AIR FVol. 52, No. 22, November 25, 2010 The official newspaper of the Royal Australian Air Force

RCERCE010 The

WE’RE ON WE’RE ON A HIGHA HIGH

Heron detachment Heron detachment marks 2500 hours of marks 2500 hours of flight on opsflight on ops P3

CAF pays a visit to the troops in the MEAO A busy but exciting year revisited P14-15

Plus

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A PIECE OF THE ACTION: Below, from left, Army’s LT Liam Baillie, Heron Detachment Commander WGCDR Bob Morris and Navy’s LS Neil Richards share in the celebration of achieving 2500 flying hours on the Heron Remotely Piloted Aircraft (pictured left) at Kandahar Airfield.

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2 November 25, 2010RCEAIR Fperations

CAF AIRMSHL Mark Binskin has praised the tireless efforts of deployed RAAF personnel who continue to play a crucial role in the ADF’s Middle East operations after returning from a visit to the MEAO recently.

Accompanied by Director General Air Command Operations AIRCDRE Bill Henman and WOFF-AF JJ Mil-lar, AIRMSHL Binskin visited RAAF elements in Afghanistan and the Al Minhad Air Base in the United Arab Emirates, where more than 400 RAAF members are deployed.

On arriving in Afghanistan, AIRMSHL Binskin laid a wreath at the Remembrance Day service at the Australian compound within Multi National Base Camp – Tarin Kot on November 11.

He then shared lunch with airmen at Poppies, the recreational area for the troops in Tarin Kot.

“Attending the Remembrance Day ceremony at Tarin Kot was a time to reflect on the recent opera-tional deaths and injuries the ADF and its partners have suffered in south-ern Afghanistan and a reminder of the continuing challenges in conduct-ing operations there,” AIRMSHL Binskin said.

He also spent time with Special Operations Task Group soldiers before flying to Kandahar to visit the Australian contingent based at Camp Baker. In Kandahar, he visited the RAAF-operated Heron Remotely Piloted Aircraft Detachment, which recently clocked up 2500 flying hours on operations.

While visiting the RAAF Orion and Hercules detachments at Al Minhad Air Base, AIRMSHL Binskin met his United Arab Emirates coun-terpart, Chief of Air Force and Air Defence MAJGEN Mohammed bin Suwaidan Saeed Al-Qamzi.

“The excellent working relation-ship between the RAAF and the UAE Air Force has proved to be an impor-tant element in the ADF’s ability to

LAC Vasilis Solomou

IMAGINE this: your brother is a member of the Royal Artillery, British Army and you’re a member of the RAAF, you haven’t seen each other for nearly three years and there is a one in a million chance that both of you could meet up in Afghanistan. Well, that’s what happened to CPL Alan Barrass.

In July 2007, Alan was serving as an intelligence analyst with the Joint Air Reconnaissance Intelligence Centre (JARIC), Royal Air Force (RAF) Brampton, Huntingdon when he came to Australia on a military exchange.

The opportunity to further his

military career and to experience a different lifestyle led to Alan laterally transferring to the RAAF as a geospa-tial intelligence analyst.

He was posted to the Target Development Flight at 87SQN

Headquarters at RAAF Base Edinburgh. In mid-2010, he deployed to Kandahar, Afghanistan, as mem-ber of the Heron Remotely Piloted Aircraft Detachment.

Back in England, Alan’s brother

Malcolm is a SGT in the Royal Artillery of the British Army. He is serving as a mission commander on Operation Herrick and is based at Camp Bastion in Afghanistan as a member of the Royal Artillery’s 43 Battery, HERMES 450 Unmanned Airborne Vehicle Task Force Helmand.

Having not seen each other for three years, Alan and Malcolm jumped at the chance to reunite in Afghanistan.

Alan said when he mentioned to his colleagues that his brother may stop over at Kandahar, several of them went out of their way to contact British Air Movements to find out his arrival details to arrange a meeting of the two.

Malcolm was due to arrive in the

morning and Alan was released from his normal operational duties to meet up with his brother only to be told the aircraft was delayed. So it was not until late that evening that the aircraft finally arrived at Kandahar.

“It was really emotional seeing him after his 24-hour flight from RAF Brize Norton. We chatted for about an hour before he had to depart,” Alan said.

The brothers have always been close and support each other in their careers, often ringing each other from far-reaching locations.

The two brothers in arms shared an emotional, albeit brief, reunion before they returned to their respective jobs; symbolic of the coalition effort in the International Security Assistance Force.

THREE YEARS APART: SGT Malcolm Barrass and his brother, CPL Alan Barrass, meet under the Union Jack in Kandahar, Afghanistan.Photo: LAC Vasilis Solomou

Brothers in arms find each other in Afghanistan

Well done, says CAF

conduct successful operations from Al Minhad Air Base,” he said.

AIRMSHL Binskin said the Air Force team was working day and night in the Middle East to get the job done professionally.

“Our air and ground crews con-tinue to impress with their ability to overcome challenges and dedication to duty in the high tempo environ-ment. I’m extremely proud of what they’re achieving,” he said.

“Air Force Orion crews are also working hard to support soldiers on the ground, through their wide-area

intelligence, surveillance and recon-naissance capabilities. In addition, our Orion crews are conducting maritime patrols in the Arabian Sea and coun-ter-piracy tasks off the Horn of Africa.

“The RAAF’s giant C-17As and C-130 Hercules play a crucial role in the ADF’s Middle East operations carrying troops, vehicles and essen-tial supplies in often very difficult operating conditions. And none of the RAAF’s operations could occur effec-tively without the hard work of our Combat Support Unit personnel at Al Minhad and bases in Afghanistan.”

SPECIAL GUEST: Left, CAF AIRMSHL Mark Binskin chats with Afghan dignitaries at the Remembrance Day service at the Multi National Base Camp – Tarin Kot. Below, CAF addresses RAAF members serving in Tarin Kot at the Poppies recreational area after the service.Photos: SGT Neil Ruskin

3 November 25, 2010RCEAIR FF

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FLTLT Lisa Power

MEMBERS of the Heron Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) Detachment in Afghanistan took time out from their busy operational schedule re-cently to celebrate reaching 2500 hours of flight.

The Heron has provided sup-port to Australian and International S e c u r i t y A s s i s t a n c e Fo r c e (ISAF) troops on the ground in Afghanistan as well as providing vital information to commanders.

The special occasion was marked with a barbecue at Camp Baker in Kandahar.

Heron Detachment Commander WGCDR Bob Morris said the occa-sion marked a significant mile-stone for Australian RPA opera-

tions. “The Heron continues to make a positive difference to our troops on the ground,” he said.

“The RPA is an essential com-ponent to the modern battlefield with its capabilities and assists in saving lives by identifying threats to soldiers on the ground and pro-viding them with vital informa-tion.”

CAF AIRMSHL Mark Binskin, who visited the Heron detachment earlier this month during a trip to the Middle East, congratulated the detachment on its milestone.

“The RAAF has flown more than 2500 Heron hours since January 2010, providing vital sit-uational awareness for troops on the ground. It has assisted in sav-ing lives by identifying threats,” AIRMSHL Binskin said.

The Heron RPA provides the ADF with an operational intelli-gence, surveillance and reconnais-sance (ISR) capability that enhanc-es the operational capability of our ground forces.

It is in high demand around the Kandahar region in support of both ADF and ISAF ground forces.

The capability provides direct operational support in the provision of ISR effects.

Australian personnel have been training and flying operational mis-sions with the Canadian Forces since 2009. RAAF Heron opera-tions began in January this year.

The Heron detachment com-prises mainly Air Force personnel, but also includes a small number of Army and Navy members.

HeronHeronmarks 2500 marks 2500 hours’ flyinghours’ flying

PROUD DAY: Heron Detachment Commander WGCDR Bob Morris with members of the third rotation who marked the milestone in Afghanistan.

HERE TO STAY: The Heron RPA, which has been operated by the RAAF since January, provides an operational intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability that helps save the lives of troops and non-combatants on the ground in Afghanistan by identifying threats. Photo: CPL Andrew Eddie

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4 November 25, 2010RCEAIR FNews

Jessica Henry

THE sacrifices of Australian and US military personnel in Afghanistan were honoured at the Australia-US Ministe-rial Consultations (AUSMIN).

The AUSMIN talks in Melbourne on November 8 involved US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, US Defense Secretary Robert Gates, Defence Minister Stephen Smith and Foreign Affairs Minister Kevin Rudd.

In a joint communiqué they stated the 2010 AUSMIN meeting – which marked the 25th anniversary of the talks – confirmed the “enduring val-ues of the Australia-US alliance and its adaptability in meeting contem-porary and evolving strategic chal-lenges”.

Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to the international effort in Afghanistan to prevent it ever again becoming a safe haven for terrorists and violent extremists.

They stressed the importance of Combined Team Uruzgan in striving towards a more secure environment in Uruzgan province.

Another significant item on the agenda was close cooperation to reduce the threat of improvised explo-sive devices.

Acknowledging the success of Exercise Talisman Saber in develop-ing the interoperability of the ADF and US military, both countries intend to continue to work together to improve the biosecurity arrangements associated with the exercise.

The communiqué stated that Australia and the US were committed to global security and stability in the domains of sea, airspace, outer space and cybersecurity.

For the full communiqué, visit Defence’s website at www.defence.gov.au, click on the link to Media Room then look under Statements.

JUST a month from Christmas, ADF members have a little bit more to cel-ebrate as the latest pay increase hits bank accounts from November 25.

The 2.7 per cent increase is the final instalment of the current ADF Workplace Remuneration Arrangement (WRA) 2009-2011.

The increase will apply to sal-ary and salary-related allowances from November 11 for all members up to the rank of GPCAPT.

Defence is committed to deliver-ing a competitive employment offer for ADF members to continue to attract and retain the right people. The Defence Employment Offer captures all the ben-efits and opportunities – money, training, diverse and challenging work, mateship – that are uniquely available to the Defence workforce. The WRA is key to delivering financial security for ADF members under the Defence Employment Offer.

2.7 per cent pay rise

With the WRA expi r ing on November 3 next year, work has already begun on developing the next arrangement.

For more information on the WRA, visit the Defence Pay and Conditions site and click on the “Workplace Remuneration Arrangement (WRA 2009-11)” link.

Joint talks Joint talks pay tribute pay tribute to forcesto forces

SOCIAL SIDE: From left, US Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff ADML Mike Mullen and wife Deborah with Liz Houston and CDF ACM Angus Houston at Government House in Victoria.

Photo: CPL Christopher Dickson

FAREWELL: Above, Head Australian Defence Staff Washington AVM Kym Osley farewells US Secretary of Defense Dr Robert Gates after AUSMIN.

Photo: CPL Christopher Dickson

RESPECTS: Right, Dr Gates and Defence Minister Stephen Smith at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne.

Photo: CPL Hamish Paterson

SOCIAL SIDE: From left US Chairman

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Jaimie Abbott

AFTER more than 1200 hours of instruc-tion, the first Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) Mission Crew training course has been completed at RAAF Base Williamtown.

2SQN personnel completed the sev-en-month course, which was delivered by contractors from Boeing Defence Australia and 2SQN Training Flight per-sonnel.

The first eight students to complete the course were WOFF James Traise, CPOCSM Glen Edwards and FLTLTs Julia Lapworth, Martin Davies, Sam Thorpe, Lee Stanway, Kurt Simmill and Laura Johnson.

OC 42WG GPCAPT Stephen Meredith said the course was a signifi-cant step forward towards achieving Initial Operating Capability at the end of 2011.

