models take flight’ was incorrectly attributed to FLTLT Bettina Mears. It was written by FLGOFF Clarice Hurren.

Editor’s notesTHE ADF has temporarily relocated non-essential person-nel from Iraq and Afghanistan because of COVID-19.

Defence Minister Linda Reynolds said Australia regu-larly reviewed its operational requirements in concert with coalition partners and in con-sultation with the Iraqi and Afghanistan governments.

“Non-essential personnel will be relocated to Australia’s main logistics base in the Middle East and those who are close to concluding their operational duties will be able to return home,” Senator Reynolds said.

“This temporary measure is to preserve the safety of our people and partners and to

limit the spread of COVID-19 in operational areas.”

The spread of COVID-19 had resulted in the suspension of training missions in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Australia will continue to review its force posture and resume training in the region when it is safe to do so.

MER requirements reviewed

Focus on ways to help win fight

COMMANDER JHC RADM SARAH

SHARKEY

Continued ADF support rolling outTHIS 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, main-taining ADF capability and minimis-ing 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:1. Practice 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.2. Follow the latest pub-lic health advice. The best source of information is the Federal Department of Health and the State and Territory Health Departments. You must follow their advice when directed. Beware of social media. It is a source of mis-information that can cause real harm. The Defence

COVID-19 Taskforce, Defence People Group and Joint Health Command websites are also being updated regularly with up-to-date health and Defence specific guid-ance.3. If you are unwell, do not go to work. It’s never been more important to stay at home if you are sick. Do not soldier on through ill-ness. 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 pro-vider 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 practice social distancing, you could pass COVID-19 onto someone who might not sur-vive 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 one of your colleagues 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. 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 that 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 per-sonal hygiene and social distancing and encourage your family, mates, work colleagues and others to do the same.

Together we can overcome this challenge.

THE ADF will further support the national response to COVID-19 by deploying additional personnel to assist state and territory health authorities. Reconnaissance and planning support teams have been established in state coordi-nation centres.

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

CDF GEN Angus Campbell and Defence Secretary Greg Moriarty visited Joint Health Command in Canberra on March 23 to talk with members of the COVID-19 task force.

They met with ADF Surgeon General 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.”

LS Kylie Jagiello

Commander Joint Health and Surgeon General ADF RADM Sarah Sharkey and CDF GEN Angus Campbell, second from left, and Defence Secretary Greg Moriarty, left, meet with members of Joint Health Command, including the COVID-19 Operations Cell in Canberra. Photo: Lauren Larking

RCE 3April 2, 2020AIR F COVID-19 pandemic All of

us must lead by

example

COMMANDER OF THE DEFENCE COVID-19 TASK FORCE LTGEN JOHN FREWENWHETHER you are at

work, deployed over-seas 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 all our airmen, I ask that you look after yourselves, look after your family and your mates, and to be ready to help if called upon.

The COVID-19 task force con-sists 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

LTGEN John Frewen says all ADF members should work as a team to reduce health risks.

THE COVID-19 challenge confronting our country is al-ready massive in scale and all indications are that it will get

worse before it gets better. We must take this threat seriously and limit the impact this will have on the force. The Warrant Officer of the Air Force and I have been working with the Defence leadership and I wanted to let you know our thoughts.

Without exception, it is the respon-sibility of the entire workforce to adhere to all the advice provided by the COVID-19 task force – including social distancing rules, isolation and exercising proper hygiene. I include myself in this. After developing flu-like symptoms last week I was tested and, fortunately, returned a negative result. During my isolation I was

Be ready to answer if called upon

CAF AIRMSHL MEL HUPFELD

CAF AIRMSHL

Mel Hupfeld has called on

members to be vigilant.

Photo: Jay Cronan

working remotely from home and con-tinue to do so to preserve some depth and resilience across the Air Force Command team. We will continue a ‘work from home’ rotation here for a while yet.

The official advice and guidelines from the task force are not to be seen as a limitation. I expect leaders and personnel at every level during this crucial period to demonstrate good judgment when protecting yourself and those who we are responsible for. The health effectiveness of our force in 14 days’ time will have been a direct result of the order and discipline we

practise today. To get the best outcome for our people and our force, we must work together to, as they say, ‘flatten the curve’ and give health and other services a chance to cope. In the weeks and months ahead Air Force, with the whole of Defence, will be asked to assist the Government’s effort to man-age the COVID-19 outbreak.

To better service the community, some of you will be required to re-skill and serve where you are best needed. A good example of this is the ADF personnel who have recently plugged a short-term gap in labour at a factory manufacturing face masks, sanitiser,

goggles, and gowns. As members of Air Force, the community will look to us for support and leadership. Talk to your families and your networks and be aware there are aspects of misin-formation circulating. Do your part to combat this by educating your family using official sources available through the COVID-19 updates page on the Defence website. Treat this as your sole source of truth.

Anybody not taking their respon-sibilities seriously during this time will compromise our force. This is not acceptable. Not only do we have an obligation to the community, but we must also look to our wider role and responsibilities to government in the protection of our national interests. Our region is contested. Our capabil-ity and lethality contributes to security

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 guid-ance 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 our-selves 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 super-visors, make sure you’re checking in frequently on your team.

Every team member can play a role in ensuring our Defence resil-ience.

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 remain-ing true to our values of Respect, Excellence, Agility, Dedication, Integrity and Teamwork.

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.

and protects the rules-based order. Throughout this crisis we must remain in a position to project force on behalf of the Australian government. I have absolute trust in you and I know you will do your part to ensure our capa-bility is preserved. It is what we are good at.

Finally, I want to reassure you that during this period you and your loved ones can depend on this organisation to be there to support you. The situa-tion is serious and I will not mask my concern. However, if we put in the hard yards now, remain professional, capable and focused, we will get through.

Regards,Mel

CAF

4 COVID-19 pandemic

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 (JHC) has established 29 dedicated COVID-19 assessment stations for personnel on bases across Australia. This number may fluctuate as resources are allo-cated to areas of greatest need.

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

Defence is supporting state and territory authorities as part of the Government’s response.

Assistance will be tailored to each area in consultation with relevant authorities.

