AIRF RCERCEVol. 54, No. 22, November 22, 2012 The official newspaper of the Royal Australian Air Force012 Th

STAR STAR FORFOROPSOPS

Thundering Hornets

Neptune brought back to life

Touched by royalty P3 P5 P12-13

WGCDR Mark WGCDR Mark Larter receives Larter receives

US Bronze US Bronze Star Medal Star Medal

for his role in for his role in Afghanistan Afghanistan

P2

AFGHANISTAN HONOUR: WGCDR Mark Larter was awarded a US Bronze Star Medal for his role in striving to persuade the Taliban to lay down their arms and reintegrate into their local communitiies in Afghanistan as part of the US Army’s 3rd Infantry Division in Afghanistan from April to October this year. He is also pictured below inset with members of the US Army and Afghan National Police.

2 November 22, 2012RCEAIR FNews

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DISCLAIMERAir Force News is published fortnightly by the Directorate of Defence News. It is printed under contract by Capital Fine Print. The material published is selected for its interest. The views expressed in published articles are not necessarily those of Defence or Air Force News. Every adver-tisement is subject to Directorate of Defence News approval and the Directorate of Defence News may, at its discretion, refuse to accept an advertise-ment. The Directorate accepts no responsibility or liability in relation to any loss due to the failure of an advertisement to appear or if it appears in a form not in accordance with the instructions received by the Directorate of Defence News. The fact that an advertisement is accepted for publication does not mean that the product or service is endorsed by the Department of Defence or Air Force News.

CPL Mark Doran

A RAAF officer who led a team striving to persuade the Taliban to lay down their arms and reintegrate into their local communities has been awarded a Bronze Star Medal by the US Army’s 3rd Infantry Division.

WGCDR Mark Lar ter, who deployed to Afghanistan in April, was awarded the medal on October 20.

He has now returned to Australia a f te r se rv ing a t HQ Regional Command (South) in Kandahar, where he worked as the 82nd Airborne Division’s and 3rd Infantry Division’s Stability Division Reintegration Cell Chief.

In 2010, the Afghan Government approved the Afghanistan Peace and Reintegration Program (APRP).

Its aim was to “encourage Taliban fighters and leaders, previously sided with armed opposition and extremist groups, to renounce violence and join a constructive process of reintegration to benefit from a chance at peace and

sustained governance and economic development”.

WGCDR Larter said the team he led on behalf of the Afghan and ISAF national coordinators consisted of specialist US mili-tary officers who provided Afghan APRP stakeholders with the plan-ning, mentoring and support to

organise peace shuras, events and messaging to promote the peace program.

“We interacted with Afghans from the Provisional Peace Councils and Provisional Joint Secretariat Teams who conduct the outreach activities in an effort to negotiate with Taliban fighters and bring them back into their

communities to live peaceful and pro-ductive lives,” he said.

Reintegration is an integral part of Afghanistan’s culture and over the past decades, warfare fighters have regu-larly swapped sides.

Reintegration is naturally contro-versial and there has been resistance because it involves working with indi-viduals who have been fighting – and possibly killing – Afghan and coalition forces.

Almost 6000 fighters or insurgents have formally reintegrated through the program and currently there are close to 300 former Taliban fighters who have joined the program in Regional Command (South).

WGCDR Larter said factors such as tribal tensions, the presence of for-eign fighters and southern Afghanistan possessing a higher density of hard- core insurgents, made it more diffi-cult to persuade the Taliban to join the peace program in the South than in the West and North Regional Commands.

“Insurgents who elect to join the

program undergo a process which involves completing a survey to find out why they did not want to fight any-more followed by vetting and biomet-ric testing,” he said.

“Once identified as fighters and being eligible to join the program, insurgents are provided with a mod-est transition allowance to help them reintegrate into the communities and reunite with their families.”

It was WGCDR Larter’s second mission in Afghanistan and he said leading combat-experienced US sol-diers in support of Afghan efforts was so far his most challenging appoint-ment.

“A standout memory was meeting a Taliban commander face-to-face with my US colleagues and leading the sub-sequent negotiations to convince him to join the program – this is a role normally carried out by the Afghans,” he said.

“Being awarded the Bronze Star Medal is a fantastic honour and capped off a hugely rewarding deployment.”

Bronze Star for peace

CAF AIRMSHL Geoff Brown received an update on the F-35 program and saw the first cen-tre fuselage being made when he visited Northrop Grumman Corporation’s F-35 Lightning II production facility in Palmdale, California on November 2.

He visited the facility while in California for the acceptance ceremony for Air Force’s sixth C-17A on November 1.

“It was great to see first-hand the work that is being done for the F-35 program,” AIRMSHL Brown said.

“The F-35 uses a combina-tion of stealth, advanced sen-sors, networking and data fusion capabilities to enable an air combat edge. To see the centre fuselage, as a key building block for the aircraft, was a special opportunity.”

The first inlet ducts were jig-loaded on October 9. These will form the first of two RAAF F-35 centre fuselages – denoted AU-1 and AU-2 – to be delivered in 2014 for pilot training.

The vice-president of the F-35 program for Northrop Grumman, Michelle Scarpella, said they were honoured to host CAF at their facility.

“AIRMSHL Brown was able

to see our advanced facility and manufacturing techniques that will help deliver the most advanced and most effective stealthy strike fighter to the RAAF,” Ms Scarpella said.

As a principal member of the Lockheed Martin-led F-35 indus-try team, Northrop Grumman performs a significant share of the work required to develop and produce the aircraft.

Meanwhile, Australian aero-space company TAE has manu-factured and delivered their first parts for Australia’s first two F-35As – advanced liquid-cooled electronics chassis assemblies.

Defence Materiel Minister Jason Clare made the announce-ment on November 15.

“This work is potentially worth in excess of $15 million over the life of the Joint Strike Fighter Program,” Mr Clare said.

“TAE has shown it is a glob-ally competitive manufacturer which has won work on the most advanced fighter aircraft in the world.

“The parts made here will be installed on every Joint Strike Fighter. That means there will be a little bit of Queensland in every aircraft.”

CAF sees F-35 in the making in California production facility

CAF WAS HERE: AIRMSHL Geoff Brown signs the first F-35 centre fuselage in the company of Gary Ervin, president of Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems.

Photo: Northrop Grumman Corp

AFGHANISTAN WORK: WGCDR Mark Larter meets Uruzgan Provincial Governor Amir Mohammad Akhundzada.

Photo: Lockheed Martin

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3November 22, 2012RCEAIR FF News

SGT Dave Morley

AUSTRALIA’S Federation Guard mem-ber LAC John Campbell turned 42 the day Prince Charles and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, visited the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.

But he was more than happy to work on his birthday. In fact, he volunteered for the honour.

LAC Campbell was part of a catafalque guard on November 10.

He said he volunteered to work because it was a very good way to celebrate his birth-day.

“My mother and father are both very interested in the royals so me doing this will make them very proud,” he said.

Prince Charles and Camilla laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

SGT Dave Morley

FLTLT Mark Saurins was struck by Prince Charles’s love of flying when he talked to him at Garden Island on November 9.

Specifically, they discussed the versatility of the C-130 Hercules and its low-flying ability.

FLTLT Mark Saurins, of the Air Movements Training and Development Unit at RAAF Base Richmond, was one of several Air Force members among a number of ADF personnel who spoke with Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, at Garden Island during their Australian visit.

ADF members who had previously deployed, and their families, gathered at the RAN Heritage Centre for a meet and greet with the royal couple.

“The Prince said he was impressed with the amount of ‘free’ airspace we had to fly around in, compared to the UK, where due to its size and restricted airspace, low-level routes are few and far between,” FLTLT Saurins said.

“He mentioned it would be a joy to fly low level around the whole of the Australian coastline in a Herc one day.

“I did explain a few RAAF C-130 crew members may have actually achieved this, but most are still chasing that milestone. It takes years to cover the ground.”

FLTLT Saurins said it was evident that the prince had previous flying experience.