Now these students are operational-ly qualified, crews will soon be created based around them.

Two more Mission Crew courses are currently being held at Williamtown, with more to follow next year.

Tr a i n i n g F l i g h t C o m m a n d e r SQNLDR Peter Ratcliffe was pleased with the results of the completed course.

“This course was unique in the fact that two of the students quickly worked their way through the crew hierarchy and went from Surveillance and Control Officer to Mission Commander by the end,” he said.

Boeing Defence Australia is respon-sible for training the students in non-tactical areas across all aircraft mission systems, including data links, com-munications systems and the Multirole Electronically Scanned Array radar.

Exercise High Sierra, the first major exercise and deployment for 2SQN, has now begun. The two-week F/A-18 opera-tional conversion graduation exercise is being held at RAAF Base Townsville.

“We will be able to use the advanced skills this first group have developed and validate the training when Wedgetail par-ticipates for the first time in Exercise High Sierra,” GPCAPT Meredith said.

While the squadron and wing has adopted a crawl-walk-run approach, it

Wedgetailail classof 2010

FIRST OFF THE RANK: Students of the first Wedgetail Mission Crew Conversion course.

Photo: ACW Katharine Pearson

FLTLT Skye Smith

AIR FORCE’S next breed of fighter pilots are undertaking three of the most intensive weeks of their lives in Townsville for Exercise High Sierra.

High Sierra represents the final three weeks of the F/A-18 opera-tional conversion course, which converts fighter pilots from the Hawk Mk127 Lead-in fighter aircraft to the Hornet.

The pilots from 2 Operational Conversion Unit will be put through their paces before graduation as qualified Hornet pilots, as they focus on air-to-surface weapons training during the exercise.

High Sierra allows Air Force to maintain its key capabilities such as the performance of precision strike missions.

It also provides participants with high complexity air combat training opportunities for Air Combat Group to test and practice its deployment capabilities so that it can operate away from its home bases when necessary.

High Sierra is the culmination of six months of intensive training on the F/A-18 for the students and should result in the graduation of seven new operational fighter pilots.

The exercise, over the Shoalwater Bay and Townsville training areas, started on November 22 and will finish on December 10.

is making good progress and achieving all of the important goals set out in the transition plans.

The year 2012 will be the most excit-ing for the Wedgetail.

The aircraft will make its debut in Exercise Pitch Black in the Northern Territory and there are plans to include the aircraft as an element of Exercise Red Flag in the US in the lead-up to full operational capability later that year.

CO 2SQN WGCDR Luke Stoodley said the squadron was blessed with qual-ity people.

“It’s an exciting time for us to be blazing that trail and be part of it,” he said.

“The aircraft is here now and we’re really getting ahead with it, we are really happy with the progress we have made and there is more to come.”

Air Force’s fourth Wedgetail is scheduled to be delivered next month and the remaining two aircraft are sched-uled for delivery next year.

‘

HIGH SIERRA CHALLENGE

The aircraft is here now and we’re really getting ahead with it, we are really happy with the progress we have made and there is more to come.

– CO 2SQN WGCDR Luke Stoodley

Another first for 2SQN

6 November 25, 2010RCEAIR FFNews

Andy Anderson

CAF AIRMSHL Mark Binskin has launched the RAAF 90th anniversary logo and the anniversary theme ‘Tradi-tion, Innovation, Evolution’.

Air Force turns 90 on March 31 next year and CAF says members should be proud of reaching this mile-stone.

“However, Air Force is operating at a very high tempo and that pace will continue for the foreseeable future, so now is not the time for elaborate cel-ebrations,” AIRMSHL Binskin said.

“My intent is for a relatively mod-est series of activities.

“Air Force will again be a key con-tributor to the Avalon air show in early March. Avalon will be the centrepiece event for our 90th.. This will be an opportunity to show the public the Air Force’s latest technologies and meet our industry partners and my Air Force counterparts from overseas.”

A 75SQN F/A-18 will carry Air Force’s 90th anniversary logo to bases and special events such as Avalon.

On March 31, activities in Canberra will include a flag rais-ing ceremony at Regatta Point and a commemorative service at the RAAF Memorial on Anzac Parade. An air pilgrimage featuring historic aircraft

will visit sites of WWII RAAF bases in regional NSW and Victoria and end at Point Cook on March 31.

“The anniversary theme ‘Tradition, Innovation, Evolution’ was chosen to highlight where Air Force has come from, where we’re at now, and Air Force’s future,” AIRMSHL Binskin said.

“Our 90th anniversary is a time to reflect on the sacrifices and achieve-ments of the past, including WWII, Korea, Vietnam, peacekeeping and humanitarian missions and the current high tempo ops in the Middle East.

“The anniversary theme recognises the quality of people in the Air Force today and the innovative approach they take to all aspects of work.

“Evolution refers to Air Force’s transition to next generation platforms and technologies. This is already under way with Super Hornets and Wedgetails being delivered and Herons providing crucial information to the troops in the MEAO, and there’s much more to come during the next decade.”

The 90th logo (pictured right) should be used on all Air Force minutes and letters during 2011. The templates are available on the CAF Template page on the Air Force intranet.

Spotlight on past, present and future

7NewsNovember 25, 2010RCEAIR FF

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AIRCRAFT enthusiasts from all over the world will come together at RAAF Base Amberley to see the iconic F-111s grace our skies for the final time after 37 years of service.

The official retirement of the formi-dable strike bomber will take place on December 2 and 3.

The first F-111 touched down in Australia on June 1, 1973 and created quite a public frenzy. Nearly four dec-ades later the F-111 is still creating a buzz as 6SQN performs its last missions around Australia.

After the first flight all those years ago, the Secretary of the US Air Force spoke of his confidence in the F-111 project.

He said at the time: “The effective-ness of our air power in the late 1960s and in the decade of the 70s, as well

as those of our allies such as Australia, will be vitally enhanced by the success of the F-111 program. The versatility of this aircraft promises to meet the demands for mobility, supersonic performance and great striking power.”

This statement has held true for the life of the Pig with the F-111 being regarded as one of the world’s leading long-range strike bombers.

6SQN will be sure to put on a spectacular show for its final flight as Air Force, and the

world, prepare to farewell the mighty Pig.

For further information and to purchase tickets to Pigs’ Tales, visit: www.boeing.com/global/Australia/PigsTales/default.html

Rachel Cope

IT WAS a bitter-sweet day for Air Com-mander Australia (ACAUST) AVM Mark Skidmore on November 2 as he piloted his last F-111 flight around southern Queensland.

Before taking to the air one last time in the revered and iconic Pig, ACAUST did a final review of the checklists and emergency procedures and two flights in the simulator.

When asked how he felt knowing that it would be his final flight in an F-111, ACAUST said he was sad, but happy to have the chance to fly the jet before the aircraft retired next month.

“I thought it was my last flight back in 2002 so to get an opportunity to fly an F-111 again was magnificent.”

He said southern Queensland pro-vided perfect flying weather for a “senior officer flying day”, and having SQNLDR Steve Clarke in the aircraft as captain and weapon system operator also helped.

“The F-111 is a lovely jet to fly at low level, it was just beautiful,” AVM Skidmore said.

Reflecting on his time as an F-111 pilot, ACAUST had a variety of fond memories.

The most prominent of these were his first deployment to Butterworth flying A8-132 as part of the Aircraft Research and Development Unit; conducting a handling display at the Boscombe Down International Air Tattoo in 1990; and being part of the Avionics Update Flight Test Program.

One last Pig jigOne last Pig jig

ACAUST is looking forward to catching up with many great people at the Pigs Tales’ retirement activities and “being a part of the F-111 fraternity again”.

As a youngster, the AVM once made an F-111 model aircraft, and then

ended up flying them. He started his flying career in 1982 and went direct from pilots’ course to flying Pigs at RAAF Base Amberley.

With a slight hint of melancholy ACAUST said “it’s the end of an era for the grand old girl”.

See next edition for full coverage of the F-111 retirement

FINAL STRIKE: AVM Mark Skidmore, left, and SQNLDR Steve Clarke in front of their final-flight F-111; inset, AVM Skidmore doing his preflight checks.

Photos: CPL Peter Borys

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8 November 25, 2010RCEAIR FFNews

Wagga’s welcomeSGT Dave Morley

RAAF College’s new commandant was welcomed to RAAF Base Wagga with a handover/takeover parade on November 16.

GPCAPT Tony Checker, former-ly Deputy Director within Air Force Personnel Capability Management, took up the appointment from GPCAPT Bob Rodgers.

He said he sees the biggest chal-lenge for the college being how to grow and evolve the training.

“Just as we replaced the F-111 with the Super Hornet, so we will have to grow our education and train-ing to match that,” he said.

GPCAPT Checker told those on parade that he was looking forward to his new posting.

“I look forward to the privilege and honour of serving with you as we move education and training to match the technology of the coming years.”

GPCAPT Rodgers, on his pro-motion to AIRCDRE, will take up the appointment of Director-General Personnel – Air Force in Canberra next month.

Wagga Wagga-born GPCAPT Rodgers said he would be leaving behind many fond memories of the rural city.

“The thing I’ll miss most about being on a RAAF base is working close to the people – you’re all basi-cally doing the same thing and I love the sense of being a part of that,” he said.

“This base is one of the last bas-

MANY residents in the Port Stephens area of NSW who were concerned they may have been potentially impacted by the noise envelope of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) can look forward to an im-proved outlook.

This follows the Department’s November 11 release of the revised noise map for RAAF Base Williamtown by DCAF AVM Geoff Brown.

AVM Brown said the new noise map was the culmination of 12 months of consultations between Defence, state and local authorities, community groups and individuals regarding the introduc-tion of the JSF at Williamtown in 2017.

“Following an accelerated review of our proposed JSF train-ing activities, we announced earlier this year that we would halve the JSF’s projected use of the Salt Ash Air Weapons Range. A concept map released last May resulted in a sig-nificantly reduced number of poten-tially affected properties around the range,” AVM Brown said.

In subsequent discussions with the Port Stephens Council, Defence agreed to also assess all options to mitigate aircraft noise closer to the base.

The concept noise map can be accessed at www.defence.gov.au/id/anef_williamtown.htm

Noise fears over JSF addressed

tions of the real Air Force culture because it’s about real training.

“To me this is one of the most important bases in the Air Force because this is where all airmen get their basic understanding of what being Air Force means.”

GPCAPT Rodgers said he would be responsible to CAF for all the workforce planning and management in his new position.

“I hope to be back in Wagga regularly as a reviewing officer for parades.”

CHANGING OF THE GUARD: New commandant GPCAPT Anthony Checker, left, with the departing GPCAPT Bob Rodgers; above, 1RTU course members march past.

Photos: Oscar Colman,The Daily Advertiser

9 NewsNovember 25, 2010RCEAIR FF

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FLTLT Georgina Lowe

FOR the first time since moving to Headquarters Joint Operations Com-mand (HQJOC) in January last year, Air Force’s Air and Space Operations Centre (AOC) stood up a Combined AOC (CAOC) in October.

The CAOC stood up from October 8 to 19 under the command of Combined Force Air Component Commander AIRCDRE Bill Henman and CAOC director GPCAPT Robert Chipman to plan, coordinate and control the joint air operations that formed part of the Army’s Exercise Pozieres Prospect.

The CAOC formed part of the combined task force during the Command Post Exercise Pozieres Prospect 10-4 (PP10-4).