The scope and scale of Defence support is the subject 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 help police data and voice transmission have also been provided, along with medical

support to help screen people at bor-der control. Defence personnel will not enforce border controls.

A small team of Army engineer-ing specialists have been assisting at a surgical face mask factory until sup-plementary civilian workers can be recruited.

ADF support was also provided to the Department of Health with logis-tics and specialist staff.

A three-star-led task force to coor-dinate Defence’s contribution to the government response has been estab-lished.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Defence personnel were standing by to provide more support.

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

“Logistic 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.”

Defence has also called for volun-teers from the Reserves to determine the availability of individuals to assist with the Defence response to COVID-19. This is not compulsory service.

All ADF-level sports activities, domestic and international, have been postponed until further notice.

ADF Sport, along with the rest of Defence, Australian Government and the whole Australian community, has been significantly impacted by COVID-19.

Director General ADF Sport BRIG Phil Winter said sporting events would resume at a later date based on relevant advice.

Defence gyms closed, messes go takeaway

Virus hits ADF sport for sixLS Kylie Jagiello “We understand this will be

disappointing to all associations planning for or training for upcom-ing sports activities,” BRIG Winter said.

“We will provide ongoing direc-tion as we receive new information on the COVID-19 situation.

“The health and wellbeing of all ADF and Defence staff across the organisation is a higher prior-ity than sport. The decision was made given a range of medical and reputational considerations involved in conducting ADF-level sport.”

WITH the support of the govern-ment and ADF, Med-Con Pty Ltd, near Shepparton in regional Victoria, increased manufacturing production amid the outbreak of COVID-19.

Med-Con is an Australian-owned and operated company producing medical protective equipment such as surgical face masks, sanitiser, goggles and gowns.

More than 10 ADF personnel are providing temporary assistance in pro-duction, maintenance and warehousing tasks until the roles can be filled by civilian staff.

Defence Minister Linda Reynolds said work was underway to signifi-cantly increase their manufacturing capability over time to meet demand as the COVID-19 situation continued to evolve.

“From helping to access new equipment to providing staff, we are doing what we can to enable Med-Con to ramp up production and boost our domestic capacity,” Senator Reynolds said.

Directorate of Logistics Plans Project Officer LTCOL Nathan Crowley led the ADF team comprised of highly qualified engineering main-tenance specialists from the Army

Making a differenceLS Kylie Jagiello

Logistic Training Centre and the Joint Logistics Unit – Victoria (JLU-V) in providing support, and Med-Con’s out-put has already doubled.

“We went in with the task of increasing the output of masks and saw two parts to the solution,” LTCOL Crowley said.

“Providing personnel to assist on the factory lines and the capability to repair a third unserviceable machine.”

Led by draftspersons from the Land Engineering Agency, Special Operation Logistics Squadron provid-ed two soldiers to help inspect, iden-tify and model the required parts of the broken machine. These parts were then fabricated at JLU-V.

This team is now converting hand drawings of the surgical face manufac-turing machine into a 3D CAD model to allow for additional ones to be built.

WO2 Robert Freestone and Med-Con employee Jodie Smith label boxes of surgical masks. Inset: CPL Sander Vloothuis operates the surgical face mask machine. Photos: CPL Sagi Biderman

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RCE 5April 2, 2020AIR F COVID-19 pandemic

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

Caring for our peopleAS the Department of Foreign

Affairs and Trade (DFAT) was organising the evacu-ation of Australians from

Wuhan, China, to Christmas Island to escape the COVID-19 epicentre, 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 con-tingency response squadron (CRS) to RAAF Base Learmonth to support the Qantas flight from Wuhan and multiple aircraft movements of ABF-chartered aircraft conveying evacuees to Christmas Island airfield.

A joint task unit was rapidly raised from 17th, 1st and 6th 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’s mission lead Dr 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, the decision was made to source sup-plies 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 celebrating 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 sol-diers 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,” 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, RAAF – 7, Navy – 2• Howard Springs: Army – 47, RAAF – 2, E&IG – 2• Learmonth: RAAF – 50, Army – 4, E&IG – 1• Darwin (HQ): Army – 14, RAAF – 8, Navy – 1

Services Provided

• Maintenance of the facility – from changing lightbulbs to fix-ing plumbing, air conditioners, fridges and washing.• Grounds maintenance, includ-ed digging out drains and other labour.• Laundering bed linen.• Food chain from wholesaler to delivery to accommodation.• Cakes made for seven birth-days.• Transported evacuees to and from the civilian airports.

COORDINATED EFFORT

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 com-fortable as possible from arrival.• Provided welfare and entertain-ment items, as well as clothing and personal items. • Managed all warehouse stocks at Christmas Island.

• Up to 12 medical staff embed-ded with AUSMAT helped with disease screening, medical data and medical care.• Contributed to the Christmas Island concert for the evacuees, including performing.

Personnel from 8/12 Regiment

and 10FSB deploy from RAAF Base

Darwin to Christmas

Island to meet

Australian evacuees

from Wuhan, China.

6 News

Edinburgh changeoverTHE Edinburgh Defence Precinct has a new senior leader with AIRCDRE Philip Gordon handing over command of the Air Warfare Centre (AWC) and Senior Australian Defence Force Officer (SADFO), to AIRCDRE Brendan Rogers.

The ceremony was held on February 21 in the historic Hangar 592 at RAAF Base Edinburgh, cur-rently the home for the new Aircraft Research and Development Unit’s (ARDU) Pilatus PC-21. Defence Force personnel and close family were there to mark the occasion and welcome their new leader.

AIRCDRE Brendan ‘Buck’ Rogers has had extensive involvement in RAAF airborne surveillance capabili-ties, performing acceptance tests and evaluation activities in the USA before leading deployment of successive new capabilities on joint operations.

“I want to congratulate AIRCDRE Gordon on his vision and leadership directing the AWC through to a dec-laration of full operating capability [FOC],” AIRCDRE Rogers said.

“You should all take pride in your incredible achievements and you have built an expectation of continued excellence.”

“My commitment is to provide you with the leadership, support and advo-cacy that will enable you to deliver on our mission to ready the warfighter.

“We don’t get to do what we do on our own and I deeply appreciate the

FLTLT Bel Scott

support of my wife and family during my service career and that they were able to witness this occasion.