“He had flown a few aircraft types during his Royal Air Force pilot training in the 70s, including the Chipmunk, Beagle Basset and Bae146, an aircraft of the Queen’s Flight,” he said.

“It was a great experience to meet him. He was knowledgeable, hospitable and an overall friendly chap.”

FLTLT Joshua Buggy, a logistics officer at 22SQN, spoke with the Duchess of Cornwall.

“The Duchess asked where I had deployed and when, to which I said that it had been East Timor from October 11 to December 11,” he said.

“I mentioned that I got back just in time for the birth of our first child and she asked when that was.

“I informed her that we had our daughter in April of this year.”

FLTLT Buggy said the opportunity to meet the duchess was a great honour.

“Both the Duchess and Prince Charles were lovely, down-to-earth people who seemed to have a genuine interest in the stories of each of the members they spoke to,” he said.

A right royal occasion

ROYAL CONVERSATION: FLTLT Mark Saurins talks to Prince Charles at the RAN Heritage Centre, Garden Island; inset, Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, talks to FLTLT Joshua Buggy. Photos: AB Sarah Williams

Birthday that won’t be easily forgotten

VOLUNTEERED: LAC John Campbell, who was part of the catafalque party. Photo: LACW Casey Gaul

MEMORABLE: Prince Charles stops to wish ACW Breeannan Williams happy birthday on parade at Garden Island. Photo: LACW Casey Gaul

MEMORABLE: Prince Charles stops

AUSTRALIA’S Federation Guard member ACW Breeannan Williams got one of the sur-prises of her life when Prince Charles stopped to wish her happy birthday.

ACW Williams was par-ticipating in the Royal Guard to welcome the couple to Sydney.

“My section sergeant had told my OC that it was my birthday but I didn’t expect him to tell Prince Charles,”

ACW Williams said. “His Royal Highness wished me many happy returns and said he wouldn’t dare ask me how old I was.

“I told him I was 25.“He was very sincere; it was

a great birthday present.” ACW Williams said straight

after the parade she told every-one about the exchange.

“People were astonished and excited as I was,” she said.

Prince grants a wish

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4 November 22, 2012RCEAIR FFNews

Eamon Hamilton

DECADES of keeping a low profile by Air Force C-130Hs is about to change.

Better known for drab camou-flage and flying in the world’s tough-est environments, a C-130H has received a bright tail art scheme to mark its retirement.

The ‘sunset’ design on aircraft A97-005 was born from 37SQN and 28SQN photographers at RAAF Base Richmond.

SGT Phil Stickley, SNCOIC of aircraft surface finishers at 37SQN, said his team modified the design so that it could be painted over 44 square metres of the C-130H’s tail.

There were some initial reserva-tions from the surface finishers about the job, according to SGT Stickley.

“Most of my guys had never taken on a job of this magnitude,” SGT Stickley said.

“The job from day one was intense – sanding, then preparing 44 square metres of vertical stabiliser in one day was a massive task.”

SPLASH OF COLOUR: 37SQN aircraft surface finishers LACs Nathan Woodhouse, Mark Back and, Shane Wright, CPL Kelvin Green, LAC Luke Kitchen and SGT Phil Stickley celebrate the completion of the tail art; right, SGT Stickley supervises the job.

Photos: LAC David Said

For seven days straight, painters worked extra hours and used 15.7 litres of paint, starting with a base coat. They then masked the tail and airbrushed to accomplish the sunset effect, before finishing with a matt clear top coat.

“The guys were excited to be doing something different and mean-ingful – the H-model Hercules are part of the painter’s history as well.

“It was above and beyond their normal role, and completely outside

of their military experience and com-fort zone.

“My painters are very happy with the finished product, and I am very proud of them,” he said.

The aircraft will take prominence in the lead up to the C-130H retire-ment.

On November 23, C-130Hs will fly over Canberra, Wagga, Tamworth, Lake Cargelligo and Gilgandra. The intention is to farewell communities in NSW that have played a key role in supporting and training for the C-130H.

On November 24, RAAF Base Richmond will host a family day for members of 37SQN, to be followed by a mass reunion of the Australian Hercules community.

On November 30, 37SQN will conduct a farewell parade for the C-130H, with a dining-in for past and present C-130H personnel that night.

For more information about C-130H appearances, see www.airforce.gov.au

Big H’s tail with Big H’s tail with a happy endinga happy ending

DAUNTING TASK: LAC Mark Back at work.

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5November 22, 2012RCEAIR FF News

FLGOFF Nerita Lewis

NUMBERS 3 and 75SQNs joined forces to expend almost 100,000 pounds of high explosive and 52,000 pounds of inert ordnance between October 22 and November 9.

The two squadrons brought their Hornets together for the annual bomb-ing camp Exercise Arnhem Thunder, conducted out of RAAF Base Tindal and flown over the Delamere Weapons Range and Bradshaw Field Training Area.

3SQN deployed 10 Hornets and 140 personnel to the exercise, which also included 1SQN Super Hornets and a 2SQN Wedgetail.

The aircrew were supported by a large array of ground personnel from 322 Expeditionary Combat Support Squadron (322ECSS) and other areas of the Tindal base.

Numbers 3 and 75SQNs combined to operate as a single unit, thereby generating a high rate-of-effort that enabled a sustained and complex train-ing program.

3SQN detachment command-er SQNLDR Tim Ireland said that Arnhem Thunder was a unique exer-cise because the squadrons combined.

“Arnhem Thunder was a very valu-able exercise, which aimed at upgrad-ing Hornet pilots to B Category (four-ship combat lead) and conducting live fighter strike training,” SQNLDR Ireland said.

“It took a lot of work from a lot

of people living in hot, cramped conditions, supported very well by 322 ECSS.”

Arnhem Thunder was also benefi-cial for 3SQN’s armament technicians,

Arnhem Thunder bang

as they worked with a diverse range of weapon types, from unguided inert bombs to modern GPS-guided high explosive weapons.

3SQN armaments officer FLGOFF

Gareth Buckett said the exercise con-firmed 81WG’s ability to precisely and quickly deliver a decisive quantity of firepower, on target.

“The wide range of ordnance has

allowed us to achieve a significant amount of training for both aircrew and armament crews that they would otherwise not get,” FLGOFF Buckett said.

STRENGTH IN NUMBERS: A Classic Hornet takes off at RAAF BaseTindal as part of Exercise Arnhem Thunder; left inset, eight 1SQN Super Hornets queue up for take-off; below inset, a 2SQN Wedgetail. Photos: SGT Shane Gidall

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6 November 22, 2012RCEAIR FFNews

SA supports reservistsSOUTH Australia is the first state to sign a whole-of-government memorandum of understanding (MOU) to allow reservists to better balance their employment and service to the ADF. With South Australia being a hub for numerous Defence industries, the MOU will reassure public sector workers in the reserves that they have their employer’s full support.

Revved up for rideMOTORBIKE riders from Canberra took part in the annual Snowy Ride on November 3, which raised money for childhood cancer research. Ride organiser Paul Brealey said another ride to Cairns in May 2013 was being planned and any Defence member or ex-member, ADF or APS, can join by contacting him on the DRN.

Campus milestoneMORE than 1.5 million courses have now been completed using Defence’s corporate learning management system, Campus. Outgoing Director General of the Defence Learning Branch BRIG Peter Gates said that Campus recorded 317,640 courses in the last financial year, with the benefits and savings being wide-ranging.

IN BRIEF

NCODefence Force MagistrateOne charge obtaining a financial advantage by deception – DFDA s. 61(3) and Criminal Code Act 1995 s. 134.2)

The member was accused of knowingly obtaining a service allowance (totalling $24,000) that the member was not entitled to.The member pleaded guilty and was found guilty.The member was reduced in rank, dismissed from the ADF, and imprisoned for three months. Member also required to enter into a recognisance order to the sum of $2000 and be of good behaviour for two years, unconditionally.