Participation in Exercise PP10-4 also allowed the AOC to conduct its annual test of the Theatre Air Control System (TACS) and pre-pare for Exercise Talisman Saber 2011.

The TACS is the means by which

the Air Component Commander plans, coordinates and controls air and space activities within an area of operations. It is achieved through a system of agencies and processes at the operational and tactical levels and embedded within all three services.

GPCAPT Chipman said that it was pleasing to see a group of sub-ject matter experts come together from all over Air Force and Army, and work together as a team to man-age the air campaign.

“The process of the AOC exer-cising the TACS is fundamental to Air Force realising the full potential of the exciting new capabilities and systems introduced throughout this decade,” he said.

The CAOC also provided the operational control for the live air assets operating within the Headquarters Forces Command-led live fire exercise, Exercise Hamel.

The exercise included all three ADF services, as well as some units from the Royal New Zealand Defence Force participating as the opposing force.

CAPT Cameron Jamieson

GREAT Australian causes have no boundaries where the ADF is concerned.

At the International Stabilisation Force Headquarters in Dili, East Timor, Australians, New Zealanders and East Timorese alike were tickled pink to munch on cupcakes and drink brews in sup-port of Pink Ribbon Day.

The Cancer Council’s Pink Ribbon Day helps raise awareness about breast cancer and raises funds towards research, education and support programs.

More than 10 per cent of Australian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer by the age of 85.

ISF member and event organiser FLGOFF Emily Chapman said she was inspired to hold the event after reading accounts of the increasing amount of young women being diagnosed with breast cancer.

“As the preparations for the event progressed I also heard stories from ISF members about fam-ily members that have been diagnosed with breast cancer and how they dealt with it emotionally and physically,” she said.

The morning tea raised $580 thanks to the strong support of military staff and locally employed civil-ians.

“We aimed to raise $500, so that amount will go to the Cancer Council,” FLGOFF Chapman said.

“The rest will go to a local East Timorese women’s charity.”

Tickled pink raising Tickled pink raising funds in East Timorfunds in East Timor

CUPPA TIME: SGT Debbie Zigmantas wears her pink ribbon with pride at Camp Phoenix while she enjoys the morning tea to raise money for breast cancer research. Photo: LAC Leigh Cameron

Controlling joint air ops

DHA information line 139 DHA (139 342) www.dha.gov.au Toll Transitions freecall 1800 819 167 www.tolltransitions.com.au/defence

DHA was established in 1988 with the aim of improving the quality and selection of housing for Defence members and their families. Now, over 20 years on, DHA manages approximately 17, 300 residences around Australia and provides a range of services to help ease the pressure on Defence families – we will support you and your family throughout your tenancy, from moving in, to living in, and then moving out of your home.

While our level of support for you and your family will not change, you will see some changes to the Defence relocations process. Where DHA managed relocations administration in the past, Toll Transitions will now be your relocations service provider.

To help you understand how this may impact you and your family, we’ve put together a reference guide for you and your family.

DHA will assist you with: Toll Transitions will assist you with: Defence will assist you with:

Finding and securing your future Defence home – using DHA’s online HomeFind tool

Notifying DHA of your relocation, so that we can commence the HomeFind process

All of your pay matters

Your housing entitlements, including Rent Allowance or Living In Accommodation

Organising your relocation requirements Making and managing any policy which affects your housing and relocation entitlements

Arranging all your DHA housing maintenance requirements

Arranging all your uplift and delivery requirements

Determining your Conditions of Service

Rent Band Choice Housing – this provides you with a range of housing choices to suit your lifestyle

Approving and organising any long-term or short-term storage of your possessions

Managing the contractors who provide your relocation services and housing, such as Toll Transitions and DHA

Fast Connect – a free service for the connection or disconnection of major utilities and telecommunication services

Booking travel and temporary accommodation for your relocation

Your relocation allowances and entitlements

DHA was established in 1988 with the aim of improving the quality and selection of housing for Defence members and their families.

Defence Housing Australia – your housing solution.

11NewsNovember 25, 2010RCEAIR FF

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CPL Zenith King and CAPT Cameron Jamieson

AIR FORCE members at home and abroad joined the nation in stopping on November 11 to honour Australians who paid the ultimate sacrifice in war and to mark the 92nd Armistice Day.

Ten new names were unveiled at the Australian War Memorial (AWM) in a moving tribute to those who lost their lives in Afghanistan this past year.

The Remembrance Day ceremony drew a crowd of more than 1000 to the AWM, including 102 school stu-dents who represented the 102,000 names etched in bronze on the roll of honour.

After wreaths were laid at the stone of remembrance, families of the 10 fallen soldiers laid poppies next to the names of their loved ones in a pri-vate ceremony.

Elsewhere in Australia and over-seas, Air Force personnel participated in various ceremonies and parades to mark the important day.

CAF AIRMSHL Mark Binskin and WOFF-AF JJ Millar attended a Remembrance Day ceremony at Tarin Kot during their recent trip to the MEAO to visit the troops. AIRMSHL Binskin said the ceremony was a time to reflect on the recent opera-tional deaths and injuries the ADF and its partners had suffered and was a reminder of the continuing challenges of operating in southern Afghanistan.

In Dili, Australian and New Zealand Defence personnel joined together in silence to honour their ancestors and comrades who fought and died for honourable causes.

Members of the International Stabilisation Force (ISF) in East Timor stood sentry around the Cenotaph while fellow sailors, sol-diers and airmen listened to words of bravery, devotion and loss as the moment that was supposed to end all wars was recalled.

ISF commander COL Mick Reilly said it was an act of honour for deployed Australians and New Zealanders to continue the tradition of remembering those who died and suf-fered as a result of war.

SPR Jacob MoerlandSPR Jacob MoerlandSPR Darren SmithSPR Darren SmithPTE Timothy AplinPTE Timothy AplinPTE Scott PalmerPTE Scott PalmerPTE Benjamin ChuckPTE Benjamin ChuckPTE Nathan BewesPTE Nathan BewesTPR Jason BrownTPR Jason BrownPTE Thomas DalePTE Thomas DalePTE Grant KirbyPTE Grant KirbyLCPL Jared MacKinneyLCPL Jared MacKinney

Remembering Remembering our fallenour fallen

“The toll of warfare on our young men and women over the last century and beyond has been horrific,” COL Reilly said.

“So many of our people lie in foreign lands, their gravestones and memorials standing as silent tribute to Australia and New Zealand’s determi-nation to oppose tyranny.

“Their lives extinguished, they live on in our hearts.

“Voices once full of laughter and love, we hear them still.

“Their sacrifice will not have been in vain if we continue to honour their ideas of freedom and liberty.”

Remembrance Day would have also held special meaning this year for 77SQN members who fought in the Korean War, after their service and sacrifice was honoured with the unveiling of a special plaque at Point Cook last month.

They were among more than 17,000 ADF personnel to serve in the war, of which 339 were killed.

UAE GATHERING: Above, Air Force members lay poppies at the Al Minhad Air Base in the United Arab Emirates. Photo: ABIS Jo DilorenzoPOIGNANT: Above left, chaplain Jean Johns reads the prayer for the fallen during the Remembrance Day ceremony at RAAF Base Richmond. Photo: LAC Chris Hall

POPPIES: Above, SGT Debbie Zigmantas swaps money for poppies before the service at Camp Phoenix in Dili, East Timor. Photo: LAC Leigh Cameron

SWORD OF HONOUR: Below, FLGOFF Tristan Foon stands at attention during a ceremony at Penrith. Photo: LAC David Said

10 new names 10 new names added to Roll of added to Roll of

HonourHonour

PAYING RESPECTS: Air Force AFG members on parade at the Remembrance Day ceremony at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. Photo: Lauren Black

Life Insurance

Your crew

It’s nice to know that your crew on the home front will be looked after if anything happens to you. Because life is full of uncertainties no matter how fit and healthy you might be now. So if you have people who depend on you financially, then consider Defence Health Term Life Insurance for their protection. It will even cover you on warlike operations if you take it out before you know you are to be deployed. Don’t delay.

For a quote, brochure or application form call Defence Health on 1800 335 425 or visit www.defencehealth.com.au

This information is of a general nature only and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider your personal circumstances and the relevant Product Disclosure Statement in deciding whether to acquire this product. You may wish to seek independent advice. This product is underwritten by Asteron Life Limited (ABN 64 001 698 228, AFSL 237903). Defence Health Ltd and My Advisor receive respectively 11.78% and 2.22% of all premiums you pay to Asteron Life Limited. The Financial Services Guide and Product Disclosure Statement may be obtained by calling the Defence Health Member Service Centre on 1800 335 425 or downloaded from www.defencehealth.com.au

12 November 25, 2010RCEAIR FNews

FLTLT Skye Smith

AS THE Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) approaches its 40th anniversary next year, Exercise Bersama Padu 2010 recently highlighted the impor-tance of Australia’s strategic environment within South-East Asia.

The FPDA is headquartered within the Integrated Area Defence System (IADS) at the Royal Malaysian Air Force Base Butterworth.

It is the only multi-lateral arrangement in South-East Asia with an operational dimension and brings

WANTED: a removalist for a big, big task. If it’s furniture you have in mind, though, forget it.

Defence Materiel Minister Jason Clare has announced the release of the tender to dispose of retired Caribou aircraft.

Mr Clare said that two of the fleet would be reserved for sale to histori-cal organisations that will preserve the aircraft as flying examples of military heritage.

A number of Caribou components will also be made available only to historical organisations and Returned Service Organisations, such as RSLs.

The Caribou was first brought into service in Vietnam and has served

with distinction for nearly half a cen-tury.

“We have reserved a number of Caribou components for preservation at RSLs and historical organisations,” Mr Clare said.

During service, the Caribou oper-ated out of RAAF Bases Richmond, Amberley and Townsville.

Two of the aircraft have already been presented to the RAAF Museum at Point Cook and the Australian War Memorial.

Tenders close on March 1. Go to www.tenders.gov.au or contact the Defence Disposals Agency on (02) 9393 2914 for more information.

‘BRIEFING: LEUT David Roderick from the Royal New Zealand Navy, LT Lucas Joyce from the Australian Army, SQNLDR Ady Smith from the RAF, CAPT Ahmad Zaky from the Royal Malaysian Armed Forces and LEUT Tan Yit Chong from the Republic of Singapore Air Force go over the day’s movements in the planning room. Photo: CPL David Gibbs

[The Five Power Defence Arrangements] represents the strong bonds that have been formed over the last four decades.

– Commander IADS AVM Kevin

Paule

’Bou moving right along

United force stands fi rm

together the member nations – Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore and the United Kingdom – to foster regional security.

The FPDA was founded in 1971 to provide air defence of the Malaysia peninsula and Singapore after the British withdrawal of

SPEAKING: Commander IADS AVM Kevin Paule.

military forces east of the Suez.Commander IADS AVM Kevin Paule said FPDA

deserved the highest recognition.“It represents the strong bonds that have been

formed over the last four decades and shows great promise for further development of the arrangement in the future,” he said.

The eighth FPDA Defence Ministers’ Meeting to be held in Singapore next year is a significant FPDA activity for 2011.

In 2000, the FPDA Defence Ministers agreed that the FPDA should become more joint and combined in nature and consequently HQIADS was renamed from the Integrated Air Defence System to Integrated Area Defence System.

HQIADS has a staff of 48 comprising repre-sentatives from the five nations. There are eight Australians, 21 Malaysians, four New Zealanders, 10 Singaporeans and five Britons.

Air Force represents 60 per cent of the total staff. Next year will mark the first time the Australian

Super Hornets will participate in the FPDA exercise during Bersama Shield, scheduled for May.