“Maximum sustained effort is inclusive of the investment you need to make in your current and future wellbeing and your support networks underpin this. Look after those around you and the rest will follow.”

AIRCDRE Gordon has taken up the new position of Director General Air Defence and Space in Air Force Headquarters, Canberra.

“Over the past 14 months in com-

mand of the Air Warfare Centre we have achieved a lot,” AIRCDRE Gordon said.

“As well as maturing the delivery of capability across the group and achieving FOC on 31 January this year, a particular highlight was the development and implementation of the Advanced Test and Training Environment, enhancing the conduct of high end testing and training.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as SADFO of a high-performing super base during which time we

delivered a very successful airshow and worked with community stake-holders to celebrate 100 years since the Epic Flight by brothers Sir Ross and Sir Keith Smith from England to Australia in 1919.

“I leave the AWC in very capable hands.”

AIRCDRE Rogers is from Wandong, around 50km north of Melbourne.

He joined Air Force in 1987 via the Australian Defence Force Academy in Canberra. He undertook pilot training

in on Pilatus P/C-9A and MB326H Macchi trainers before completing P-3C Orion operational conversion at RAAF Base Edinburgh. He has accrued more than 4800 flying hours across five Orion variants.

He was awarded the Conspicuous Service Cross in 2014 for outstanding achievement in the delivery of airborne electronic warfare capability for Air Force. His achievements in command during Operation Okra was recognised through the award of a Conspicuous Service Medal in 2018.

Outgoing AWC CDR AIRCDRE

Philip Gordon,

right, officially

transfers his command to

AIRCDRE Brendan

Rogers at RAAF Base Edinburgh.Photo: FSGT

Brent Taro

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Visit to MER base

IN BRIEF Cyber women wanted

RCE 7April 2, 2020AIR F News

Range of skills on show MAJ Carrie Robards

THREE Australian politicians recently experienced what life is like for deployed Australian Defence Force personnel in the Middle East region (MER). Federal Member of Parliament James Stevens and Senators Hollie Hughes and David Van participated in the ADF Parliamentary Program (ADFPP), visiting the main ADF operating base to gain an insight into operations conducted in the MER. On arrival the participants were immersed in reception, staging and onwards movement (RSO), a process that ADF personnel undertake to prepare them for operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. Since its inauguration in 2001 the ADFPP has performed a valuable role in building mutual understanding between the ADF, senators and mem-bers of parliament. Senator Hughes said it was important to see the prepa-ration Defence personnel undertook.

FEATURING a panel discussion between leaders in cyber security, Defence hosted a Women in Cyber seminar on March 11. With just 15 per cent of the Defence cyber workforce made up of women, the seminar was one of a series of cyber-centric activi-ties encouraging women to consider a career in cyber-related roles. SQNLDR Dianne Bell, of Air Force Headquarters, said the seminar dispelled myths about working in cyber. “I think cyber is a field that people are overwhelmed by or con-cerned about transitioning to, thinking they have to already be a boffin in that technical space,” SQNLDR Bell said. Panellists discussed common barriers for women in cyber careers, including the gap women perceived between their own skills and the skillsets required. PO Talei Stoll, from Defence Security Operations Centre, said there needed to be a shift in the perception of cyber security roles to attract more female applicants. Head of People Capability MAJGEN Natasha Fox said women were essential to cyber as an emerging battlespace.

FLTLT Rowan McBride, from RAAF Base East Sale’s Officer’ Training School, is Air Force’s champion shot for 2020.

FLTLT McBride earned the title after captaining the Australian Army Skill at Arms Meet (AASAM) RAAF team through days of competition against 160 competi-tors at Greenbank Training Area, Queensland from March 13 to 19.

While the competition has “Army” in the name, teams from across the ADF are encouraged to compete.

“Getting that time on the range is always appreciated and this is a competitive but friendly environment to shoot in,” FLTLT McBride said.

“For next year I think RAAF needs to gain a few more machine gun qualifications but otherwise, in regards to the shooting, we are right amongst the other competi-tors.”

The competition tests ADF’s elite shooters through realistic and challenging scenarios requiring them to demonstrate judgement and rapid decision making, while testing their technical skill.

Commandant of Army’s Combined Arms Training Centre COL David McCammon said AASAM provided an opportunity to expose airmen to Army’s combat behaviours.

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

“AASAM provides a great oppor-

tunity for teams to come to an activ-ity that is already laid out for them.

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

COL McCammon said teams were arriving at AASAM better pre-pared than previously.

“I’m really impressed with the two Air Force teams this year, who gave Army a real run for their money in some of the shoots,” he said.

AASAM was a bucket list experi-ence before retirement for RAAF team member SGT William Guthrie.

“My advice to competitors is ensure your fitness is up to scratch and you are familiar with the EF-88,” SGT Guthrie said.

“I haven’t conducted any of these types of shoots before – they are all about skills and time.

“My skillset placed me well in regards to the basic principles of shooting but the combat aspect of this competition was very challeng-ing.”

COL McCammon encouraged Air Force members to get involved in next year’s competition.

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

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

FLTLT Rowan McBride is carried in the champion’s chair after being named Air Force’s champion shot. Right: An Air Force member sights a target at the Greenbank Training Area. Photos: CPL Chris Beerens

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.

8X/7X_TwoWays_Australia_261x190_AFN_uk.indd 1 16/10/2019 14:21

RCE 9April 2, 2020AIR F News

New shepherd for ADFTHE new Anglican Bishop to the Defence Force, Grant Dibden, doesn’t stand on ceremony.

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

Bishop Grant said he believed he was a servant who led rather than a leader who served.

“In a unit, the vast majority of peo-ple don’t really care what brand the chaplain is,” Bishop Grant said.

“We have all sorts of denomina-tions and other people who might be non-believers who will come to talk to you 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.

“I provide that sort of care and sup-port for everybody who is in their unit, or in my case, in the Defence Force.”

The consecration of Bishop Grant as the Anglican Bishop to the Defence Force was conducted in an evening service held at the ANZAC Memorial Chapel of St Paul at Royal Military College Duntroon on March 18.

The service was attended by CDF GEN Angus Campbell, and CN VADM Michael Noonan, along with Bishop Grant’s family and closest friends and colleagues.