Other rankRestricted Court MartialFour charges obtaining a financial advantage by deception – DFDA s. 61(3) and Criminal Code Act 1995 s. 134.2One charge falsifying a service document – DFDA s. 55(1)(b)

The member was accused of knowingly obtaining a service allowance (totalling $9210) that the member was not entitled to. For one charge, member alternatively accused of making a false entry in a service document with the intent to deceive others.The member pleaded guilty and was found guilty of three charges of obtaining a financial advantage by deception. Member pleaded and was found not guilty of the remaining charges.The member was dismissed from the ADF, fined $1500 (to be paid in instalments), severely reprimanded and ordered to pay reparation of $8510 (in instalments).

OfficerDefence Force MagistrateThree charges recklessly making false or misleading statement in relation to application for benefit – DFDA s. 56(4))

The member was accused of recklessly making misleading statements in relation to a service allowance.The member pleaded guilty to each charge and was found guilty.The member forfeited seniority in rank.

Other rank Defence Force MagistrateOne charge obtaining a financial advantage – DFDA s. 61(3) and Criminal Code Act 1995 s. 135.2(1)Three charges signing false service document – DFDA s. 55(1)(a)

The member was accused of knowingly receiving rental allowance (totalling $6198) member was not entitled to, and signing an associated service document with the intent to deceive others. The member pleaded guilty to all charges and was found guilty.The member sentenced to 28 and 42 days detention to be served concurrently, which was suspended. Member also forfeited seniority.

OCTOBER TRIAL RESULTS

GPCAPT Christopher Ward, Director Military Discipline Law

THE use of discipline officers appointed by commanding offic-ers to deal with minor disciplinary infringements by members up to flight lieutenant when appropriate, has increased.

There were 5306 discipline

officer hearings in 2011 relating to minor breaches of the Defence Force Discipline Act 1982.

These include failure to comply with a general order (44 per cent), disobeying a lawful command (18 per cent), absence without leave (13 per cent) and absence from duty (11 per cent).

Common punishments imposed included the restriction of privileges, reprimands, fines and extra duties.

Records of infringement notices do not form part of a member’s conduct record, but are kept on a unit register for 12 months before being destroyed.

If a member does not admit to having committed the infringement or does not elect to be dealt with by a discipline officer, or the discipline officer considers the infringement too serious, the member may be charged and tried by a summary authority.

Management of minor offences

Military justice: convictions and punishments

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7November 22, 2012RCEAIR FF News

A 16-YEAR-OLD cadet from Sydney had her incred-ible courage recognised on September 12 when Governor-General Quentin Bryce presented her with a Commendation for Brave Conduct at Government House in Sydney.

CWOFF Ashleigh Flanagan, of Oatley, is believed to be the only current Australian Air Force Cadet (AAFC) member in NSW to have received the prestigious award.

She is a member of 302SQN AAFC, based at Rockdale.

In November 2010, CWOFF Flanagan was on a school surf camp near Lake Tabourie on the South Coast.

About midday, she and friend Joanna Stavrou were under instruction in the surf when they left the water for a break.

As they did so: “We saw a little girl crying and scream-ing ‘Mummy’ and pointing out to the water,” CWOFF Flanagan said.

“There were three people – a little boy, the little girl’s mother and her grandfather; they were 50-100m out into the water, stuck in a strong current,” CWOFF Flanagan said.

The two teens acted instinctively, entering the water and keeping the fam-ily afloat until further help arrived.

CWOFF Flanagan said the family had been in the water for about 40 minutes and were weak, tired and distraught.

“Once I realised exactly what the situation was, I just acted immediately out of instinct,” she said.

“Joanna and I ran out into the water to get them out of the current and bring them back to land.”

The pair kept the other three afloat for about 15 min-utes until help arrived.

“We kept them afloat until one of our surf instructors with a board paddled them out and then Joanna and I swam back to shore.”

Neither CWOFF Flanagan

nor Miss Stavrou had surf life-saving experience. They said there had been extreme water conditions on the day – it was cold and windy, with danger-ous surf and strong currents.

CWOFF Flanagan said that the three were amazed and thankful that they were able to swim out, help them and keep them upright.

After the rescue CWOFF Flanagan was shocked and amazed at what she and her friend had just achieved.

FSGT (AAFC) Emma Williams, of 3WG AAFC, said CWOFF Flanagan had been a cadet since 2009 and was an active member of her squadron.

“Her family and her AAFC colleagues are incredibly proud of her achievement,” FSGT Williams said.

“Ashleigh told me that she had never been to such a large ceremony as that at Government House but she was proud her actions had been recognised.”

Honour for Ashleigh

LIFE SAVER: CWOFF Ashleigh Flanagan, also pictured above inset in uniform, was awarded a Commendation for Brave Conduct for diving into dangerous surf to help rescue a family in trouble in November 2010. Main photo: Emma Williams

h id

8 November 22, 2012RCEAIR FNews

FLTLT Melody Earl

WOFF-AF Mark Pentreath is calling on all Air Force members to get behind the White Ribbon campaign.

The White Ribbon campaign is Australia’s only national male-led violence prevention campaign and is designed to stop violence against women.

CAF AIRMSHL Geoff Brown, DCAF AVM Leo Davies and WOFF Pentreath are White Ribbon ambassa-dors and want people to know that vio-lence against women is unacceptable.

“Violence against women is unac-ceptable, and both as Warrant Officer of the Air Force and as a man I want to play my part in ending the violence,” WOFF Pentreath said.

White Ribbon Day is on November 25 but Air Force is encouraging a vari-ety of events throughout the month, including the Bridge-to-Bridge walk/run in Canberra on November 23,

individuals swearing the oath and local unit activities encouraging conversa-tions on the topic.

AIRMSHL Brown said it was important for as many members as possible to stand up and clearly show their support for White Ribbon Day.

“Violence against women is never acceptable,” he said.

“By active participation in the White Ribbon campaign we are send-ing a clear statement of where we stand.”

WOFF Pentreath said the male and female Air Force members had a strong standing in the community and the power to promote change.

“Standing shoulder to shoulder with both men and women to defend our national interests both within Australia and while on operations is a great honour, but I oppose violence, and swear the oath to protect and defend women,” he said.

“The White Ribbon campaign

Standing united on campaign

invites men to make a difference by swearing an oath never to commit, excuse or remain silent about violence against women. This oath is not just a ‘feel good’ statement.”

The campaign began in Canada in 1991, initiated by a group of men wearing white ribbons on the second anniversary of the massacre of 14 women by a gunman in Montreal.

“Wearing a white ribbon and swearing the oath is my personal

pledge and I encourage others to do the same,” WOFF Pentreath said.

“I aim to see all Air Force men swear this oath and acknowledge and commit to personal leadership on this issue. I look forward to hearing about unit activities and even seeing photos of creative displays of a white ribbon within the workplace.”

Go to www whiteribbon.org.au and swear the oath:

➤ Never to commit violence against women ➤ Never to excuse violence against women ➤ Never to remain silent about violence

against women

TAKE THE WHITE RIBBON OATHPROUD SUPPORTERS: From left, White Ribbon ambassadors DCAF AVM Leo Davies and WOFF-AF Mark Pentreath with WOFF Ann Larsen, CPL Kristy Attwood and FLTLT Simone Hilton.

Photo: LAC Bill Solomou

To mark White Ribbon Day on November 25, activities are taking place across the nation.

In Canberra, personnel will come together on Friday, November 23 at Kings Park at 12.30pm for a lunchtime ADF White Ribbon Bridge-to-Bridge walk or run around Lake Burley Griffin.

9November 22, 2012RCEAIR FF News

LAC Bill Solomou

FLTLT Andrew Howard-Rice has become the first junior officer to receive the pres-tigious Rolls-Royce Eagle trophy since the award was instituted in 1996.

Only airmen technicians have previous-ly won the award, which recognises out-standing achievement in the aircraft techni-cal and engineering specialisation fields from sergeant to flight lieutenant rank.