13 AwardsNovember 25, 2010RCEAIR FF

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FLTLT Skye Smith

A CONSCIENTIOUS aircraft techni-cian from 76SQN has earned a Good Show Award from Air Commander Australia for averting a potential incident at RAAF Base Williamtown.

CPL Joshua Keith was recognised

for contributing significantly to the Air Force’s accident prevention program after discovering a black torch in the engine bay of a Hawk 127 during a pre-flight inspection of the aircraft.

“The discovery was a direct result of CPL Keith’s thorough attention to detail given that the torch was

extremely difficult to see as it was located in an area in the engine bay that was not easy to inspect nor normally included in inspection pro-cedures,” CO 76SQN WGCDR Nick Osborne said.

“The discovery of the torch unquestionably prevented possible

foreign object damage leading to a potential loss of the aircraft and injury or death to aircrew.”

CPL Keith’s vigilance and subse-quent discovery led to a tool control investigation that has resulted in changes to the squadron’s mainte-nance procedures.

FLTLT Skye Smith

A FORMER aircraft technician turned Hornet pilot has earned the rare honour of a United States Air Force Meritori-ous Service Medal (MSM) after swap-ping F/A-18s for F-15s on an exchange posting to Nellis Air Force Base in Ne-vada.

SQNLDR Steven ‘Roos te r ’ Bradley served as the Assistant Director of Operations at the 65th Aggressor Squadron, 57th Adversary Tactics Group from January 2008 to August 2010.

During the two-year exchange, he demonstrated exceptional leader-ship as a Fighter Combat Instructor and Weapons Officer by setting the Aggressor standard for flying, threat replication, Aggressor syllabus aca-demics and flying instruction on the F-15 Eagle.

Commander Air Combat Group AIRCDRE Mel Hupfeld recently pre-sented SQNLDR Bradley with the MSM in front of his fighter colleagues at his current unit, 2 Operational Conversion Unit.

“His superb technical abil-ity, work ethic, and astute leadership were instrumental to the Aggressor Squadron meeting the USAF Chief of Staff ’s concept of operations for threat replication and training,” AIRCDRE Hupfeld said.

SQNLDR Bradley twice partici-pated in the annual USAF Tactics, Training and Procedures 3-1 confer-ence and was instrumental in rewrit-ing Aggressor and Combat Air Force debriefing standards.

He advocated for advanced threat

‘replication resulting in the inception of a new Air Force tactics, training and procedures guide.

“ACG’s fighter pilots always per-form at an exceptionally high level on exchange and SQNLDR Bradley is no different,” AIRCDRE Hupfeld said.

“SQNLDR Bradley served in a key executive position at the USAF’s Aggressor Squadron and it is impor-tant we recognise this impressive accomplishment.”

During the exchange, SQNLDR Bradley displayed initiative as a Chinese Fighters Subject Matter Expert and led the Chinese Air Forces section of the 2009 Asian Tactics Analysis Team conference.

Additionally, he led 65th Aggressor Squadron threat replication in 11 Red Flag exercises and five USAF Weapons School Mission Employment phases, training over 2000 Allied aircrews from 18 countries.

SQNLDR Bradley was humbled by the award.

“The exchange at the Aggressors was certainly a highlight of my Air Force career so far,” he said.

“To be able to work with the mul-titude of assets that the US has in its inventory is an opportunity that not many Australian fighter pilots will get to experience, so I’m grateful that I had the chance.”

“The opportunity to represent

ACG and show the US, and many other countries, how us Aussies do business has been an amazing experi-ence. We may be a small Air Force but it was great to show people what we have to offer.”

SQNLDR Bradley joined the Air Force in 1994 as an aircraft techni-cian, commissioned to pilot, complet-ing Hornet conversion in 2002 and is now a qualified Fighter Combat Instructor.

Sharp eyes in engine bay lead to Good Show Award TOP JOB: CPL Joshua Keith accepts his award.

It was great to show people what we have to offer.

– SQNLDR Steven Bradley

US recognises pilott

ROOSTER’S HONOUR: SQNLDR Steven Bradley on the 2OCU flightline with his USAF MSM and framed F-15 photo signed by personnel from the 65th Aggressor Squadron. Above inset, SQNLDR Bradley briefing RAAF members on the F-15 Eagle during Exercise Red Flag earlier this year while on exchange at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada. Photos: SGT Pete Gammie and LACW Katharine Pearson

14 November 25, 2010 15Centrepiece NRCEAIR FF

From air power to people power, 2010 has been a busy but exciting year for Air Force, writes Andrew Stackpool.

FULLY CAPABLE IN 2010FULLY CAPABLE IN 2010AIR FORCE has come

through another busy year on all fronts – administra-tive, acquisition, operational and exercise – with some of

its new aircraft types working up to full operational status.

Air Force’s push to the next level of air power got underway with a roar in March when the first five of 24 new F/A-18F Super Hornets (known as Rhinos) touched down at RAAF Base Amberley. Six more followed in July, with another three expected next month to take the order of battle to 14. The rest will phase in next year.

With the welcomes over, the hard work began to make the air-craft fully operational by the end of the year. A highlight of this was the successful first test firing of the air-to-ground Joint Standoff Weapon outside of the US at the Woomera Test Range against two separate hardened concrete targets in August and September. A range of other ordnance was also fired during the bomb camp.

While still to be received here, in European skies the replacement tanker aircraft program continued to make progress after the first KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport passed a major milestone following its first large aircraft refuelling of a French E-3F aircraft.

Following the retirement of the Caribou in 2009, 38SQN finished re-equipping with the King Air when it received its five new airframes (as opposed to reassigned Army airframes received last year) from

Hawker Pacific, taking its total to eight of type. The aircraft were quick-ly in operation, with flights to New Zealand and Malaysia and around Australia.

Also during the year, Air Force continued its program to fully inte-grated network-centric warfare when it received its first three Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft and the Heron Remotely Piloted Aircraft, which is flying in Afghanistan in support of the Mentoring Task Force and Special Operations Task Group. Although the Wedgetail is still to have its radar fully operational, it is proving itself a very capable platform during tri-als and exercises. The Heron has achieved a 95 per cent mission suc-cess rate on operations.

While these new platforms occu-pied the attention and resources of several areas of the organisation, others were busy with operations and exercises in Australia and over-seas.

In the MEAO, the AP-3C detach-ment chalked up seven years of con-tinuous support of ADF operations in the area in February. This comprised 16,500 hours on more than 1750 missions. A slightly different mission occurred in May when one Orion flew to the assistance of a Russian mer-chant ship that came under pirate attack in the Gulf of Aden.

Maritime drama continued to play a role in the same month when two more Orions were tasked to search for two missing Suspected Irregular Entry Vessels north of Australia, while a C-130 flew to the aid of fish-

ermen who had abandoned their vessel after it sank.

In March, the C-130 detachment turned over 20,000 hours, and in September, the C-17As completed their first year of MEAO activities with more than 4500 tonnes of cargo delivered.

Sadly, the two types also had more sombre duties as they returned to Australia the bodies of the 11 ADF personnel killed on operations in Afghanistan during the year.

Operations ensured all Force Element Groups and many non-service groups were kept busy world-wide. During 2010, about 1200 personnel, including about 110 reservists, deployed on operations in the MEAO, South East Asia, Africa, South West Pacific, and around Australia.

As well, a highlight of this was Air Force involvement in emergency and disaster relief world-wide.

In January, five joint battlefield airspace controllers achieved a first when they deployed to Haiti to assist with relief air movements after a magnitude 7 earthquake struck the island, resulting in more than 310,000 casualties. Returning in March, they were overtaken by a C-130 and supporting personnel who deployed with humanitarian aid and personnel to Fiji following the wide-spread devastation there caused by tropical cyclone Tomas.

Then, between late August and late October, more than 200 medical and other personnel coupled with AusAID personnel deployed to Pakistan in two rotations to provide

desperately needed medical and environmental health services fol-lowing the monsoonal floods that tore through a major part of central Pakistan. Before they returned to Australia, the teams treated more than 11,300 patients.

A wide-ranging and busy exercise schedule also ensured that people’s war-fighting and related skills were kept up to the mark. Among the more significant of these were Exercises Red Flag, Rimpac, Pitch Black, Bersama Shield, Bersama Padu, Rajawali Ausindo, Kakadu, Air Warrior II, Combined Strength and Precision Red.

While just as frenetic, pomp and ceremony was front and centre over four nights in Sydney in February when the Air Force Band and mem-bers of Australia’s Federation Guard joined their colleagues from the other two services at the ‘2010 Edinburgh Military Tattoo Down Under’, while at the end of the month, record crowds attended the biennial Point Cook Air Pageant and 30,000 people watched RAAF and other aircraft in action at the Wings Over Illawarra open day.

Those aviation spectacles were followed on September 18 and 19 when more than 60,000 people attended two days of spectacular avionics at the 2010 Williamtown Air Show, which was held at the base for the first time in 25 years. It was a fitting lead-up to the Air Force’s 90th birthday next year, which will use the Australian International Airshow 2011 as the backdrop for the ser-vice’s milestone.

Operations

� Haiti Assist – Haiti� Pakistan Assist –

Pakistan� Catalyst – MEAO� Kruger – Baghdad

Embassy� Slipper –

Afghanistan� Resolute – Darwin/

northern waters� Astute – East Timor� Tower – East Timor� Anode – Solomon

Islands� Azure – Sudan� Gateway – SE/

Southern Asia� Solania – Western

Pacific

� Red Flag� Rimpac� Pitch Black� Bersama Shield� Bersama Padu� Rajawali Ausindo� Kakadu� Singaroo� Trial Muffler� Air Warrior II� Combined Strength� Willoh� Arnhem Thunder� Hamel� Precision Red� High Sierra� Nomad� Alpine Rodeo

Exercises

RISE OF THE RHINOS: Super Hornet A205 during live weapon trials at the Woomera Test Range in September. The first five of 24 new Super Hornets arrived at RAAF Base Amberley in March, followed by six more in July. Another three are due next month to take the Rhino tally to 14 delivered this year. Photo: LAC Scott Woodward

JET STARS: Above, 3SQN’s AC Martin Sonntag checking over an F/A-18 after it returned from a sortie during Exercise Pitch Black 2010 in July. Photo: CPL Hamish PatersonHELLO HERON: Below, Governor-General Quentin Bryce visiting the Heron Remotely Piloted Aircraft detachment in Afghanistan in April. Photo: SGT Brent Tero

RESOLUTE MISSION: 10SQN’s LAC Alexander Chan checking an AP-3C engine after an Operation Resolute sortie in Darwin. Photo: LAC Glen McCarthy

THANKS: A Pakistani boy accepting a family hygiene kit from CPL Donald Welsh from 1CCS in Kot Addu during Operation Pakistan Assist II in October. Photo: POIS Damian Pawlenko

HERC LOOKOUT: FLGOFF Scott Merrick onboard a C-130J maintaining watch during a search and rescue mission in the Solomon Islands in July. Photo: ABIS Jo Dilorenzo

BIG ATTRACTION: Crowds converge around the C-17A during the 2010 Williamtown Air Show in September. Photo: LACW Katharine Pearson

WEDGETAIL HIGH: One of 2SQN’s first two Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft, which arrived in May, flying over Newcastle. Photo: LACW Katharine Pearson

Key features of the new Defence Sub-Branch:

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November 25, 2010RCEAIR F16 News

EVEN two King Airs were adorned with bandanas when the 38SQN hangar doors at RAAF Base Towns-ville were thrown open on October 26.