Bishop Grant has had a long mili-tary career, first serving as an offic-er for 26 years in the Army’s Royal Australian Army Ordnance Corps,

SGT Janine Fabre

where he commanded troops in East Timor and Solomon Islands.

About 15 years ago, he transitioned to become an Army Reserve chaplain.

Bishop Grant believes this is a path he was destined for.

“I think my military service has all led up to this particular role,” he said.

“All the preparation to be able to do this role with a good understanding of the people I will be charged to serve.

“I’ll bring an understanding of

what it is like to be on the other side. Having been a commanding officer, I have a pretty 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 com-mand.

“So I’ll be able to bring that per-spective to be able to help people, I think, particularly when our soldiers, sailors, airmen and women are in life-and-death situations overseas.”

Bishop Grant said when he recent-ly deployed to the Middle East as Coordinating Chaplain for the ADF, it was a reminder of the dangers that our service personnel faced on a daily basis.

“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 spir-

itual intervention for people and to be able to 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 critical because in essence we are all spiritual beings.

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

Bishop Grant Dibden, right,

with the Archbishop of

Melbourne, Dr Phillip Freier, at

Bishop Grant’s

consecration at the

Memorial Chapel of St Paul at Duntroon. Photo: SGT

Janine Fabre

11April 2, 2020RCEAIR F10 TYABB AIRSHOW

AIR Force and Navy have helped make the Tyabb Airshow a roaring success, wowing the crowds with plenty of action on the ground and in the sky.

Peninsula Aero Club president Jack Vevers said social media had been full of pride for what the small town of Tyabb on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula had been able to deliver.

“The Peninsula Aero Club Facebook page and all of the social media and the crowd on the day provided enormous praise on the Australian Defence Force for coming to our community charity event,” Mr Vevers said.

“The ADF is a wonderful drawcard, which in turn makes the Tyabb Airshow a successful event achieving its aim of sup-porting local charities.

“Without the ADF participation by the Air Force, and HMAS Cerberus, the show would not have become the success it is today.”

Aerial displays and flyovers by the Air Force Roulettes, a C-27J Spartan, C-17A Globemaster and RAAF Museum herit-age aircraft were a hit with the crowd.

“The Roulettes in their PC-21s put on the most magnificent display of precision formation aerobatic flying. However the sight of a C-17A Globemaster flying over a small rural airport was awesome, and coupled with the wall of fire explosion

TURNING IT ON FOR TYABB

Special friendship lights up Peninsula

From far left: The Air Force

Roulettes peform in the

Pilatus PC-21, CA-25 Win-

jeels (rear and second front)

and PAC CT-4 Airtrainers

parked airside and an

Air Force C-17 Globemaster

performs a flyover.

FLTLT Marina Lysenko on the ground during the last pass added to a wonderful end to the Airshow,” Mr Vevers said.

“HMAS Cerberus is an old friend of Peninsula Aero Club and the community. Being our local ADF base, Cerberus is part of the peninsula and is recognised as a force for good within the community,” he said.

CO HMAS Cerberus CAPT Mike Oborn spoke of the mutual respect the ADF and the Peninsula Aero Club had forged over more than 50 years.

“We are very proud to be involved in this event that has continuously grown in popularity over the years,” CAPT Oborn said.

“A lot of hard work goes into the plan-ning and execution of these displays, and you can measure its success by the count-less smiles that we see from visitors.

“The Navy has called the Peninsula its Melbourne home for 100 years this year — so the opportunity to support an event like this helps build those collaborative friendships that we value so much.”

Attendees learned about Navy’s Un-manned Aerial Systems at the static dis-play, experienced flying a helicopter via the Naval Aviation Prospects Scheme simulator and enjoyed Royal Australian Navy Band performances.

The airshow was held on March 8 and attracted more than 11,000 aviation en-thusiasts and local residents.

The crowd watches as pilot Paul Bennet flies the Wolf Pitts Pro over the wall of fire display at the Tyabb Airshow. Photos: CPL Kylie Gibson An RAAF Heritage Museum A68 Mustang is prepared for the airshow.

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MANAGING the visa requirements of the hundreds of ADF personnel who transit through the main operat-ing base in the Middle East region (MER) every year is a complex job.

It’s a role performed by Joint Task Force 633’s Visa Coordination Cell (VCOORD). The cell ensures the smooth movement of ADF members deployed to the region, which now stands at about 1200.

SGT Russell Vine is the VCOORD Second in Command overseeing the small team that provides the essential immigration support.

“Our role is complex and demands quick decision-making to ensure ADF personnel transit smoothly through to their destina-

Wide range of skills implemented to keep MER transits moving smoothlyLS Craig Walton

tion. It’s hard work but it is rewarding to get the job done,” SGT Vine said.

“It takes a diverse team with a wide range of skills to make what we do happen in theatre.”

The five RAAF members from the Expeditionary Airbase

Operations Unit Six, who make up VCOORD, come from a variety of musterings within Air Force.

CPL Alyssa Hamilton, a Personnel Capability Specialist, deployed into the role in October.

“VCOORD assists with moving

all ADF members into and out of the MER and we have the pleasure of seeing all members at least twice throughout their deployment,” CPL Hamilton said.

“We have a three-week hando-ver for our role. It is the longest of

any job in the MER, and that says a lot for the complexity involved.

“There is not a job like this back in Australia, so it has definitely been a steep learning curve, particularly with the regular arrival and depar-ture of the military air sustainment service flights.”

CPL Hamilton said apart from mastering the process of getting personnel in and out, people skills were essential because of the close relationship between the host nation and the VCOORD staff.

“A good relationship between us and the local staff is important, it enables a smooth transition in and out of the country,” she said.

“The host nation staff are great to deal with. They offer traditional Arabic coffee and good conversation when we are on the job.”

The Visa Coordination

(VCOORD) Cell from the

Expeditionary Airbase

Operations Unit Six at the ADF’s

main operating base in the

Middle East region.

LAC Daniel Payne left a tiling apprenticehip to realise a career passion through Air Force, CAPT Jarrad Baldwin writes.