FLTLT Howard-Rice, a junior arma-ment engineer, was congratulated at a din-ner attended by senior Air Force leaders in Canberra on October 23.

CAF AIRMSHL Geoff Brown pre-sented him with the trophy and a CAF Commendation.

FLTLT Howard-Rice was commended for his tireless and exemplary performance as OC of the Armament and Life Support section at the Army Aviation Systems Program Office (AASPO) in Oakey, Queensland.

AIRMSHL Brown said FLTLT Howard-Rice’s contribution to aviation had been quite an incredible set of achievements.

“The Armament Life Support team, under the direction of FLTLT Howard-Rice, had achieved a wide range of tasks and responsibilities,” he said.

FLTLT Howard-Rice and his team were responsible for the introduction into service of the Cabin Helicopter Aircrewman Device, a restraint strap for use in the Chinook, Black Hawk and Multi-Role Helicopter. It included the development of a new design, testing, and service release implementing an

Eagle trophy first

IT’S AN HONOUR: FLTLT Andrew Howard-Rice who was presented with the Rolls-Royce Eagle trophy by CAF AIRMSHL Geoff Brown in Canberra on October 23. Photos: LAC Bill Solomou

Aircraft Accident Investigation Report recommendation.

FLTLT Howard-Rice spoke highly of his time supporting Army aviation.

“The dedication, integrity and team-work displayed by Army Aviation SPO members is without parallel,” he said.

FLTLT Howard-Rice said the award was a team effort and he acknowledged his whole team.

“It is my whole Armament and Life Support team’s dedication to excellence which truly deserves the highest praises. I am exceptionally fortunate to have worked alongside such a passionate group of indi-viduals,” he said.

He is also passionate about engineering. “I enjoy the technical airworthiness

framework that we operate in. It gives us a solid foundation to support our guys on operation, and to me, that’s very impor-tant,” he said.

IT’S AN HONOUR: FLTLT Andrew Howard-Rice

Sixth C-17A arrives homeAIR Force’s newest C-17A touched down at its new home of RAAF Base Amberley on November 6 after making the journey from the Boeing factory in Longbeach, California.

But it was no special ferry flight – the new aircraft carried a stand-ard load on its journey.

The sixth addition to the 36SQN fleet will be officially welcomed into service at Amberley on November 22.

CO 36SQN WGCDR Paul Long said the Brisbane and Gold Coast communities would get their first sight of the aircraft with a flypast that day.

“The flypast is a chance for South Queensland residents to see an aircraft which has delivered tremendous service to Australia,” he said.

Full coverage next edition.

Photo: LACW Shannon McCarthy

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Andrew Stackpool

MAJ Mark Richardson made a little bit of local history when he became the first New Zealand Army officer to be elected the deputy president of the mess committee (DPMC) in the Officers’ Mess at RAAF Base Darwin.

MAJ Richardson, with the Royal New Zealand Army Medical Corps, was posted to Darwin in March as part of the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) contribution to the International Stabilisation Force in East Timor.

His role was to lead a small team of logistics and administration staff in support of the NZDF in East Timor, and provide support to any NZDF ships and aircraft transiting through Darwin.

“I approached the then PMC and asked him that, as I was going to be

GLAD TO HELP: MAJ Mark Richards and president of the Officers’ Mess committee SQNLDR Nerida Lister. Photo: LS Helen Frank

Kiwi officer makes his mark at Darwin

Eamon Hamilton

AN UNLIKELY dogfight is brewing between the Roulettes and their British counterparts, the Red Arrows, for the charity initiative Movember.

And the Roulettes are aiming high to help Air Force achieve their Movember goal of $100,000. So far, Air Force has rasied more than $43,000 (at the time of going to press).

Pilots from both teams will grow moustaches and seek donations for their efforts, while encouraging members of the public to vote on the team with the best looking ‘mos’.

The challenge will help raise awareness for men’s health and increase donations to Movember.

SQNLDR Steve Baker, team leader for the Roulettes, said he was confident his team could out-manoeuvre and out-follicle the Red Arrows.

“With the public’s help, this will echo some of the most heated of Ashes Test series between our two countries,” SQNLDR Baker said.

“We’re confident that the public will be every bit as impressed with our moustache growing ability as they are with our precision aerobatics, and will vote accordingly.”

Photos from both teams will be posted to Facebook at http://ra.af/W8qEHJ

From December 4 to 9, members of the public will be invited to register their vote by clicking ‘like’ for each photo, and encour-aged to provide a donation to Movember.

“The publicity generated from this will help emphasise the core messages of Movember, which is for men to take a greater focus on their health,” SQNLDR Baker said.

“While members of the public partici-pate in our ‘Mo Off’, we encourage them to donate funds that will go towards treatment of male mental depression and prostate cancer.”

The Air Force Movember Network page is at http://au.movember.com/mospace/network/raaf

Roulettes’ battle of the hairspace

around, was there something I could do to help out with the Mess,” MAJ Richardson said.

“He said he thought it would be a good idea to appoint me as the DPMC, and, after running the idea past the OCs and COs and the Senior

Australian Defence Force Officer on base, it was agreed that I would be the DPMC.

“The PMC then said: ‘By the way, I’m deploying and the incoming PMC is on leave for the next couple of months, so you’ll be the acting PMC until then’.”

MAJ Richardson returned to New Zealand on October 26 but said working with the RAAF and acting as PMC had been enjoyable experi-ences.

“I have made some pretty good friends, have had some very enjoy-able moments, and found that work-ing on a RAAF Base as a NZ Army officer wasn’t really an issue for people.

“If you are prepared to get in there and give it a go, you can pretty much achieve anything,” he said.

IMPROVED procedures for mak-ing and handling complaints and a doubling of the number of equi-ty advisers are among measures being undertaken at the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) to meet the recommendations of the Broderick Review into the Treatment of Women at ADFA.

The moves were announced by ADFA Commandant CDRE Bruce Kafer at a commandant’s parade on October 18.

CDRE Kafer said almost half of the review’s 31 recommendations had already been actioned and the rest were being addressed.

“The Academy is the vanguard of the ADF’s efforts to enhance Defence’s culture as part of the Pathway to Change program,” he said.

“We are effecting positive change at ADFA and great credit must go to our staff and the Reviews Implementation Team [members] who have worked strenuously together.”

A new ADFA citizenship pro-gram has been developed, which incorporates enhanced training packages for sexual ethics, equi-ty and diversity, the use of social media, as well as alcohol and finan-cial management.

The Academy has also intro-duced a residential support officer scheme, which began in March, placing fourth-year cadets in the

same accommodation blocks as first-years.

The scheme contributes to the Academy’s leadership development program, which also includes plac-ing senior cadets in charge of organ-ising major activities, such as the commandant’s parade.

A risk assessment of cadets’ accommodation by the Australian Federal Police recommended the installation of CCTV, monitoring equipment and improved lighting, which aligned with projects already under way as part of the base secu-rity improvement program.

More than 1800 random breath tests have been conducted at ADFA since the start of the year, more than double the number of tests in 2011.

The Academy has also increased its number of qualified alcohol test-ers from seven to 24 and increased the number of breathalysers from two to seven.

A database to identify and track injury trends differentiated by gen-der and a new rehabilitation pro-gram for sports injuries is being established.

The Academy has also provid-ed Defence Force Recruiting with advice to help potential candidates maintain fitness levels before join-ing ADFA and reduce gradual onset injuries suffered by first-year cadets.

In line with the recommenda-tions, future ADFA commandants will serve three-year terms.

Making positive Making positive changeschanges

SPIC AND SPAN: Aside from addressing the commandant’s parade on October 18, ADFA Commandant CDRE Bruce Kafer (pictured saluting, left) reviewed officer cadets and midshipmen. Photos: Geoff Comfort

CFS’s 100thCENTRAL Flying School (CFS) will celebrate its 100th anniversary on March 8 next year with a reunion dinner and other activities. Former members of CFS who wish to be included on the invitation list are asked to send their name, rank, dates of tour, position held, email and mailing address to Fiona

Jazownik at fiona.jazownik@defence.gov.au. More details on the anniversary will be published as they become available.