It was three days before National Bandana Day, which supports mem-bers of Canteen – The Australian Organisation for Young People Living with Cancer.

Personnel of 38SQN and the Hawker Pacific In ter im Light Transport team gathered to help sup-port the initiative.

They were joined by members of Canteen (aged 12-24) and their fami-lies who joined in with Dingo Airlines

for a barbecue lunch where they shared stories of their experiences of living with cancer or having a family member with a cancer diagnosis.

Temporary CO 38SQN SQNLDR Andrew Chadwick said it was a buzz for both groups. “The challenges faced by these young people are immense and they have so much courage and love – it was so encouraging to see.”

The squadron hopes to make this an annual event to help raise the profile of National Bandana Day throughout the north Queensland com-munity and support the local branch of Canteen.

FLGOFF Dene Lapouple

GIVEN the options, how would you like to spend two years of your life?

For the OIC of the PC-9 Refresher Flight at 2 Flight Training School at RAAF Base Pearce, WGCDR Robert Wood, the answer seems to be fairly straightforward: flying.

For that is what he achieved on October 21 when flying in a 2FTS PC-9 aircraft with PLTOFF Simone Mohrlok – who was completing her pilot refresh-er training before starting her KC-30A conversion course – he clocked up his 17,000th flying hour.

That equates to about 708 days, eight hours – or 1.94 years airborne.

He enlisted in the Air Force in 1968 and com-pleted No. 69 Pilots’ Course.

Over the next 42 years, he flew eight different types of service aircraft: Winjeels, Vampires, Sabres, Canberras, Macchis, F-111s and, now, the PC-9.

While flying Canberras, he flew more than 120 combat missions in the skies over Vietnam.

More than 8000 of those hours were flown in air-craft fitted with ejection seats but every hour he flew was without incident.

“Eight thousand ejection seat hours eventually has its effect on the body, but I have enjoyed every single hour of it,” WGCDR Wood said.

“I managed to achieve 17,000 hours without inci-dent by never putting myself in a position I couldn’t handle.

“Continuous risk management and a healthy flight safety culture has also contributed.”

WGCDR Wood said that his career had taken him to all sorts of interesting places around the world.

“I believe that being an Air Force pilot is the best career in the world.”

Now that experience and wisdom is being passed on to hundreds of budding Air Force and Navy pilots.

Tying one on – for the sake of Canteen JOIN IN

EVERYONE: Even 38SQN’s dingo mascot King got into the act when national Bandana Day was marked with a large gathering at RAAF Base Townsville. Photo: courtesy 38SQN

17,000 hours in the skies

GOOD ONE: 2FTS colleague LCDR John May congratulates WGCDR Robert Wood for achieving his milestone. Photo: FLTLT Damien Buswell

17 FlightlineNovember 25, 2010RCEAIR FF

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Find out morewww.aviation.unsw.edu.au

or call Jamie on (02) 9385-6767

WE ARE WARRIORS: Deborah Howard (left) and her daughter Lauren Barra are given a practical demonstration in the use of a Panther fire truck by firefighter SGT Steven Milne during their visit to RAAF Base Amberley as part of the ‘Warrior for a Day’ prize Ms Howard won at the recent Defence Charity Ball held in Brisbane. Photo: LAC Dan Pinhorn

GRACEFUL RIDE: Grace Williams, 12, enjoys a flight in the AP-3C Orion Advanced Flight Simulator at RAAF Base Edinburgh. The simulator ride was won at a local charity auction ‘Time for Kids’ by her parents and given to her as a surprise birthday present due to her career ambition to become an Air Force pilot one day. Photo: CPL Ben Dempster

HELPING HANDS: Right, CPL Nathan Harris polishes the wing of a Macchi, while above, CPLs Bradley Hill (left) and Darren Hobbs enjoy the view over the South Australian Aviation Museum in Port Adelaide. Members from Crew C of 11SQN Maintenance provided volunteer assistance to the museum recently as part of a team building activity. Photo: LAC Glen McCarthy

BERSAMA GRIN: Above, 3SQN avionic technician CPL Joshua Newbon is all smiles on the flightline at RMAF Base Butterworth during Exercise Bersama Padu 2010. Photo: CPL David GibbsUNIQUE EXCHANGE: Left, SQNLDR Ross King from AFHQ with Senator Chris Back at Parliament House during the annual ADF Parliamentary Program, which ran from October 25-29. Photo: CPL Raymond Vance

A MilHOP, SKIP AND A JUMPTO A BETTER HEALTH FUTUREFor a better health service for you and your ADFteammates, participate in the MilHOP survey.

milhop@cmvh.org.aucmvh.org.au/milhop1800 886 567

November 25, 2010RCEAIR FF

LAC Aaron Curran

AFTER four years of exceptional ser-vice, one of Air Force’s first Explosive Detection Dogs (EDD) has retired to the backyard to pull out pot plants and roll around in the clover.

Bea, a 10-year-old labrador from 382 Expeditionary Combat Support Squadron (382ECSS) at RAAF Base Amberley, came to Air Force in 2006 after serving as a Queensland Police detector dog since 2002.

SGT David Skeels, from the EDD section at RAAF Base Amberley, said: “Bea was the first EDD to receive the Canine Service Medal from the Australian Trackers and War Dog Association because of her combined Queensland Police and Air Force ser-vice.”

Deanna Nott

MEMORANDUMS of Understanding (MOUs) to support Defence reservists who are employed with the NSW and Western Australia Police have been signed with Defence.

NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione and WA Police Commissioner Karl O’Callaghan joined with the Head of Defence’s Cadet, Reserve and Employer Support Division, MAJGEN Greg Melick, to sign the MOUs at separate events.

MAJGEN Melick said the MOUs aimed to create a mutually understood approach and better manage-ment of a shared workforce.

“Reservists bring valuable life and work skills back to their civilian workplaces and that includes our nation’s emergency services,” he said.

Mr O’Callaghan said reservists and police person-nel shared similar skill requirements, including high-level decision-making and teamwork.

“Reservists can learn a range of skills which can be transferred to their daily role in WA Police – it’s a great foundation in terms of team work, discipline and leadership,” he said.

In NSW, the new ADF Reserve Service – Policy and Guidelines agreement, developed in conjunc-tion with an MOU, streamlines the management of military leave and Employer Support Payments for almost 180 NSW police officers serving in the Navy, Army or Air Force Reserves.

So long, thanks for the donuts

During her service, Bea took part in Operations Deluge and Testament and Exercises Pitch Black and Night Hawk.

“Bea performed routine screen-ing for visiting VIPs, point of entry clearances, evacuation handling centre searches, screening of people and bag-gage, load clearances, and searches of

facilities, vehicles and aircraft,” SGT Skeels said. “EDD Bea’s performance during her entire career was out-standing; she was a happy-go-lucky dog who would do anything for her handler, all with a cheeky look in her eyes.”

He said Bea would search from sun up to sun down and all for the reward of

a pat and a scratch from her handler.“All handlers had great respect for

Bea,” he said.“It was like nothing could faze

her. She took all situations and dis-tractions in her stride and earned the affectionate nickname of the ‘combat wombat’.”

After an expression of interest pro-cess, Bea eventually went home

DOGGONE: Retired Explosive Demolition Dog Bea.

Photos: LACW Jessica Smith

with LAC Robert Pender from 382ECSS.SGT Skeels said LAC Pender was the successful

adoptee because he had a lot of experience with dogs and a young family with time to spend with Bea.

SGT Skeels remembers one story about Bea during Op Deluge in support of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in 2007.

“Bea, along with her handler SGT Cameron Scott, was searching along a line of personal baggage belonging to the US Secret Service just before they were about to board a flight back to the US,” he said.

“One of the agents had purchased a box of Krispy Kreme Doughnuts for the long trip home and unbe-known to SGT Scott, decided that he better place the open box down to be searched.”

He said Bea then searched along the line of bags until she came to the open box of donuts and without breaking stride downed at least two, slobbered over the rest then continued the search “leaving the agent devastated at the loss of his mid-flight snack”.

Bea’s retirement coincides with the Air Force EDD capability having attained operational status on October 1. This capability will significantly enhance security at fixed bases and on deployed operations.

RECOGNITION: Bea is awarded her Long Service Medal after five years of service. Bea is now happily retired with her new owner, handler LAC Robert Pender from 382ECSS.

Police support for reservists

News18

19PersonnelNovember 25, 2010RCEAIR FF

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Brooke Audsley

THE Defence Security Authority has warned personnel against posting too much information on social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter.

Foreign intelligence services and crimi-nals regularly access these sites to gather information about Defence members and their families. Even if what you’re posting seems insignificant to you, it may be the exact piece of information someone is look-ing for.

Often such information is not necessari-ly classified – it’s information that is openly available to anyone who knows where to look and what to ask. For example, post-ing information about where you went to school may be used to establish contact and

find out more about you or, even worse, pose as you online.

Careless use of social networking sites and accidental release of information can result in threats being made to Defence members and families, however, there are a number of precautions you can take to ensure that you and your family are not at risk (see box below).

As Defence members you have a responsibility to be particularly careful of what you say in public and post online. An accidental release of sensitive information has the potential to compromise the security of your family, mates and ADF operations.

For more information, contact your local security officer or the Directorate of Policing and Security – Air Force on (02) 6127 2761 or visit www.staysmartonline.gov.au

� Always be aware that anything you post online could potentially be seen, even if you think the site is secure. Criminals and others can hack in to your online profile, so you should always assume that someone, some-where, may be able to access your information.

� Keep specific information to yourself. Do not post dates, locations, unit num-bers, names, photographs of you in uniform, or any specifics about training missions or operations. Much of this information is actually classified and posting it on unclassified websites is a serious security violation.

� Think twice about posting any details

about your birth date, home address/phone number, schedule or job. A basic rule to remember is: if it could be used against you or your family in any way, don’t post it.

� If you have children accessing social networking sites, educate them about what information they shouldn’t post or discuss online, and why.

� Only accept friend requests from peo-ple you know directly. Criminals and foreign intelligence agencies often set up fake profiles and try to add as many friends as possible – ensure you remove ‘friends’ you do not know personally.

Online security at a glance

Be social, secure IN BRIEF

LOOK AND THINK: You have a responsibility to be careful of what you say on social websites such as Facebook. As shown, this information is available online on the security tab of www.facebook.com/RoyalAustralianAirForce Photo: LSIS Paul McCallum

MilHOP online help on the wayPERSONNEL who have experi-enced technical difficulties when trying to complete their online MilHOP (Military Health Outcomes Program) surveys will soon receive help. Researchers at the Centre for Military and Veterans’ Health (CMVH) will contact eve-ryone who appears to have only partially completed their surveys to provide an updated survey link which will return them to the last question answered in the online survey and enable them to com-plete their submission. For more information, contact the study team on freecall 1800 886 567 or email milhop@cmvh.org.au

Volunteers wanted for Avalon airshowEXPRESSIONS of interest are being sought from Air Force personnel from LAC/LACW to SQNLDR across all musterings and specialisations for representational duty at the Australian International Air Show at Avalon from March 1-6 next year. Successful applicants will be required to provide high levels of interaction with the public at corporate stands. Applicants are to submit a Standard Application (PE057) with approval and sup-porting comments from their respective chain of command to AFHQ by emailing AFHQ.EVENTS@defence.gov.au. Applications close on December 17.