LIFE IN THE RAAF

A true fire in the bellyLAC Daniel Payne is passionate

about firefighting.LAC Payne is an Air Force reservist Aviation Firefighter

deployed to the ADF’s main operating base in the Middle East region (MER).

“I wanted the experience of deploy-ing on operations because firefighting is my passion and I am lucky to do it as my civilian job and as a reservist,” LAC Payne said.

Back home in Brisbane, LAC Payne is a Queensland Fire and

Emergency Services (QFES) firefight-er at Capalaba Fire Station.

Born on the Gold Coast, this is his first deployment in his Air Force career that began 13 years ago.

“I was 19 and laying tiles as an apprentice wall and floor tiler, but that really wasn’t for me. I wanted to join the military and being an aviation

firefighter was the job that appealed the most.”

After four and a half years at RAAF Base Amberley as a full-time firefighter, LAC Payne transitioned to the reserve and his civilian job at the QFES. Now back on a full time contract, LAC Payne is working in the base Coalition fire and rescue section

alongside firefighters from the United Kingdom.

“It’s challenging working together because our procedures are different, but both nations bring our individual skills to the table and come together as one team,” he said.

The firefighting section provides a 24-hour response to a variety of differ-

ent RAAF, Coalition and host nation aircraft on the airfield and can respond quickly should there be an emergency.

“We also provide support to Camp Baird and the other Coalition camps on base, so I can provide expert advice on structural firefighting, which we do all the time back home at work.”

LAC Payne spent Christmas deployed on Operation Accordion and will return home to his 18-month-old daughter Millie and his partner, Lily.

Aviation Firefighter LAC Daniel Payne

is based in the Middle East region as well as working

with Queensland Fire and Emergency

Services. Photo: SGT Kirk

Peacock

RCE 13April 2, 2020AIR F Features

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14 Personnel

Name Years

WGCDR Stephen Haines 40

WGCDR Paul White 40

WGCDR David Glerean 40

SQNLDR Michael Spencer

40

WOFF Rodney Amos 39

AIRCDRE Stephen Winterton

37

SQNLDR Michael O’Rourke

36

WOFF Helmut Sturn 36

AVM Tracey Smart 35

GPCAPT Debbie Richardson

34

FSGT Sylvia Goddard 34

SGT Peter Harcourt 34

CPL Shayne Mcdowell 34

WGCDR Stuart Briese 33

WOFF Michael Elliott 32

WOFF Peter Hodgson 31

GPCAPT Jonathon Keily 30

SQNLDR Geoffrey Jarrett 30

FSGT Daniel Scott 30

WOFF Reece Twible 29

SGT Leeton Webb 29

SQNLDR David Burningham

23

SQNLDR Gregory Talbot 21

FSGT Tony Law 21

CPL Clinton Burchat 21

SGT Brett Corcoran 20

SGT Nathan Pearse 20

Who’s leaving after 20+ years

DEPARTURE LOUNGE

The value of all insightsWORKING with all three services is something expected of an ADF member with many years under their belt, but for PLTOFF Regan Ho it’s been a much earlier experience.

Operations Officer PLTOFF Ho is working as the Deputy Staff Officer Maritime for the Navy Air Liaison Organisation at Fleet Headquarters at HMAS Kuttabul, Sydney.

PLTOFF Ho said that his back-ground and past experiences had prepared him for working in the joint environment.

“Having been in the Army Reserve prior to joining the RAAF gave me exposure to how they do things which I am able to use now,” PLTOFF Ho said.

PLTOFF Ho believes that diver-sity is just a normal part of our day in the ADF.

“Working with people from a different background allows you to gain a unique perspective on a situ-ation based on their unique lived experience,” PLTOFF Ho said.

“Diversity can be people from all genders and races, but also from dif-

FLTLT Jessica Aldred

ferent organisations or backgrounds – like me as a RAAF officer work-ing with Navy.

“By normalising diversity, we value everyone’s insights because they are qualified, capable and professional people. But by mak-ing diversity a ‘thing’ that we have to focus on, we can reduce the willingness of people to share their ideas because they may believe they

are only valued because of their highlighted difference, like being a woman or identifying as gay.”

The key to this, said PLTOFF Ho, is to avoid creating an ‘us’ and them’ dichotomy, and our use of language is part of this.

“One example of this is call-ing on the opinion of females in a group. We should ask for their input because of the unique perspective offered by their background, but we should not call attention to this element by saying ‘what do the females in the room think’. This lan-guage can cause resentment because it draws attention to their difference as the reason their input is valued,” PLTOFF Ho said.

“We must use the diverse per-spectives within the workforce to achieve our goals, but it must be in a way that is tactful and does not make people feel that they are only valued because of their diversity.”

More stories from members can be found in the Air Force Diversity and Inclusion Guide at: http://drnet.defence.gov.au/raaf/AirForce/PERSAF/PersonnelBranch-AF/Pages/Resources.aspx

The Directorate of Organisational Behaviour and Culture – Air Force has developed the Air Force Diversity and Inclusion Guide which discuss-es diversity of thought, perspectives and approaches using examples, members’ stories and a range of online resources including Ted Talks and useful tem-plates.

THE GUIDE

PLTOFF Regan Ho says diversity is a normal part of ADF life.

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WORLD Engineering Day has pro-vided a unique networking opportu-nity for Defence and industry alike at RAAF Base Richmond.

March 4 was declared ‘World Engineering Day for a Sustainable World’ by the World Federation of Engineering Organizations last November.

RAAF Base Richmond celebrated the day on March 5 with a forum at the Sergeants Mess, attracting 70 engi-neers from across the base.

It brought together ADF members and public servants along with coun-terparts from Airbus Australia Pacific, Northrop Grumman and Standard Aero.

The majority of RAAF Base Richmond’s engineer community is engaged in supporting Defence’s air mobility fleet – in particular, the C-130J Hercules and C-27J Spartan aircraft.

The forum on March 5 allowed engineers to share insights into their work with their peers.

Presentations included Airbus Australia Pacific outlining the recent installation of an augmented crew sta-tion and Litening sensor pod on the C-130J Hercules, increasing the air-craft’s utility on disaster relief opera-tions.

A presentat ion by Northrop Grumman also examined the use of 3D-printed components as a source of spare parts for aircraft.