RADAR’s 70th FORMER and current members of 41, 42 and 44WGs who operated, maintained and supported RAAF Radar are invited to help celebrate

the 70th anniversary of the squad-rons’ formation on February 8 next year with a combined wing parade and open day at RAAF Base Williamtown. Expressions of inter-est from those wishing to attend are to be passed to WOFF Robert McFerran on (02) 403 49156 or email robert.mcferran@defence.gov.au by January 18.

BULLETIN BOARD

ADFA acts on review recommendations

11November 22, 2012RCEAIR FF News

12 13RCEAIR FF November 22, 2012Centrepiece

WHEN a team of Air Force reserve and permanent person-

nel came together at RAAF Base Townsville for a special refurbishment task in July, they faced a unique problem.

They came from diverse backgrounds, with maintenance and repair experience across light tactical and strategic air-lift transport, helicopters and jet aircraft.

But none had any experi-ence with the type they were to work on – the SP-2H Lockheed Neptune long-range maritime patrol and anti-submarine war-fare aircraft.

The Neptune had served at Townsville with 10SQN during the Cold War years of the 1960s and 1970s on a wide range of missions around Australia, South-East Asia and the Indian and Pacific Oceans.

Two Neptune aircraft had been on display at Townsville for nearly 35 years and were in need of major work.

The task was authorised by the RAAF Heritage Advisory Council and managed by the Directorate of Air Force Heritage (DAFH).

The core team consisted of the Static Display Aircraft Support Section (SDASS), a team of reservists based at Amberley and established by DAFH to refurbish gate guards at bases around the country.

The Neptunes suffered from significant corrosion, body damage, missing parts and weathering. They were also the biggest aircraft yet worked on by the team.

OIC of the SDASS, WGCDR Joe Piers, said their survey had established that they could only hope to build one good aircraft from the two due to corrosion and damage.

“With further damage to the aircraft caused by the huge storm in March, we stocked up on consumables and equipment for our mobile workshop and drove north in July,” he said.

The task was to refurbish aircraft A89-280 using parts from A89-272 and place it on public display at the front gate, finishing early in October.

However, once they got into the aircraft, it became obvious that it was an even bigger task than they had thought.

Director Air Force Heritage GPCAPT Dave Richardson said: “Lucky for us, they were

on a base with a big heart. We received marvellous support from Townsville and from the wider Air Force.”

The refurbishment involved removing the wings and fin prior to the sanding, repairs and painting. Much of the air-craft was remanufactured and it required a complete strip to the bare metal.

WGCDR Piers and SQNLDR Steve Currie over-saw the project while FSGT Bob Millis and SGT John Power from SDASS led the two refurbishment work teams and were the subject matter experts.

The work teams came from 27SQN (reservists), while PAF surface finishers came from 37SQN and 92WG. No. 1 Airfield Operations Support Squadron (1AOSS) laid the concrete slab, while the Army’s 5 Aviation Regiment allowed use of their workshops.

Local museums also helped out, while the local civilian crane contractor used two cranes to lift the Neptune from and to the front gate.

“Their help was outstanding and a significant enabler to the success,” WGCDR Piers said.

SQNLDR Currie paid trib-

ute to the teams who worked two shifts, seven days a week for a month to complete the painting, showing outstanding enthusiasm.

“This was an excellent out-fit with which to be involved,” SQNLDR Currie said.

“The high calibre of these guys, their superb work ethic – they were working long days, 10-12 hours a day, and were away from home for four months – has been the reason that we have achieved the suc-cess we have.

“Also, many necessary tools no longer exist and had to be made from scratch.”

Working conditions did not assist the teams either, he said.

“The environment was very often against the guys; the use of the ordnance loading area was much appreciated but the high winds virtually turned it into a wind tunnel.

“When the wind did drop, at night hordes of insects impacted the spray-painting efforts.

“Nevertheless, they over-came the adversity to realise what has been an outstanding effort. Per Ardua Ad Astra is certainly appropriate for their efforts.”

Spectacular displayAfter being refurbished, a former 10SQN Neptune has become RAAF Base Townsville’s new gate guard, reports Andrew Stackpool.

A89-280 HISTORY� Received from the USA in May

25, 1962, and assigned to 10SQN. It remained with 10SQN during its 15-year service.

� Completed the first anti-clockwise circumnavigation of Australia via Darwin, Learmonth, Pearce and Edinburgh from September 22-27, 1974.

� Achieved the altitude record for type on August 22, 1977, by reaching 10,000m. It took two hours for the ascent.

� Undertook a Search and Rescue mission for the missing yacht “Tally Ho” on November 2, 1977.

� Used its magnetic anomaly detector and discovered the wreck of the old British warship, HMS Pandora, on the Great Barrier Reef on November 15, 1977.

� Neptunes withdrawn from ser-vice in November 1977. A89-280 and A89-272 retained as gate guards.

� Refurbishment of A89-280 com-menced in July 2012. A89-272 found impossible to repair. Usable elements incorporated into 280.

� Restored A89-280 unveiled November 8, 2012.

� It has significant provenance and is a worthy symbol of RAAF his-tory and Defence involvement in the Townsville area. Andrew Stackpool

NEPTUNE A89-280 officially resumed its ceremonial role as a Townsville gate guard on November 8.

Many former 10SQN veter-ans and their partners joined the base Senior Australian Defence Force Officer and CO 27SQN, WGCDR Paul Aggett, Director Air Force Heritage GPCAPT Dave Richardson, other Air Force representatives, and local mayor Jenny Hill at the unveiling of a commemora-tive plaque alongside the veteran aircraft.

In his speech, GPCAPT Richardson said he came pri-marily to thank the team that helped fix the aircraft and place it on display.

“The result is indeed spec-tacular, and is testament to the professionalism, dedication and teamwork on the part of everyone involved,” GPCAPT Richardson said.

“They have worked long and hard to achieve this result for Townsville and for the Air Force. This has been a huge engineering effort for us and has

required dedication and initia-tive from everyone involved.

“When we finish refurbish-ing the whole fleet, we will look back on this Neptune as surely the most complex task we ever faced.

“Everyone involved can feel immensely proud of the part they played,” he said.

The chaplain then dedicated the aircraft. Previously, he had assured GPCAPT Richardson that the holy water really was pure; there was no danger of new corrosion, at least from him.

The official guest speaker, former 10SQN aircrew member WGCDR Geoff Lydeamore (retd), congratulated Air Force Heritage and the team for the “magnificent restoration”.

“For me, the aircraft repre-sents the strong bond between aircrew and groundcrew and the relationship between the Air Force and Townsville commu-nity,” WGCDR Lydeamore said.

He caused a concern when he said there was one noticeable omission.

Was a badge missing?“The aircraft’s too clean; it’s

not covered in oil,” WGCDR Lydeamore said.

“They were always covered in oil and we ‘left our mark’ wherever we went.”

He remembered the smell of the aircraft, the heat and the ‘free eight-hour sauna’ every trip.

But for him A89-280 had a much deeper significance.

His first flight in an SP-2H (on June 5, 1968) was in 280; so was his last almost 3330 hours later in 1977.

In congratulating the team and thanking Air Force for investing in the project, Mayor Hill said that while the aircraft was a Defence asset it was an important link to the city of Townsville.

“This Neptune is a sentinel for the RAAF base and for the entrance to the city,” she said.

“The RAAF contributes to the social and economic life of Townsville, and this refurbish-ment will also contribute to Townsville.

“The aircraft is now restored to its rightful place and its right-ful glory.”

HOMEWARD BOUND: Below, the restored A89-280 being towed around a tight corner on the way to its new home at the base front entrance. Right, the aircraft being readied for lift on to the cement slab at the entrance.

OLA ABOVE: An overhead shot of both Neptunes in the ordnance loading area.