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November 25, 2010RCEAIR FPersonnel20

CAF AIRMSHL Mark Binskin has instigated a change to the badge worn by Air Force personnel on the upper left sleeve of their DPDU and DPCU shirts. The current badge (often called a biscuit) with the eagle surmount-ing the words Air Force will be replaced by a cloth badge of the same dimensions featuring the RAAF Roundel embroidered in black against either a DPDU or DPCU pattern background, as shown above. CAF con-siders this new badge will more readily identify the wearer of camouflage uniforms as a member of the RAAF. The DPDU badge should already be supplied to those deployed or about to be deployed to regions where this uniform will be worn. With the DPCU badge, clothing stores are in the process of ordering supplies of this item. To allow a manageable change-over process for tailoring staff, the DPCU roundel badge will be attached to new shirts as they are issued on an exchange or initial issue basis. The Air Force badge worn on Service Dress is not affected by this change.

PERSONNEL and families planning to provide loved ones on operations with a little piece of home at Christmas need to be aware of the cut-off dates for different operational areas.

By posting all mail items by these dates, it will ensure that parcels will have the chance of arriving before Christmas.

The Defence liaison office with Australia Post has strongly urged that parcels for the Middle East and Sudan are posted no later than December 5.

Parcels to East Timor and the Solomon Islands should be posted by December 10.

Defence liaison officer LEUT Ian Murphy said it was recommended that people sending parcels contact Australia Post’s retail outlets.

Defence subsidises parcels up to 2kg for those deployed on operations. However, parcels that weigh more than this are charged at the full price.

When posting the parcel there will be a requirement to complete a cus-toms declaration for the contents.

Additionally, there is a require-ment to present photographic identifi-cation when the parcel is lodged.

LEUT Murphy said parcels should also have a return address.

He said some countries had differ-ent customs and traditions and what was acceptable in Australia may not be appropriate in the host country.

“Items such as women’s maga-zines and pork products are not appro-priate in some countries,” he said.

“Additionally, items that normally attract extra duties and taxes will nor-mally be confiscated and destroyed.

“For this reason we strongly rec-

ommend that you don’t post items such as perfume, cigarettes and alco-hol.”

He said to make sure items in the parcel were appropriately sealed when packed.

Addressing requirements:PMKeyS number, rank, initials, surnameUnit OperationAFPO No.Australian Defence Forces NSW 2890

Defence Postal Service is avail-able only to Defence personnel while deployed.

Some other government agencies have arrangements to access the DPS – but this is on a case-by-case basis.

Humanitarian assistance should be

sent through the normal Australia Post system.

A special Good Will post office has been set up to cope with mem-bers of the general public wishing to send parcels to ADF members. These details, which include all the AFPO numbers for each operation, can be found on the Defence website at: www.defence.gov.au/christmas/mail/index.htm

Another alternative to sending goodwill items to deployed colleagues is through the use of the Australian Forces Overseas Fund through the Returned Services League in your state.

Australia Post can be contacted at 13 13 18 and further information including what items can be mailed is at www.auspost.com.au

Don’t miss Christmas cut-offs

Time is running out to mail gifts to deployed

Replacing the biscuitReplacing the biscuit

Photo: FSGT Ben

Wright

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Reservists to benefit from changes to promotion boards from next year

WGCDR Brock McKinlay and SQNLDR Julie Hackett

THE purpose of this article is to advise Air Force personnel about an important change to the reserve merit-based promotion process and to advise which promotion pools, PAF and Active Reserve, by rank, employment category and location (reservists only) have promotion targets in 2011.

Promotion targetsSimilar to last year, the overall

promotion target for the 2011 Promotion Boards (PBs) is lower than the five-year average due to continuing low separation rates. However, we will see an overall increase in promotion targets for both officers and air-men. Notwithstanding the general increase, the effect is not consist-ent across all specialisations and musterings. While low separation rates allow us to increase experi-ence levels and is a positive state-ment about the employment pack-age Air Force provides, it also quite naturally leads to lower pro-motion opportunities in the short term and a measure of frustration for those who are highly reported and who have a broad experience profile at current rank.

Importantly, PBs will again only be conducted where targets exist because the primary focus of the PB is to identify those who should be promoted rather than to provide feedback on relative performance. PBs that will be conducted are listed far right.

New reserve promotion system in 2011

Following the merging of PAF and reserve personnel man-agement, DP-AF is continually refining policies and processes to best meet capability needs while also addressing the aspirations of personnel. As a general rule, com-monality of policies and processes between PAF and reservists is pursued; however, there will be occasions where differences should prevail. Reserve promo-tions fall into this category.

Given there is no scope to

Your promotion future

post reservists interstate and promotions are lower generally due to the continual flow of PAF members to the reserves at all rank levels, it is critical to ensure that the limited promotion tar-gets that do exist can be realised promptly. However, under the current process, this is often not possible and may in fact never occur where identified promotees are geographically remote from the positions of higher appoint-ment in their category who drive the promotion target. Posting to and employment in the position of higher appointment is the primary driver for the promotee to actually be promoted.

Consequently, to maximise member choice relating to promo-tions while meeting capability requirements, from 2011, the Active Reserve merit-based pro-motion system will become an opt-in system. DP-AF will call for Active Reservists to opt-in if they wish to be considered for promotion in conjunction with posting to a nominated promotion position at the next rank for their employment category. Members should note that promotion posi-tions will alter from year to year as vacancies dictate.

When opting-in, eligible members will be able to decide whether their personal circum-stances support the pursuit of pro-motion to a nominated position. Such choices will naturally be informed by the nature, location and banding attributed to the posi-tion. For example, a Band 2 CPL MOV who wants to be promoted may elect not to opt-in for a SGT MOV position on the same base because it is a Band 3 position and therefore has a lower guar-anteed number of reserve days available. Note, banding does not constrain the maximum number of days that can be worked but it does define the minimum number of days the incumbent will be guaranteed.

Active Reserve personnel who meet the standard eligibility requirements (two years time in current rank as at January 1, 2011, at least one reserve PAR and have completed a minimum of 32

reserve days in the training year that concluded June 30, 2010) and who have opted-in via email to SQNLDR Julie Hackett no later than January 20, 2011, will then be considered by the PB for promotion against the nominated promotion position.

Those identified for promotion will be notified verbally by their CO and then via the annual pro-motion message. Members should not assume that all promotion targets will be filled even where candidates have opted-in for con-sideration. Both the PB and the delegate respectively are under no obligation to recommend or approve promotion where those being considered do not have a

sufficiently robust or positive reporting profile to justify promo-tion.

Further information can be found on the DP-AF website. Also, given that this is the first opt-in year, DP-AF will take all reasonable steps to contact eli-gible members and their COs to inform them of the new process and the steps to be followed to assure they are considered for promotion.

For more information, contact SQNLDR Julie Hackett on (02) 6265 2487 or email julie.hackett@defence.gov.au or WOFF Kellie Wood on (02) 6265 2268 or email kellie.wood@defence.gov.au

2011 boards

HIGH RANKING: Changes to be implemented across the 2011 and 2012 Airmen and Officer Promotion Boards are expected to improve the quality of promotion options for reservists.

ACTIVE OPTING: From next year, eligible Active Reserve personnel will be considered for promotion by promotion board as part of a new opt-in system. Photos: LAC Aaron Curran

The following specialisations and musterings have an allocated target for promotion boards next year:

PAF SQNLDR to WGCDR: ACO, ADMIN, AERO, AFENG, ARM, CHAP, DENT, ELECTR, INTEL, JBAC, LOG, MED, OPSO, PLT.

RESERVE SQNLDR to WGCDR: NURS (AMB Band 2).

PAF FLTLT to SQNLDR: ACO, ADMIN, AERO, AFENG, ARM, CHAP, DENT, ED, ELECTR, ENVH, GRDEF, INTEL, JBAC, LEGAL, LOG, MED, OPSO, PHARM, PLT, SECPOLO.

RESERVE FLTLT to SQNLDR: INTEL (EDN Band 1, ACT Band 2), LOG (WLM Band 3), NURS (AMB Band 2, WLM Band 1, RICH Band 2), OPSO (ACT Band 2, GBK Band 1), SECPOLO (AMB Band 2, EDN Band 1).

PAF FSGT to WOFF: ADG, AIRCRAFT, ARMAMENT, ASOP, AVIONICS, CE, CLK, GIA, GSEMGR, MOV, SIGSOP(T), WKSSPVR.

RESERVE FSGT to WOFF: Nil.

PAF SGT to FSGT: ADG, AIRCRAFT, ALSFITT, ARMAMENT, ASOP, AVIONICS, CE, CLK, GIA, GSEMGR, LABTECH, MEDASSIST, MOV, NDITECH, SECPOL, SIGSOP(L), SIGSOP(T), STRUCTURES, SUP, WKSSPVR.

RESERVE SGT to FSGT: MEDASST (AMB Band 2, RIC Band 2), SUP (AMB Band 2).

PAF CPL to SGT: ADG, AIRCRAFT, ALSFITT, ARMAMENT, ASOP, ASURFIN, AVIONICS, CE, CISCON, FIREFTR, GIA, GME, GSE, MEDASSIST, MOV, NDITECH, PTI, SECPOL, SIGSOP(L), SIGSOP(T), STRUCTURES, SUP.

RESERVE CPL to SGT: CLK (AMB Band 2), FIREFTR (AMB Band 2), MEDASST (AMB Band 2).

PAF LAC to CPL: ADG, ALSFITT, ARMAMENT, ASOP, ASURFIN, CARPENTER, CE, CLK, COOK, ELECN, FIREFTR, GHAND, GIA, GSE, MEDASST, MOV, PHOTO, PLANTOP, PLUMBER, SECPOL, SIGSOP(L), SIGSOP(T), STRUCTRES, SUP.

RESERVE LAC to CPL: CLK (WIL Band 2, AMB Band 2), MEDASST (WLM Band 2).

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22 November 25, 2010RCEAIR FTraining

AIR FORCE BAND

December 1: The Ceremonial Band will support the 1RTU graduation parade at RAAF Base Wagga at 11am.December 2: The Ceremonial Band will support the F-111 retirement parade at RAAF Base Amberley at 3pm. December 2: The Air Force Wind Quintet will support the AIDN dinner at Hilton on the Park in Melbourne.

December 3: The band will support the F-111 retirement memorial service at RAAF Base Amberley at 11am.December 3: Force10 will perform at the F-111 retirement all ranks function at Matson Oval, RAAF Base Amberley.December 9: The Ceremonial Band will support the 2FTS graduation parade at RAAF Base Pearce from 11am.

Students get VIP treatment

FLTLT Allan Weller

NUMBER 462 Squadron recently achieved an historic double first when two of its officers were not only the first foreign students from a coalition part-ner to attend a United States Air Force (USAF) information operations course, but they topped the course, with only a mark between them.

FLTLT Kate Wright was dux of the USAF’s Information Operations Integration course (IOIC) that was conducted by the 39th Information O p e r a t i o n s S q u a d r o n ( 3 9 I O S ) in Florida. She was awarded the Distinguished Graduate Certificate, while FLGOFF Andrew McCarron was second.

While many people may view 462SQN as the provider of operational security to Air Force, this is only part of its mission to “enhance and protect Air Force combat capability through the provision of comprehensive, timely and integrated information operations (IO)”.

IO is conducted using a range of pro-cedures, including information assur-ance, electronic warfare, protective secu-rity and computer network operations.

Traditionally, the squadron has con-ducted Multi-Disciplinary Vulnerability Assessments to provide units and base commanders with a picture of the vul-nerability of their organisation to a wide variety of potential threats. These assessments provide guidance to com-manders on priority areas that need to be addressed to deter such threats.