Chief Engineer for Air Lift Systems Program Office (ALSPO) WGCDR Herman Wong was one of the drivers behind the forum.

“We wanted a networking event to strengthen the collective engineering community of practice that contribute to Defence capability across RAAF Base Richmond,” WGCDR Wong said.

“My hope is that these kinds of net-working events will be a regular occur-rence at RAAF Richmond.

“They would be a focal point

Eamon Hamilton

w h e r e A i r Fo r c e , C a p a b i l i t y Acquisition and Sustainment Group (CASG) and industry can freely exchange ideas and innovations.”

Engineers have been a key part of the base’s workforce since its estab-lishment in July 1925, with its first dedicated engineering unit – No. 2 Aircraft Depo – formed in 1936.

RAAF personnel comprised much of the engineering workforce until the 1990s, when many engineering func-tions were transferred to Defence APS or industry partners.

Most recently, an ‘air mobil-

ity enterprise’ arrangement has been struck between Air Force, CASG and industry partners.

This arrangement sees industry holding greater responsibility for engi-neering and sustainment of RAAF-owned airframes.

The nature of this enterprise makes networking opportunities like World Engineering Day all the more impor-tant.

WGCDR Wong said the forum took the theme of ‘Integrated engi-neers’ environment at Richmond – key to effective outcomes’.

“This was to highlight that engi-neering was core to delivering safe capability effects that were fit for doing the job needed,” WGCDR Wong said.

“The increasingly challenging environment we are operating within means that engineers need to work closely with each other and with all capability stakeholders.

“That includes operators, logistics, and commercial and program elements if we are to achieve the outcomes at the required speed of relevance.”

Air Mobility Group operates 42

airframes across six different aircraft types, meaning it needs to have a diverse view of how the wider fleet is being sustained and developed.

“We can best achieve this by break-ing down our entrenched organisa-tional stovepipes which can inhibit information exchange, collaboration and innovation across networked and seamless combat air mobility plat-forms,” WGCDR Wong said.

Air Mobility Group Director Logistics Capability GPCAPT James Badgery presented at the March 5 forum and was encouraged to see the mix of ADF, APS, and Industry mem-bers present.

“When I looked around there was about 60 to 70 engineers in the room and that’s a good number to create a good number of ideas from a diverse range of backgrounds,” GPCAPT Badgery said.

“Engineers can get into the trap of managing relationships by email; these kinds of forum encourages them to see one another.

“It encourages dialogue about the sharing of ideas that otherwise might go silent.”

GPCAPT Badgery, an aerospace engineer with 25 years of experience, presented his vision for engineers at RAAF Base Richmond going into the future.

“The base is also drawing from the Western Sydney region, which brings with it a very diverse range of expe-riences and background,” GPCAPT Badgery said.

“The base still tends to have a sin-gular focus in delivering combat air mobility, with the C-130J Hercules but to a lesser extent the C-27J – so there’s still a common purpose there.

“It’s my hope that engineers in Western Sydney are going to continue to be critical to Air Force capability, and it was great for this event to bring together a large group of people [who are] committed to that same shared vision.”

Aerospace Engineer GPCAPT James Badgery addresses the forum. Photo: Gordon McComiskie.

CPL Julia Whitwell

Odd Bods honoured with AWM plaque

AT 95, WGCDR Edward Fleming (retd) was “delighted” to see his fellow ‘Odd Bods’ honoured in a plaque dedication ceremony at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra on March 14.

The Odd Bods are a collective of 25,000 RAAF personnel who served in almost 250 units under allied military commands during World War II, including the Royal Air Force (RAF), Royal Canadian Air Force, Royal New Zealand Air Force and the South African Air Force.

WGCDR Fleming said the plaque represented Australia’s acknowledgement of the group.

“It’s wonderful. We were abso-lutely thrilled,” WGCDR Fleming said.

“It’s recognition of the 25,000 folks, many of whom were killed.”

After joining the RAAF in 1943, WGCDR Fleming was trained as a Lancaster pilot and attached to No. 550 Squadron based in Lincolnshire, UK.

He reflected – with a hint of humour – that while some Odd Bods were the only RAAF members attached to the units in which they served, he was part of a mostly Australian crew flying for the RAF.

“Only the flight engineer in our crew was British, the other six of us were Australians,” he said.

“It must have annoyed him to no end, having a colonial pilot and crew.”

The Odd Bods UK Association formed in the 1950s to connect the RAAF members attached to the British and other foreign air forces. As their numbers dwin-dled, the Friends of Odd Bods Association was established, comprised mostly of the families of those Odd Bods who survived the war.

Friends of Odd Bods Association president SQNLDR Dr Bruce Waxman (retd) said of the RAAF members killed in action, 1824 were serving in RAAF squadrons and 3089 were in non-Australian squadrons, and even though they were over-rep-resented in the RAAF’s death toll from World War II, the Odd Bods’ service was long-overshadowed by other campaigns.

From left: SQNLDR Bruce Waxman (retd), Friends of the Odd Bods Association Inc. and Odd Bods Veterans President FLGOFF Geoffrey Conacher RAAF (retd), WOFF John Ireland CStJ Ld’H RAAF (retd), WGCDR Edward Fleming RFD RAAF (retd).

RCE 15April 2, 2020AIR F Features

Engineering pathways

16 Features

Dedicated team powering ahead on Woomera revamp

IN EARLY 2020, Defence Science and Technology (DST) transferred responsibility for the missile and rocket displays at Woomera township South Australia to the Air Force History and Heritage Branch (HH-AF).

DCAF AVM Stephen Meredith, agreed to refurbish the artefacts to enhance the Woomera Aviation Heritage Park as part of a program of refurbishment activities leading up to the Centenary of Air Force in 2021.

Director General HH-AF, AIRCDRE John Meier, directed Static Display Aircraft Support Section (SDASS) to undertake restoration maintenance on 29 of the artefacts under Exercise Woomera Missile 1.

In February, 14 members of SDASS deployed to RAAF Base Woomera to begin work on the task with a planned completion by Easter 2020.

SDASS members are RAAF reservists with many years of aircraft maintenance knowledge, skills and experience.