MOVING RIGHT ALONG: Above, a newly painted Neptune A89-280 being towed to the base front entrance where it would receive its tail and fin. Right, A89-272, which was used for parts to refurbish 280, being manoeuvred down a base street by a crane after being removed from the base front entrance.

EXPERTS VERTICALLY CHALLENGED

THE aircraft’s restoration proved that even the experts can get it wrong.

SQNLDR Steve Currie said an interesting incident occurred when they removed the vertical fin from the aircraft.

“We studied another Neptune in the Mareeba Museum, and the aircraft publications,” he said.

“We had been advised to exert a particular pressure on the fin with the crane to lift the fin and we knew that there were 12 large bolts to be undone.

“We removed the 12 bolts, but despite the upward pressure from the crane there was still

CRACKER: The fin

coming off 280.

resistance, which we put down to the weather seal at the base of the fin.

“So, as with all good trades-men, if it doesn’t come off easi-ly, you just exert more pressure, or you hit harder, which we did.

“The fin finally came off with a large cracking sound (scaring the hell out of us to ask ‘what have we done’) and it was not until we lowered the assembly to the ground that we realised another eight very small anchor nuts were also fitted to the fin.

“No mention was in the publications about those small anchor nuts, although when

recounting our efforts to Sid Beck of the Mareeba Museum he said: ‘Didn’t you notice the damage to my Neptune’?”

The museum had suffered exactly the same result when the fin was removed from their aircraft.

JUST LIKE NEW: Former 10SQN aircrew members who flew in Neptune A89-280, WGCDR Geoff Lydeamore (retd) and reservist GPCAPT Corrie Metz, attended the aircraft unveiling at RAAF Base Townsville on November 8, along with SQNLDR Trevor Beams, of 27SQN, Director Air Force Heritage GPCAPT Dave Richardson and Townsville mayor Jenny Hill, pictured top inset. Photos courtesy 27SQN and Air Force Heritage

TEAM: SQNLDR Steve Currie, FSGT Bob Millis and SGT John Power (centre) with members of SDASS and 27SQN and crane contractors who helped move A89-272.

BUSY: SDASS members working on restoring 280, above and below.

NEPTUNE PANORAMA: SGT John Power talks to a museum volunteer in the ordnance loading area where A89-280 was restored.

14 November 22, 2012RCEAIR FAir Force Improvement

Claire Starkey

WITH the assistance of the Director General Technical Airworthiness (DGTA)-ADF, regulated organisations could change the way they certify technical maintenance tasks.

DGTA-ADF AIRCDRE Terry Saunder said he was committed to looking for ways to improve clarity of regulation and encourage more efficient use of the technical workforce, without compromising techni-cal airworthiness and safety across Defence aviation.

As a first step, AIRCDRE Saunder has released two Technical Airworthiness Advisory Circulars (TAACs), which advise how to maximise the efficiency of aviation main-tenance tradespeople.

AIRCDRE Saunder said

the Technical Airworthiness Regulations only required a sin-gle authorised person to certify for maintenance they had per-formed or supervised, not both.

“The use of additional signatures for a single main-tenance task might offer some benefits, in certain circum-stances.

“However, there is an opportunity to reduce the num-ber of unnecessary additional signatures required in main-tenance documentation, while still remaining compliant and providing an acceptable level of safety,” AIRCDRE Saunder said.

“The certification of main-tenance by a single person does not remove the requirement for Independent Maintenance Inspections (IMI) to be con-

ducted by a separate person on all safety critical components.”

The reduction of unneces-sary signatures provides an opportunity to reduce the supervisory workload, allow-ing greater flexibility to focus on tasks that genuinely require technical supervision and to empower technicians to con-duct maintenance within the scope of their competence.

Further reform is under way with TAACs to be released soon which cover the optimisa-tion of maintenance authorisa-tions as well as improving the way in which IMI’s are identi-fied and communicated.

For information on TAACs, see http://intranet.defence.gov.au/dgta/WebPages/TCS/Technical%20Airworthiness%20Advisory%20Circulars.html

SQNLDR Richard Smithdale

DGTA-ADF is in the final stages of transferring the complete Technical Airworthiness Management Manual (TAMM) to an electronic publication.

AIRCDRE Terry Saunder said that in September, his staff released a proof of concept phase, which converted part of the TAMM to an electronic format.

“Our aim was to test the concept and obtain user feedback on its lay-out and functionality before convert-ing the complete manual,” he said.

“Based on user feedback received, the TAMM design was finalised and the entire TAMM has commenced being transferred to electronic format.

“The eTAMM is now available for user review, with ‘go-live’ expected in early December 2012.”

AIRCDRE Saunder said the publication would be authorised for regulatory use and could eas-ily be accessed from the Defence Aviation Safety Program (DASP) key publications web portal. The ease

of converting the TAMM to an elec-tronic publication has encouraged DGTA-ADF to consider conversion of other agency manuals to an electronic format.

“By transferring DGTA-ADF key documents to an electronic platform, we will not only enhance the user’s experience through rapid access to information and enhanced search capability, it will also eliminate annual printing, publishing and amendment costs,” AIRCDRE Saunder said.

To access the eTAMM and other key documents, visit the DASP key publications portal on the internet or intranet.

Although this portal provides users with real-time publications and updates, AIRCDRE Saunder said it was not intended as a replacement for regular training or education.

For more information on eTAMM, visit the Electronic Technical Manual Transition Management Information Portal:http://intranet.defence.gov.au/dgta/Documents/DAVREG/AMTR/eTAMM%20Beta%20Version/eTAMM/index.htm

SIGNING OFF: CPL Mark Priestly, of 38SQN, signs the maintenance sheet for a King Air before a sortie during Exercise Bersama Shield in April. Photo: CPL David Gibbs

eTAMM to go live

WGCDR Gavin Jenkinson

THROUGH its own reform program, DGTA-ADF is committed to working in partnership with all three services and the Defence Materiel Organisation to support them in achieving their Aviation Reform initiatives and Strategic Reform Program savings targets.

DGTA-ADF staff has started engaging with regulated organisa-tions to pinpoint where they could remove unnecessary overheads and processes by understanding the dif-ference between “the real versus the perceived requirements” when

interpreting Technical Airworthiness Regulations.

There is a DGTA-ADF reform team dedicated to helping regulated organisations to deliver their reforms by increasing user understanding of regulatory requirements, empowering customers, sharing knowledge and providing guidance with respect to any regulatory related reform ideas that they develop.

If you would like to seek DGTA-ADF’s guidance with your aviation reform initia-tives, email, DGTA-ADF.Reform@defence.gov.au

Supporting the reform program

DGTA-ADF streamlines maintenance tasks

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Michael Brooke

EIGHT families of serving ADF person-nel received a badge of honour when Prime Minister Julia Gillard launched the Defence Family Pin on HMAS Darwin in Sydney on November 3.

Three Air Force families were among the first recipients of the pin, something Dianne Nikolic, whose son LAC Adrian Nikolic has served with 11SQN on Operation Resolute, greatly appreciated.

“It’s not easy for the families of deployed ADF personnel and this pin recognises the collective support that we provide,” she said.

Her husband, Milan Nikolic, also received a pin from Ms Gillard.

The pin was introduced as a symbol to pay tribute to Defence families for the strength and support they provide to their loved ones deployed on operations.

Ms Gillard said the Defence Family Pin would acknowledge that those fami-lies share in their loved ones’ service for the nation.

“As a nation, we appreciate the brav-ery and service of our military person-nel, however, we should also remember the sacrifices of their families, going for long stretches without their loved ones, and the heightened anxiety knowing they are deployed in a conflict zone,” she said.

Ms Gillard said the families picked up the burden of having a family mem-ber overseas, the burden of worrying about their safety and the burden of dealing with all the moments of family life in the absence of a family member.

The Prime Minister also presented a pin to Sarah Greer and her son Ryan Mills. Mrs Greer’s husband, FLGOFF Colin Chiu, is deployed in the Middle East and has been serving for more than a decade.