Now, the squadron is progressing to a fully operational capability with recent contributions to Operations Anode, Astute and Slipper.

The value placed on 462SQN’s role aligns directly with the importance placed on IO by our coalition partners, including the USAF. The commitment of the USAF to the conduct of cyber operations is clear with the recent estab-lishment of the 24th Air Force under the USAF Space Command.

Stood up on August 18 last year, the 24th Air Force has consolidated the USAF’s cyberspace combat forces.

Although 462SQN is, by compari-son, a very small player in this field, the 24th Air Force commanders have indi-cated great respect for 462SQN’s con-tribution to IO on behalf of the RAAF, and therefore potentially as an allied provider of these capabilities.

The outstanding results by FLTLT Wright and FLGOFF McCarron fur-ther enhance 462SQN’s reputation as a strong contributor to the conduct of IO.

LTCOL Denman, 39IOS command-er, said: “The important mission of 462SQN made our Australian counter-parts optimal students to attend IOIC.”

Commanded by WGCDR Darren May, 462SQN is a squadron within the Information Warfare Wing of Aerospace Operational Support Group.

The squadron has a proud WWII her-itage and now finds itself at the fore-front of delivering IO capability for the RAAF and the ADF overall.

First for 462SQN

WELL DONE: FLTLT Kate Wright receives her Distinguished Graduate Certificate from LTCOL Brian Denman, USAF Commander of the 39th Information Operations Squadron. Photo: courtesy 462SQN

NUMBER 34 Squadron paid host to some enthusiastic Tassie students recently as part of a special student program initiated by their school.

Claremont College in Hobart has established a successful Vocational Education and Training (VET) ADF program as a one-year course for Year 11 students.

As part of the course, stu-dents visited 34SQN at Defence Establ ishment Fairbairn, the Australian Defence Force Academy, the Royal Mi l i ta ry Col lege Duntroon, Parliament House and other institutions in Canberra in early October.

The course is a senior second-ary program for the directorate of

Strategic Youth Development and, more importantly, Defence.

Claremont College is located in a low socio-economic area of Hobart. There are limited employ-ment opportunities and Defence is seen as a “way out” for many of the youth in the area. However, poor literacy and numeracy prevented many from being accepted into the ADF. Another important reason for non-acceptance was poor physical fitness.

In 2003, the principal of the school decided to initiate a program that focussed on literacy, numera-cy, outdoor physical training and ADF-related information. The ADF content has since been substantially

increased so the students are not only informed of the range of dif-ferent career options that Defence can offer, but are also provided with experiential activities in a military environment.

The main aim of the VET ADF program is to further the students’ potential and place them in a strong-er position for acceptance into the ADF before entry into the Defence Force Recruiting process.

At present, the school pro-vides a Statement of Attainment towards the Certificate II in Outdoor Recreation as part of the program but is in the process of working towards the Certificate I in Public Safety (Defence Force Cadets).

SPECIAL VISITORS: Above, Bryan Williams, 17, and 34SQN crew attendant LACW Sarah Hurley with other squadron personnel, Claremont College students and teachers next to a BBJ VIP jet. Right, ADG LAC Brad Evans from 34SQN’s security detachment showing Claremont College student Luke Wilton, 17, a MAG58 heavy machine gun.

Photos: LAC Aaron Curran

23 HistoryNovember 25, 2010RCEAIR FF

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FLTLT Skye Smith

CO 3SQN WGCDR Terry van Haren recently launched a book which delves into many of the sto-ries of Australian veterans who served and defended the nation dur-ing WWII.

“I am truly honoured to be invited here today to represent the current aircrew of the RAAF to launch this book, The Spirit of Aircrew, by the Sydney Region Aircrew Group,” WGCDR van Haren said.

Thousands of Australia’s young men answered the call to defend their country and joined the RAAF during WWII.

The Spirit of Aircrew recounts the stories and flying experiences of 36 Australian veterans who were between the ages of 19 and 23.

The book covers the full spec-trum of aviation activities involved in defending Australia from the advancing Japanese and against German targets over Europe, the Middle East, Burma and in the south-west Pacific.

The casualty lists were devas-tating and behind all this are the amazing stories that the remaining few can share.

“Unlike other books, usually written by journalists or authors, this is a collection of actual accounts written by aircrew,” WGCDR van Haren said.

“The collection has been mas-terfully arranged to tell the com-plete story of Australian aircrew flying in many aircraft types, doing a variety of difficult jobs in the many theatres of WWII.”

The book describes the vari-ous roles and areas of operations of Bomber Command including the

VIETNAM veteran FLTLT Rex Robert Budd, DFC (ret’d), died on November 4 after a short bat-tle with cancer.

Born in 1935, his career was somewhat unusual for the time as he started in fighters and ended in helicopters, albeit gun-ships in the skies over Vietnam.

FLTLT Budd deployed to Vietnam between May 26, 1968 and May 28, 1969, then from October 10 1969 to June 25, 1970.

During these deployments, he was the first RAAF pilot to log more than 1000 hours.

On May 22, 1970, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross “for his leadership during gunship activities.”

His citation says: “During his tour of duty as a helicopter

AWARDED THE DFC IN 1970: FLTLT Rex Budd.

Made his mark in Vietnam

Book’s first-hand Book’s first-hand view of WWIIview of WWII

grave losses, the terror of combat and incarceration as prisoners of war.

The many stories capture the breadth of Australian involvement in the daring strikes across Europe and the difficult jobs undertaken by Australians.

“The final story from Alf Humphreys reminds us of some good advice for aircrew – that is to never volunteer. But although good advice, this is something that aircrew of all ages have always had a real problem following,” WGCDR van Haren said.

“Who else would volunteer to strap into a machine made of thou-sands of parts, filled with highly flammable liquid, propelled by engines rotating at thousands of RPM and carry high explosive ord-nance, and fly those machines to places where everyone was intent on killing you?”

In 1990, Warners Brothers Studio produced The Memphis Bell, a film which dealt with the crew of an American Flying Fortress Bomber operating out of England in WWII.

When the f i lm sc reened as a preview at Hurstville in NSW the Greater Union Theatre

Management issued a general invi-tation to former aircrew to attend the preview, no matter where or in what aircraft they had flown.

Five men arranged to meet and have lunch together after the screen-ing and from these humble begin-nings the Sydney Region Aircrew Group was born and still continues today.

The book’s price is $25 post free. To order, contact Ron Barker, (02) 9524 7756 or ron.barker@bigpond.com

� FLTLT (ret’d) Ron Barker, Co-ordinator of the Sydney Region Aircrew Group and former Navigator with 24SQN, was keen to get on record some of the stories the group had shared over the years and ensure they were not lost. Three years later, the hard work has paid off and the group have been suc-cessful in “keeping alive the spirit of aircrew” with their amazing, yet terrify-ing stories from the war days.

� FLGOFF (ret’d) Ross Pearson, OAM, served with the RAF’s 102SQN and

was responsible for bringing the stories together and putting them in print. “It has been a great experience and a privilege to share our stories,” he said. “Reading the final product, what can I say, we are truly a band of brothers.”

� FLTLT (ret’d) Fred Cassidy, a naviga-tor on the Beaufighter bombers with 30SQN, flew 78 missions during the war and thinks himself very lucky to have survived to tell his story. At the tender age of 19, Fred faced the

Japanese at Milne Bay with not much experience under his belt.

� FLTLT (ret’d) Tom Russell, served as a pilot with 3SQN in North Africa during the war. He has maintained a very special connection with one of the RAAF’s longest serving and distinguished units over the years as 3SQN Association’s Treasurer for 35 years and as its president for five. At 93 years of age, Tom recounts stories from 70 years ago like they were yesterday.

HONOURED: CO 3SQN WGCDR Terry van Haren talks to veterans at the launch of the book The Spirit of Aircrew which recounts the stories and flying experiences of 36 Australian WWII veterans.

Photo: SGT Brett Sherriff

BAND OF BROTHERS

pilot in Vietnam, he was respon-sible for determining the flight test standards for the UH-1H Iroquois aircraft. Carrying out research work at night and test flights at last light, after he had completed a day’s operations, FLTLT Budd completed the task in minimum time and by his unselfish devotion to duty, ensured maximum availability of aircraft for operations during the testing period.

“On many occasions he was directly responsible for the safe evacuation or extraction of Allied troops, often in adverse conditions and in the face of enemy ground fire.”

OBITUARY

24 November 25, 2010RCEAIR FFinance

ance cover. Follow these three tips and you’ll be on the right track:

� Use at least three online insurance tools or web calculators and com-pare the results;

� Shop around and get quotes from different insurers; and

� Ring potential insurers and ask lots of questions, including what events are specifically excluded.

See www.fido.gov.au or call ASIC’s Infoline on 1300 300 630 for more information on insurance. Email ADFcolumn@asic.gov.au if you have suggestions for future topics you’d like covered.

COULD you afford to rebuild your home if it was de-stroyed?

Having your home dam-aged or destroyed by a flood

or fire would be devastating. While these events are unpredictable, one thing you can control is your insur-ance.

Home insuranceHome insurance helps protect you

against things that are out of your control, such as damage from natural disasters like storms and bushfires. It covers the cost of replacing or repair-ing your home, including fixtures and fittings, such as lights and carpets.

If you have a mortgage, you are probably required to have home insur-ance as part of your home loan.

When choosing a home insurance policy, work out if you want ‘total replacement’ or ‘sum-insured’ cover.

Total replacement policies general-ly include all the costs to rebuild your home to the standard it was before it was damaged.

Sum-insured cover will only cover you up to a set dollar amount.

If you select sum-insured cover then it is important that you know how much money you would need to rebuild your home if it was destroyed.

There are a number of variations to these two basic models, so read the fine print and ask as many questions as you need to in order to make sure you understand what is being offered.

Contents insuranceContents insurance covers the cost

of replacing or repairing your unfixed household items and possessions. This includes furniture, clothes, appliances and jewellery.

When working out how much con-tents insurance you need, start by list-ing all your belongings and calculating what it would cost to replace them.

The type of cover you choose will affect what you pay. Some policies cover you for particular events while others cover any accidental event.

Contents insurance policies usu-ally cover you for either the value of your belongings or what it would cost to replace your belongings with new items – this type of cover is known as ‘new for old’.

DEVASTATION: Home insurance should factor in things like the cost of clearing the property prior to rebuilding. Photo: CPL Ricky Fuller

Underinsurance can compound the tragedy of losing your home to a natural disaster, ASIC Chairman Tony D’Aloisio explains.

Risk of underinsuranceUnderinsurance is when you don’t

have enough insurance to cover all the costs of rebuilding or repairing your home and replacing its contents.

This could be because:

� It’s hard to estimate what it costs to rebuild a home. In the 2003 Canberra bushfires, a common con-tributor to underinsurance was peo-ple not including the cost of clear-ing their property before rebuilding in their estimates.

� Your insurance policy may be old (over three years) and you may not have updated the level of cover.

� If there is a mass disaster it can cause huge and unpredictable increases in building costs.

� You may have made improve-

ments to your property, which have increased the value of your home.

Bushfire insuranceWherever you live, your home

insurance needs to be enough to cover the costs of rebuilding your home, but this is particularly important if you live in an area prone to bushfires.

It is estimated that 13 per cent of homes that needed rebuilding or sig-nificant repair after the 2009 Victorian bushfires were not insured.

Does your policy provide enough insurance to cover the cost of rebuild-ing your house and any extra costs you might incur?