The team was led by WOFF David Dowe who also led the SDASS team in 2018 on the refurbishment of the Woomera Canberra Bomber, Jindivic and Meteor aircraft.

The meaning of Woomera is ‘a type of notched stick used by native Australians to increase leverage and propulsion in the throwing of a spear’ and is a fitting description of the facil-ity to launch missiles into the upper atmosphere and beyond.

The SDASS team restored arte-facts dating back to the era when Woomera was at the cutting edge of the fledgling space exploration indus-try. An example of this is the 13m-tall Black Arrow Missile. Four launches of this missile type were conducted at Woomera between 1969 and 1971.

Other examples of artefacts to be refurbished are:

• Blue Steel standoff missile• Ikara anti-submarine missile• Seaslug surface-to-air missile• MK82 high-drag bomb• Petrel sounding rocketThe members of SDASS take

great pride in their ability to rejuve-nate historical aerospace artefacts and see their efforts rewarded by the interest and enthusiasm shown by the public when visiting facilities such as Woomera.

WOFF Mike Downs

Cultural connectionsA UNIQUE collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artefacts is now on permanent display at No. 11 Squadron’s new facility where the pieces were unearthed during building work.

The exhibit celebrates the endur-ing connection of the RAAF Base Edinburgh community with the Kaurna people whose artefacts were discovered.

The tools and working stones belonging to the local Kaurna people, were carefully unearthed during the site preparations of the new purpose-built 11SQN hangar, maintenance and operations facility (HMOF) to support P-8A Poseidon operations.

RAAF Base Edinburgh Indigenous Liaison Officer FLTLT Steven Warrior said being able to retain this history at the squadron was a great honour.

“Being entrusted as a custodian of these artefacts that are hundreds of years old, and of such significance to the Kaurna community, is of the

FSGT Bodine Luscott

highest accord and one not afforded to many,” FLTLT Warrior said.

To accompany the artefacts, two artists, Sam Gollan, a Kaurna and Ngarrindjeri woman, and CPL Tara

Enchong, a Torres Strait Islander, were commissioned to paint murals rep-resenting the Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

Their work captured personal con-

nections to country and showcased the significant part 11SQN has played in that history with over eight decades of service.

11SQN CO WGCDR Simon Van

der Wijngaart said was a “a great hon-our” to display the collection that com-bined Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and 11SQN history and culture in a way that linked everyone to the lands and seas “that make up our home”.

“Since 1939, when 11SQN was formed, our commitment to the defence of Australia has run par-allel to the existing practices of the first Australians who presided over and engaged in the protection of the land and waterways for generations,” WGCDR Van der Wijngaart said.

Future plans for the exhibit include the addition of tablets alongside the artworks and artefacts with more in-depth information on each piece. Links through an interactive, digital knowl-edge portal will contain information on the importance of each item and the location where it was unearthed.

11SQN members and visitors to the new facility will also discover more about the Kaurna people and their language along with the impor-tance of the ‘Welcome to Country’ and ‘Acknowledgement of Country’.

Left: Artists Sam Gollan and CPL Tara Enchong with their commissioned works. Above: RAAF Base Edinburgh Indigenous Liaison Officer FLTLT Steven Warrior with a Kaurna people historical artefact at the new 11SQN facility.

Above, the members of SDASS Team in front of a Seaslug surface-to-air missile, from left, SGT Henry Taylor, FSGT Gavan Williams, SGT John Power, FSGT Steve Woodley and CPL Jarred Playford. Right: SDASS AVTECH SGT Henry Taylor and members of the SDASS team prepares the Seaslug missile for paint application. Below: FSGT Steve Woodley preparing the wing surface of an Ikara missile.

RCE 17April 2, 2020AIR F Features

S E E I N G a m a s s i v e C - 1 7 A Globemaster prepare for an Antarctic resupply mission was a dream come true for young Tasmanian George Miedecke.

George, an aviation-obsessed 12-year-old from the town of Cressy, in Tasmania’s north,was recently diag-nosed with leukemia.

He faces a long program of treat-

SQNLDR Paul Gough

Dream visit for GeorgeGeorge Miedecke checks out a C-17A Globemaster at Hobart Airport after it touched down to conduct a mission for Operation Southern Discovery.

ment, leading his teacher, Bianca Johnstone, to reach out to the Air Force’s No. 29 (City of Hobart) Squadron (29SQN) with a request to host George for the day.

George’s dream became a reality on February 26 when a C-17A touched down at Hobart Airport to conduct a mission for Operation Southern Discovery.

29SQN Acting XO SQNLDR Paul Gough said George and his dad, Sam,

were thrilled by the experience and made a four-hour return trip to Hobart to see the C-17A.

“George is one of the finest young men I’ve ever met, he was so excited and grateful for the experience and said ‘thank you’ about 1000 times,” SQNLDR Gough said.

“He was beaming from ear-to-ear and we were so pleased that he was able to visit the aircraft before it departed for its mission.

“During his visit, George was able to spend 45 minutes on the flight deck interrogating the C-17A crew. He was also able to watch the mobile air load team (MALT) in action, load-ing a snow groomer for deployment in Antarctica.

Aviation runs strong in George’s family, with his grandfather awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross during World War II and his uncle Ben serv-ing as a pilot in the RAAF.

29SQN CO WGCDR Dion Wright thanked the C-17A crew and the MALT for their enthusiastic support.

“The crew did a fantastic thing by this young boy and his dad, all on the day before the C-17A conducted its first mission to Antarctica for 2020,” WGCDR Wright said. “It was a busy day for the crew, but the fact that they devoted time to focus on George and his dad meant a great deal to the fam-ily.”

VICTORIAN Air Force Cadets have enjoyed pilot experience flights from Warrnambool airfield.Over February 21to 23, the cadets from No. 413 Squadron flew in the new Diamond DA40 NG training aircraft operated by the Elementary Flying Training School at RAAF Base Point Cook.

No. 413 Squadron CO PLTOFF (AAFC) Jane McDonald said the cadets enjoyed a great learning experience.

The instructors were WGCDR Dave Chaplin and PLTOFF (AAFC) Chris Hulley, with SQNLDR (AAFC) Scott Wiggins and CPL (AAFC) Craig Johnstone as operations offic-ers for the activity.