“Defence families make huge sac-rifices constantly, having either to re-establish themselves in new communi-ties and schools or live apart from their loved ones,” she said.

“The pin is representative of these sacrifices that Defence families make every day of their lives regardless of war.”

This sentiment was shared by other families who discussed their experiences of a military lifestyle over morning tea.

Feadora Lewis knows all too well how it feels to be part of a Defence fam-ily. Her mother, SGT Sharee Lewis, is deployed to the Middle East, and her father served in the ADF. Her sister also served in Afghanistan.

“It was good to be able to meet other people who are in my situation, who

New badges of honour

have family members who are so far away,” Ms Lewis said.

Among those at the ceremony were Defence Science and Personnel Minister Warren Snowdon, CDF GEN David Hurley and ACAUST AVM Mel Hupfield, representing CAF.

The pins will be provided to families across Air Force, Army, Navy and the Australian Public Service.

The National Welfare Coordination Centre (NWCC) at Headquarters Joint Operations Command will distribute the pins by identifying, via PMKeyS, person-nel proceeding on deployments and send-ing the identified next of kin a letter with two Defence Family Pins.

The NWCC has started sending pins to family members of personnel deployed on operations.

Next of kin can obtain pins for addi-tional family members by calling the NWCC on 1800 801 026.

If a member or family representative of a serving member wishes to obtain a pin for a previous deployment or extended absence they should contact the NWCC.

RECOGNITION: The Defence Family Pins that are being provided to families across Air Force, Navy, Army and the APS; left, Prime Minister Julia Gillard presents a pin to Milan Nikolic at the launch. Photos: AB Dove Smithett

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16 November 22, 2012RCEAIR FHistory

FLTLT Cath Friend

A SMALL symbol of a friendship forged in WWII between a RAAF pilot and an American pilot was remembered at a small ceremony at 76SQN, RAAF Base Williamtown, on November 2.

In May 1942, SQNLDR Peter Turnbull was appointed CO 76SQN at the outset of the Battle of Milne Bay against the Japanese invasion force.

In addition to the RAAF’s 75 and 76SQNs, air defence was shared by the

US Army Air Corps 8th Squadron, an attack (dive bombing) squadron.

SQNLDR Turnbull met and formed a close friendship with the then LT Bob Ruegg, an 8th Squadron pilot.

After the defeated Japanese with-drew, 75SQN hosted a farewell din-ner for 8th Squadron during which SQNLDR Turnbull gave his friend an engraved cigarette case embellished with the RAAF eagle as a farewell gift.

Shortly afterwards SQNLDR Turnbull was killed in action, while

LT Ruegg went on to have a long and distinguished career.

He retired in 1972 as the Command-in-Chief Alaskan Command as a LTGEN and sadly died in 2009, aged 95.

With his passing, his family decid-ed to track down the Turnbull family and return the case to them.

They contacted 75SQN and its secretary found SQNLDR Turnbull’s great niece, Alison Turnbull, after which steps were put in place for the transfer of the gift.

On November 2, the US Consul General, Niels Marqhardt, and author and family friend of LTGEN Ruegg, Noel Tunny, met Mrs Turnbull and CO 76SQN WGCDR Chris Hake at the squadron headquarters.

Mr Marquardt presented the ciga-rette case to Alison Turnbull, who in turn showed a mounted clock taken from SQNLDR Turnbull’s crashed Kittyhawk.

In his address, Mr Marquardt said: “Today we commemorate when these two gentlemen came together with a

lasting token of their friendship, mate-ship and camaraderie that passed from one Australian to one American.

“Here’s to Australian and American mateship that is just as strong today as it was 70 years ago.”

While the mateship has never changed, to show what changes have been made over the years, WGCDR Hake showed Mr Marquardt and Alison Turnbull over a Hawk-127 Lead-In fighter, a far cry from the Kittyhawks flown by 76SQN during those desperate days at Milne Bay.

WWII gift comes homeFROM U.S. WITH LOVE: Photos from left, Alison Turnbull, the great niece of SQNLDR Peter Turnbull, displays the returned cigarette case with Noel Tunny, family friend of LTGEN Bob Ruegg; WGCDR Chris Hake shows a Hawk fighter to US Consulate General Niels Marquardt and Alison Turnbull; Mr Marquardt is welcomed to 76SQN by FLGOFF James Clarke and other students on the Hawk training course. Photos: LAC Craig Barrett

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At SSDS we see the Air Force as an extension of our family.

As Australia’s only specialised service provider to the Australian Defence Force, we share experiences with and support our servicemen and women every step of the way, wherever we are needed.

Our Air Force personnel take pride in their role representing Australia – we take great pride in supporting them.

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18 November 22, 2012RCEAIR FFTraining

RoulettesNovember 24: Ballarat Aero Club 50th anniversary fly-in.November 24: Gliding Club of Victoria’s 60th anniversary, Benalla.December 1: Camberwell South Primary Christmas Carnival.

RAAF MuseumNovember 24: Ballarat Aero Club 50th anniver-sary fly-in.

Air Force BalloonDecember 1: Tuggeranong Festival, ACT.

Air Force BandNovember 24: C-130H retirement cer-emony, family day and hangar bash, RAAF Base Richmond.November 26-December 13: Operation Slipper, Afghanistan.November 30: RAAFSTT colour parade, RAAF Base Wagga.December 6: Yarra Valley Country Club.

Air Force events

CPL Mark Doran

STUDENTS at the RAAF School of Administration and Logistics Training (RAAFSALT) will benefit from rede-velopment of the supply course and fresh training facilities at RAAF Base Wagga.

Redevelopments include a ware-house simulator aligned with the elec-tronic supply chain manual and a unit simulator which will allow students to physically perform logistics tasks with a geographical separation.

Air Force members can now achieve 16 of the 21 national com-petencies for the Certificate III in

Transport and Logistics – Warehousing and Storage, instead of only 12.

The intention is for trainees on future courses to be awarded all 21 competencies.

The SNCOIC of supply training at RAAFSALT, FSGT Jason Roberts, said lack of training and practical experience in previous courses meant students learnt the theory of the trade without fully understanding it.

“These extra skills will also lessen the training burden on gaining units, allowing them to focus on professional development,” he said.

“The first course this year had a class average of 97.3 per cent in their

results, which is close to a 10 per cent increase on last year’s results.

“In the past we would have need-ed to visit an operating warehouse to demonstrate how they work, but now we can do it here, which saves time and money,” FSGT Roberts said.

RAAFSALT has installed extra bulk racking for high reach, confined forklift operation training and now has dedicat-ed storage and movement sections with painted floors and line markings, which align with industry standards.

The Defence transaction processor with the radio frequency identification capability has also been introduced into the training package.

FRESH FACILITIES: Students using RAAFSALT’s new facilities on their supply course at RAAF Base Wagga.

IMPROVED COURSE: AC Jonathan Fearne, of Combat Survival Training School, and LAC Stephen Morley, of 36SQN, on their supply course.

BENEFITS TO STUDENTS: CPL Lisa Davidson teaches a session on the clerk basic course at RAAFSALT.

Photo: CPL Amanda Campbell

Boost at Wagga

19November 22, 2012RCEAIR FF Flightline

DONATION: 92WG aircraft technician CPL Michael Lace presents Breast Cancer Australia CEO John Thompson with a cheque for $2000 for money raised through sales at the P3 club during 2012. Photo: LACW Nicci Freeman

SUPPORT: Emily and Luke Horsfall with their cousin FLGOFF Nick Sieczkowski, a 36SQN pilot, on a tour of a C-17A at the 36SQN family fun day. Seriously ill young children and their parents took the opportunity to get up close with Air Force aircraft and equipment, including a C-17A, Super Hornet, Panther fire truck and Bushmaster protected mobility vehicle on the base.

Photo: LACW Kylie Gibson

PUPPY LOVE: LAC Andrew Smith puts an Air Force puppy on show for members of the Defence Force Remuneration Tribunal during a question and answer session on the puppy breeding program at RAAF Base Amberley.