Tips to considerThere really is no substitute for

gathering all the information you need to make sure you have the right insur-

Don’t risk Don’t risk losing it alllosing it all

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25 HealthNovember 25, 2010RCEAIR FF

Many of you who started the ‘Better Health Challenge’ last edition may find your scores were better in the

first week than the second (but not all).

The reason is the habitual nature of humans; we like routine. This is why sleep routine is important and why we find losing fat so hard.

Your body follows a programmed rhythm, commonly known as your cir-cadian rhythm (or diurnal cycle) and any changes, while easy to adapt to in the short term, are harder to adapt to in the longer term.

Remember last New Year’s resolu-tion? Did it go well for a few weeks before gradually dissipating?

Starting the challenges last fortnight changed your usual routine, and now your body wants to change back to how it was. However, as with any new rou-tine, practise it long enough and it will become your habit. So keep with it.

With this in mind, the first challenge for this fortnight is to keep going with the 10 challenges from last fortnight (1 point per completed challenge per weekday. TOTAL = 50 points per week).

Changing the little things in your life can make a big difference. Try the second part of LT Rob Orr’s health challenge.

Ready, set, goWith your starting point set last week, here are your new challenges for this fortnight. Top challenge points now equal 100 per week.

11 At work, before every cup of tea or coffee, fill your cup with water and drink it. If you forget, have the water when you wash the cup out afterwards.

12 When eating meals, finish every mouthful before placing any food on your fork or spoon. If eating with your hands, do not take another bite until your mouth is empty.

13 Every work day, spend 30 min-utes a day with no electronic gadgets, television, stereo, games consoles, computers etc.

14 Remove all junk food from the house. If you want a snack make it healthy or make the effort to go out and get it.

15 Add five minutes of stretching every night. If unsure of what stretches to perform, contact your local PTI.

16 Get off the bus one stop earlier and walk the rest of the way. If driving, park at the furtherest parking space and walk the extra distance.

17 Set the chronograph on your watch to beep every hour (during the day). On the hour, stand up and complete 10 slow squats (time = 20-40sec in total). Eight hours per work day can lead to achieving up to 400 extra squats a week.

18 Try two new vegetables each week (rhubarb or bok choy anyone?) – 2.5 points per vegetable with a maximum of 5 points per week.

19 On non-workdays follow the same to sleep and to rise times. Your body is habitual – it does not know the differ-ence between a Monday and a Sunday. Keep the routine, it will make Monday mornings easier – 2.5 points per non-workday achieved with a maximum of 5 points per week.

20 Have one non-workday per week alcohol and soft drink free – 5 points per week.

Get into some healthy habits

UP AND AT IT: Down tools and find time to do 10 squats an hour at work. Photo: LAC Aaron Curran

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26 November 25, 2010RCEAIR FFSp rt

CPL Peter Booth was right on the money at the Combined Service Volleyball Tournament in Bris-bane for six days in late October.

That’s probably appropriate seeing as he is treasurer of the Australian Defence Volleyball Association – though it was his flair on the court rather than his skill with the ledger that caught the eye.

CPL Booth began the week by being named King of the Beach after an exceptional perfor-mance in the ADF Beach Volleyball Tournament on the RAAF Base Amberley beach courts.

He continued to shine when the action moved indoors to the Redbank Sports Complex, being a member of the South Queensland team that beat Northern Territory/North Queensland 3-1 in the final of the men’s indoor championship.

He had plenty of Air Force support with CPL Trevor Connell, CPL Brendon Denholm, CPL Daniel Johnson and LAC Byron Helfrich also in the winning team.

The Northern Territory/North Queensland team was represented by FLTLT Tony Banks, LAC Nathan Eremenco and LAC Chris McRaild.

The women’s indoor title was won by Northern Territory which beat South Queensland 3-2 in the final. The Northern Territory had two Air Force members: CPL Tina Pearce and LACW Kellie Gill.

South Queensland was represented by SQNLDR Jill Basten, CPL Jo Clarke, CPL Tania Place, LACW Rose Fisher, LACW Sandra Midson and LACW Katie Sharpe.

Next year’s tournament will be held at Amberley again and it promises to be bigger and better because the new indoor gym will be in operation.

To cap off his gala tournament, CPL Booth was chosen in the National Defence team that will play the Arafura Games in Darwin in May against other countries such as Papua New Guinea, Brunei and Timor.Air Force representatives named – men: CPL Peter Booth, CPL Trevor Connell, CPL Daniel Johnson, LAC Byron Helfrich, LAC Nathan Eremenco, LAC Kris Sandjaja, OFFCDT Kieran Langford, NCOCDT Scott Nelson and FLTLT Les Young as coach. Women: SQNLDR Jill Basten, CPL Tina Pearce, LACW Vanessa Loudon, LACW Sandra Midson, LACW Katie Sharpe and ACW Pauline Monikura.

If you’re interested in playing volleyball, contact SQNLDR Jill Basten, jillian.basten@defence.gov.au

GOING UP: CPL Daniel Johnson leaps high.

ON THE ATTACK: Above, ACW Katie Sharpe spikes the ball beside teammate ACW Pauline Monikura in the beach competition; left, LACW Samantha Clarke attacks the ball indoors.

BEACH KING: CPL Peter Booth spikes the ball during the men’s beach competition.

Photos: LACW Sandra Midson

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27 November 25, 2010RCEAIR F Sp rt

TO SAY it’s been a long road for CPL Dean Cook is an understatement.

Being an ultra-marathon runner, CPL Cook, a PTI at Russell, knows nothing but long roads.

Though how long the roads were at the world 100km titles in Gibraltar on November 7, we don’t know.

We do know that Gibraltar, famous for its landmark Rock of Gibraltar, isn’t that big.

It is less than seven square kilome-tres, a British territory on the southern end of the Iberian Peninsula at the entrance of the Mediterranean.

At the Rock’s foot is a densely populated city area, home to almost

Ultra effort on Gibraltar’s rocky road30,000 Gibraltarians who were asked to put up with road closures, and parking and traffic restrictions to make way for the international ath-letes.

The race was held around the local streets and shipyards.

CPL Cook, competing at his fourth world titles (Belgium 2009, Italy 2008 and Holland 2007), was the first Australian finisher.

Wearing vest No. 1, he finished 45th in 7hr 49min 34sec out of 92 fin-ishers.

In June this year, CPL Cook cap-tured the Australian 100km title on the Gold Coast.

IN BRIEF

Kayak silver liningBEING forced by a stomach bug to pull out after eight hours racing in the 111km Hawkesbury Canoe Classic was disappointing for CPL Kirsten Nicolle – but her fundraising was far from unhealthy. CPL Nicolle, of 37SQN, raised $4136 for the Arrow Bone Marrow Transplant Foundation. RAAF Richmond Sergeant’s Mess donated $557.20 towards her fundraising. CPL Nicolle was partnered in the race on October 23 by a reservist nursing officer from 2 Expeditionary Health Squadron, FLGOFF Fiona Montgomerie, who raised $915. The women made it to about the halfway mark of the race. “I will be OK but I am not happy as I was looking forward to completing the classic,” CPL Nicolle said. “I’ll give it another go next year.”

Trials for leagueAIR FORCE Rugby League will hold trials at RAAF Base Williamtown from February 26 to March 4 after which it will select a squad of 25 players and support staff for the 2011 Combined Australian Rugby League carnival in Sydney in March 7. For informa-tion, email steve.mills1@defence.gov.au (Tindal/Darwin), benjamin.martin2@defence.gov.au (Amberley/Townsville), aiden.burke@defence.gov.au (Williamtown/Richmond/Wagga/Canberra) or geoffrey.britton@defence.gov.au (Adelaide/Perth).

PADDLE PALS: CPL Kirsten Nicolle, front, and FLGOFF Fiona Montgomerie.

No fear, no pain

BREAKING the big toe on his right foot during practice didn’t stop LAC Alex Wruck from leading an Air Force rout at the Defence mountain-bike championships in Canberra in early November.

LAC Wruck, of DP-AF, won both the male four-cross championship and the downhill championship.

The downside (if that’s the right word for someone who actu-ally enjoys hurtling downhill, hav-ing never broken a single toe before) is that he’s now hobbling around Russell Offices in a moonboot.

“The doc said I did a pretty good job of it and I was lucky that I was wearing my riding shoes with steel caps in them,” LAC Wruck said.

RAAFies took out the male and female championships in all codes.� CPL Sarah Booth won the wom-

en’s four cross title (finishing fourth overall) and the downhill women’s title;

� CPL Jarrod Hughes won the Open men’s cross country title; and

� SGT Lindy Turnbull won the women’s cross-country title.Air Force also had a host of

placegetters, including SGT Roger Derrick, who was third in the male four-cross; SQNLDR Ian Richman, second in the sports category for the cross-country; SQNLDR Ash Hill, third in the sports category of the cross country; and, SGT Damen Edwards who was third in the down-hill.

To cap off the bluewash, FLTLT Shane Taylor won the social cross-country race around a criterium course, which incorporated non-cycling legs such as eating a dry cer-tain type of breakfast cereal.

In his debut year in the ADF titles, LAC Wruck came a cropper while he was training for the down-hill, which was to be held at Stromlo Forest Park the next day.

“I was going through a section on the downhill course called Triple Treat which is a series of three large jumps in a row. On the second one the wind caught me and turned me sideways. I tried to straighten up and almost got there but the ground came up too quickly and I landed foot first, toes to the ground.”

A medic examined him and told him to go to Duntroon for an X-ray.

“Thanks to some ice, a night’s rest and a good strapping I was right to go on Thursday.”

The rest, as they say, is history. Though in this case perhaps a foot-note in history.

CPL Hughes was pretty happy with his cross-country title.

“It was a tough course,” he said. “My plan was to start fast up

the first climb and try to get a time buffer to allow for any problems I may have. A chain issue during the second half of the race due to the muddy conditions caused me con-cern but thankfully it held together till the finish.”

SGT Turnbull has only been rid-ing for 18 months but she’s sure to be a talking point for time to come. And not just because she won the women’s cross-country title.

“For three days leading up to the event I cruised around what I was led to believe was the course I would be competing on,” she said. “Late in the afternoon the day before the race I was quickly informed by fellow riders that I would actually be com-peting on the ‘other’ course.”

Oops.

Broken toe no bar to Air Force rout

OVER THE TOP: LAC Alex Wruck at the ADF titles.

Photo: LSIS Paul McCallum

BUMP AND JUMP: SGT Roger Derrick didn’t let a bit of rough terrain slow him down.

Photo: LSIS Paul McCallum

LONG WAY TO GO: CPL Dean Cook (in white, No. 1) near the start of the race.Photo: Johnny

Bugeja, Gibraltar

Chronicle

OVER THE MOONBOOT: LAC Wruck, left, swaps pedalling for hobbling.

Photo: LAC Aaron Curran

OLt

OMLsh

SP RTRTNovember 25, 2010

HIS FOURTH WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS: CPL Dean Cook ponders the long road ahead before his trip to Gibraltar, famous for its rock.

Main photo: LAC Aaron Curran

Our Our ultra ultra good good AussieAussie

Clock around the rock: 100km in 7hr 49min 34sec

Having already won the Australian 100km ultra-marathon championship in June, CPL Dean Cook was Australia’s leading finisher in the world titles in Gibraltar on November 7. Page

27

Day out at ADF

volleyball titles

Page 26

BROKEN TOE NO BAR TO AIR FORCE ROUT AT ADF MOUNTAIN-BIKE TITLES – PAGE 27