PLTOFF (AAFC) McDonald said the cadets were impressed with how accessible the pilots made them-selves, answering questions and providing explanations.

The Elementary Flying Training School at RAAF Base Point Cook

Diamonds set cadets on trajectory for exciting careerFLGOFF (AAFC) Paul Rozenweig

is a subordinate unit of Aviation Operations Wing, AAFC, which aims to deliver flying pathways through gliding and powered flying experi-ences and training.

The Diamond DA40 NG, leased

for exclusive use by Australian Air Force Cadets, features modern avionics and a turbocharged jet-fuel piston engine, with contemporary navigation and flight control sys-tems.

AAFC Commander GPCAPT (AAFC) Mark Dorward said the Diamond DA40 provided “a safe, comfortable and efficient means of positively inspiring young cadets’ interests in the aerospace and tech-

nology industries”. The instructional pilot experience flights are designed to help lay the foundations for an aviation career. They are supervised by a qualified flying instructor, at no cost to the cadet.

Leading Cadet Dominic McCosh and Leading Cadet Nathan Sagnol with PLTOFF (AAFC) Chris Hulley. Photos: PLTOFF (AAFC) Jane McDonald

18 Sport

Takingtheplunge

ADF skydivers snagged a trifecta of medals at the Australian and New Zealand National Skydiving Championships held in Nagambie, Victoria, from March 7 to 15.

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.

Formation skydiving involves two or more competitors holding each other to create predesigned 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 12-15,000 feet and have only 35 sec-onds to create as many formations as possible with points awarded to deter-mine the winner.

The formation skydiving is split up into different categories, with “blast” being the open category and then it goes up in skill level.

FLGOFF Warren Collins, from No. 92 Wing, in Adelaide, won a bronze medal in the four-way “blast” disci-pline.

“We were a team of four, we set up in the door holding each other’s grips and upon leaving the plane we have 35 seconds to make as many formations as we can and orienting them in differ-ent ways,” FLGOFF Collins said.

“We practise on the ground, we stand next to each other and orient our bodies in the way that we are going to be falling and then in the air we have a short amount of time to run through three different formations as many times as we can. I’ve never competed at a national level and I came in as a relatively inexperienced jumper with only about 130 jumps compared to some of these people with thousands of jumps. It was really exciting.

“The blasters have the most fun because they are usually filled with people who are around 100-200 jumps.

“We are all just excited to be in the sport rather than the higher-level teams who are just disciplined and focused.

SGT Janine Fabre

ADF team members

compete in the Australian and New Zealand

National Skydiving

Championships in Nagambie,

Victoria.

We are having a lot more fun. The workup gave us the opportunity to do a lot more training than I would other-wise be able to do.

“Being able to represent Defence is pretty exciting and because there aren’t many Defence members in the competition itself we had our little moment in the sun. And the support I receive from my chain of command to go out and compete is more than I ever expected. If someone enjoys those sort of sports and performs at a higher level they should go for it.”

Navy Marine Engineer LEUT Richard Phillips has completed 600 jumps over five years.

He was awarded gold alongside his two Army teammates which meant they achieved the highest number of formations in the given time. A critical element of the competition is the vid-eography as judging is done entirely on-screen after landing. One of the members has the sole responsibility of staying above the formation and cap-turing 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 particular discipline involved the skydivers doing formations at high speed which added to the complexity. Because the team only comes together for specific events and competitions, it has a limited workup period to train. The team did about five jumps each day throughout the week before the competition.

“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.

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

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Olympians hone skillsRCE 19April 2, 2020AIR F Sport

OLYMPIANS Lauryn and Russell Mark have helped ADF clay target shooters get their eye in.

They received expert guidance from the Olympic and Commonwealth gold medallists, alongside multiple national sporting clays champion John Younger during a cllinic in Werribee between March 2-3.

The ADF Clay Target Association (ADFCTA) shooters were instructed on adjusting their equipment and under-standing basic shotgun techniques. The small adjustments, clarifying processes and setting goals enabled the shooters to put their new-found knowledge into practice.

Unlike the EF88 Austeyr rifle Defence Force personnel use in their military training, clay target shooters use a shotgun to shoot at a variety of high-speed moving targets.

The targets are less than 10cm in diameter and depending on the discipline can change speed, angle and trajectory.

In trap shooting, the shooter is posi-tioned behind the trap house and the targets travel away from them – left or right.

Skeet shooters need to be able to change position to react to where the clay target comes from, which flies across them at a low or high trajectory.

The sporting clay discipline has five different cages that the clay targets are ejected from at a variety of speeds, direc-tion and trajectory.

The coaching clinics also include

SGT Janine Fabre and CPL Hannah Kennedy

instruction on fundamental competitive techniques.

Russell Mark has competed in five Olympic Games, winning gold in dou-ble trap-shooting in Atlanta in 1996. He was the first to win all four of the world’s major individual titles: the World Cup, the World Cup Final, World Championship and the Olympic Games. He was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in late 2019. His wife,

Lauryn, was born in the United States but relocated to Australia. She won dual gold medals for Australia in the 2002 Commonwealth Games and then com-peted alongside him at the London 2012 games.

Each of the ADF clay shooters worked towards perfecting their pre-shot routine and found immediate improve-ment in their individual scores. With the ADF shooters finding the focused train-

ing groups improving their individual techniques, scores and a stronger mental focus, they are ready for upcoming state and national competitions.

GPCAPT Tobyn Bearman trained in the skeet shooting discipline and said receiving extra training from outside Defence was different but invaluable.

“Defence sport is one of the best value extra-curricular activities we have,” GPCAPT Bearman said. “Being able to

access Olympic medallists, coaches in an all ranks, all services environment was immensely rewarding and a lot of fun. I couldn’t fault the experience.

“The atmosphere is relaxed but focused, the contribution of all ranks and civilians provides new perspectives.

“The best thing was spending time with teammates from all three services learning and improving.”

GPCAPT Tobyn Bearmancompeting in the skeet event.

SPSP RTRTApril 2, 2020

CLOUD CONTROL

ADF SKYDIVERS AMONG THE

MEDALS

ADF team members

compete in the Australian and New Zealand

National Skydiving

Championships in Nagambie,

Victoria.

Page 18