Photo: LACW Shannon McCarthy

GOODBYE: LAC Brett Murphy with his girlfriend Milly Beere before departing Brisbane on deployment to Afghanistan. On October 30, 65 Security Force Element personnel from 1AFDS were farewelled at Brisbane International Airport.

Photo: LAC Dan Pinhorn

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20 November 22, 2012RCEAIR FPersonnel

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ENTRIES are being accepted for the 2012 CAF Essay Competition, the Wrigley Prize, open to Australian citizens or recognised foreign military exchange offi cers serving with the ADF. The essay must be less than 5000 words and based on one of the following topics:➤ Air power in

Kosovo and Libya.

➤ Air power and Australia’s mari-time strategy.

➤ Air power and future conflict.

➤ An open topic on an existing or merging air power issue.

Entries close on January 31, with the best essay winning $2000. CAF will select the best essay and announce the winners at the 2012 Air Force Awards, currently planned in May 2013. For details on how to enter, visit www.airforce.gov.au/air-power

ESSAY CONTEST

ADF members have a little bit more to celebrate in the lead-up to Christmas, with the latest pay increase hitting bank accounts from November 22.

The 2.5 per cent increase is the sec-ond instalment of the ADF Workplace Remuneration Arrangement (WRA) 2011-2014. A further 2.5 per cent increase in pay packets will occur in November 2013.

The increase will apply to salaries and the 17 salary-related allowances from November 8 for members up to the rank of group captain.

The Military Salaries and Allowances WRA project officer, CMDR Jim Clough said Defence was

committed to delivering a competitive employment offer for ADF members.

“We strive to be competitive so we can continue to attract and retain the right people,” CMDR Clough said.

“The Defence Employment Offer captures all the benefits and opportu-nities – money, training, diverse and challenging work, mateship – that are uniquely available to the Defence work-force.

“The WRA is key to delivering finan-cial security for ADF members under the Defence Employment Offer.”

For the full list of rates or to print the online brochure, see the pay and conditions website at http://intranet.defence.gov.au/pac/

SAMPLE OF NEW PAY RATESRANK INC PG 1 PG 2 PG 3 PG 4 PG 5 PG 6 PG 7 PG 8 PG 9 PG 10

AC 0 $42,699 $45,035 $48,027 $51,260 $54,753 $58,524 $62,598 $66,994 $71,745 $76,877

LAC 0 $43,600 $45,935 $48,928 $52,161 $55,654 $59,426 $63,498 $67,895 $72,646 $77,776

CPL 0 $48,399 $50,733 $53,727 $56,960 $60,452 $64,223 $68,296 $72,694 $77,444 $82,577

SGT 0 $56,009 $58,343 $61,338 $64,571 $68,063 $71,834 $75,905 $80,303 $85,055 $90,186

FSGT 0 $64,816 $67,150 $70,144 $73,378 $76,869 $80,641 $84,713 $89,111 $93,860 $98,992

WOFF 0 $70,372 $72,705 $75,698 $78,933 $82,425 $86,194 $90,267 $94,666 $99,416 $104,547

FLGOFF 0 $51,660 $55,564 $60,073 $63,977 $68,331 $73,212 $78,110 $83,410 $88,715 $92,258

FLTLT 0 $62,145 $66,048 $70,555 $74,460 $78,814 $83,695 $88,594 $93,896 $99,197 $102,741

SQNLDR 0 $79,345 $83,253 $87,759 $91,662 $96,017 $100,898 $105,795 $111,100 $116,401 $119,943

WGCDR 0 $113,090 $116,997 $121,506 $125,410 $129,762 $134,644 $139,540 $144,845 $150,146 $153,689

Service $12,431 a year

Trainee $9319 a year

Reserve $12.83 a day

Field – Tier 1 $54.99 a day

Seagoing – 3-<6 years

$18,679 a year

Flying $7943 a year

Special Forces SAS qualified

$37,543 a year

Adventurous Training Instructor

$6314 a year

ALLOWANCE RATES

More money in the packet

Guide to supporting breastfeeding mums released by Air ForceA NEW guide entitled Supporting Breastfeeding Mothers in Air Force is now available. It is the latest guide to be published online by the Air Force Workforce Diversity (AFWD) section in DGPERS-AF.

The guide was developed by AFWD staff in close consultation with a wide range of breastfeeding mothers across Air Force, past and present.

SQNLDR Kelley Stewart, who drafted the guide, was overwhelmed by the level of support she received from mothers, fathers and supervi-sors across Air Force.

“There is clearly an overwhelm-ing need in Air Force for this type of document, which combines clear policy guidance, practical sugges-

tions, helpful hints and empathetic advice all in one place,” she said.

GPCAPT Dee Gibbon, formerly of AFWD, also noted that in endors-ing this guide, CAF has made clear his position on Individual Readiness availability and breastfeeding moth-ers, which had been somewhat con-fusing in the past.

“CAF has confirmed that breast-feeding is an acceptable reason for Commanders to grant IR availability component waivers,” she said.

The guide is available on the AFWD Intranet site at http://intranet.defence.gov.au/raafweb/sites/DWD/comweb.asp?page=1272082&Title=Breastfeeding under the side menu tab ‘Diversity Guides’.

Departure LoungeWho’s leaving after 20+ years’ service�

NameFSGT Keith WheelerWOFF Wayne NewberyCPL Darren LaceyWOFF Murray GeorgeWGCDR Bryan TeisseireFSGT Graeme MonaghanSGT Gavin BeckWGCDR Danny CarrollSQNLDR David Gravelle

Must/SpecATECHAEACLKLOADMADMINOMOVATECHPLTPLT

Last day Oct 28Oct 15Oct 15Oct 1Oct 1Oct 1Oct 8Oct 31Oct 31

Years422827272622212120

MEETING A NEED: A new guide to supporting breastfeeding mothers in Air Force is available online. Photo courtesy AFWD

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22 November 22, 2012RCEAIR FHealth

Whether you’re pumping iron or pounding the pavement, there’s often more than just music pumping in your ears, CPL Nick Wiseman reports.

HOW many people do you see run-ning around with mobile devices attached to their arms these days?

Chances are there’s also a set of headphones attached keeping the run-ner focused with upbeat music or maybe something a little relaxing to just let those kilometres slip by.

More than ever, it seems that mobile devices are not only being used for music but also to keep complex records, statistics and even plot running maps from the unit’s GPS.

What we’re seeing now is the ability to merge many traditional record-keeping practices and entertainment functions into one compact multifunctional device.

The beauty of this one mobile device for workouts is the huge range of apps available depending on what you want to do.

Want to keep a food diary and see what you’re eating? No worries.

Want to maintain a record of all those reps quickly and easily? No problems.

Want to map your running and save your town from an impending zombie attack? Absolutely!

The range of apps available is amazing and some like Zombies, Run! ($8.99 RRP) include a game where the only way to pro-ceed is to collect crucial items by getting out and physically running.

Another popular app is RunKeeper (free), which uses your phone’s GPS to track you walking, running or cycling and maps your progress including time, dis-tance, pace and energy used.

Apps like this record the data and store it online as well as on your device to keep track of your progress and allow you to share your progress with others if you wish.

MyFitnessPal (free) is another popular app designed to keep track of what you eat and your calorie intake. It even allows you to scan barcodes to automatically locate nutritional information.

A lot of these applications include social networking options which can often be a great way of getting encouragement from friends and family by commenting on posts from these apps with milestones and results you have achieved.

Whether you are a tech-head or not, hav-ing all these abilities at your grasp on your mobile device can allow you to concentrate more on your fitness routines and carry less with you.

And, as a bonus, they can also play your music, while some even feature a phone capability.

All apps mentioned are available for both the Android and Apple operating systems.

Wired for

Apply yourself: The range of fitness applications available to those with Android or Apple operating systems is increasing. Photo: LAC Bill Solomou

appsapps