HMAS Melbourne personnel dispose of 65kg of heroin seized from a dhow in the northern Indian Ocean. Photo: ABIS Bonny Gassner

SERVING AUSTRALIA WITH PRIDE

NEWSNAVYThe official newspaper of the Royal Australian Navy

Volume 59, No. 1, February 11, 2016

TONNE OF TROUBLE

Total drug haul by crew of HMAS Melbourne weighs in at 977kg – Page 5

CN’s priorities for 2016 – Page 3

Australia Day honours – Centre

2 NEWS www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS February 11, 2016

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SGT Dave Morley and LCPL Sebastian Beurich

MORE than 250 ADF members are in Melbourne rehearsing for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo (REMT) which will stage five per-formances at Etihad Stadium from February 12-14.

The Combined Military Band comprises 95 members, the Pipes and Drums of the ADF has 40

members and Australia’s Federation Guard (AFG) contingent numbers 116.

The Pipes and Drums of the ADF has been especially formed for the event, and will wear new kilts made from the ADFA triservice tartan.

The Combined Military Bands will perform some of Australia’s most iconic songs, many of which have significant meaning to ADF members who have been deployed overseas over the past century.

AFG will provide a royal guard for the REMT and practised for this at Australian Day celebrations.

OPSO AFG Army CAPT Matt Daniell said the royal guard was close to the whole guard on parade, instead of a half guard.

“Normally, for other events, we would provide a half guard with about 60 people in the contingent.

“We only do a few royal guards a year, so they’re pretty special.”

AFG members have been practis-

ing since they returned to duty on January 11.

The REMT toured Australia in 2005 and 2010 with performances held in Sydney and supported by the ADF.

UK, Scotland, New Zealand, Cook Islands, Fiji, Tonga, Norway and Switzerland are also taking part.

The 65-year-old event attracts an annual television audience of 100 million and is considered one of the most famous events in the world.

Finetuning for tattoo

SGT Dave Morley

HAVING a Plan B up his sleeve is a standard operating procedure for the Music Director for the Combined Military Bands of the ADF LCDR Steven Stanke

LCDR Stanke has represented Australia in many international events, including the Anzac Dawn Service at Gallipoli and the Royal Tournament in London.

He said performing at the REMT, especially in Australia, ranked as high as any in personal satisfaction and national pride.

“The REMT certainly rates as one of the most challenging events I have undertaken because it demands representation of our coun-try at the highest level with bands much larger than normal and complex background organisa-tion to match,” he said.

“There are many things that could go wrong, from a missing mouthpiece or a sprained finger to an unforeseen major service requirement; in fact, we’ve had to adjust one of our main rehearsal days to include a service funeral.

“But many people behind the scenes are working hard to have alternate plans in place, or a standby musician or instrument ready.”

He said one of the most pleasing aspects of the initial planning was considering what music best represented the spirit of Australia.

“I’ve kept the musical choices distinctly Australian and I’m confident it will come together once all the musicians arrive and we’ve had a chance to work together,” he said.

“Despite the minor service differences, ADF bands combine very well as we all have a tre-mendous pride in our product.”

“I’m very much looking forward to adding an Australian flavour to this tattoo and meeting our fellow musicians from around the world,” he said.

SGT Dave Morley

A NAVY Band vocalist is looking forward to taking part in the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo; not singing, but playing side drums.

ABMUS Kirsten Hobbs, who mastered the side drums on her way to Gallipoli in HMAS Anzac last year, and went on to play them at the Anzac Day Dawn Service, has been in the Navy for two years.

She said there was a lot of ‘buzz’ hap-pening on the first day of the triservice rehearsal in Melbourne.

“Everyone is particularly excited to be here,” she said. “We do a lot of big gigs, but this will be the biggest I’ve done.

“I’m looking forward to the response from the audience, but also, by the time it’s over, we’ll have built a rapport with service bands both nationally and internationally.”

AB Hobbs celebrated her 30th birthday at Mauritius last July, where she sang at a commemorative service for HMAS Canberra I Bandsman Arnold Partington.

Biggest I’ve done: ABMUS Hobbs

Top welcome for AFG newcomerLCPL Sebastian Beurich

LS GARROD Hyde joined Australia’s Federation Guard (AFG) less than a month ago and he’s already off to the REMT.

Officially finding out he was part of the contingent for the tattoo less than a week before going to Melbourne, LS Hyde said he was excited to be participating.

“It’s been on and off for a while, it was only when I was told by someone of author-ity that I was going that I started to get excited,” he said.

“I was almost disappointed when I wasn’t going.”

LS Hyde marched into AFG at the beginning of January and said he had been training for the REMT almost the entire time.

“We’ve been working for a few hours a day on the movements and the drill with the weapons and a couple of the larger move-ments,” he said.

“However, most of our training will start in earnest when we get to Melbourne.”

When asked what he was looking forward to most about the REMT, LS Hyde said he was “looking forward to the chance to represent the ADF on the world stage” and “having his family watch him on television”.

Music director with a Plan B

Photo: LCPL Sebastian Beurich

Members of the Pipes and Drums of the ADF rehearse for the 2016 Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo at Simpson Barracks, Victoria. Photos: LSIS Nina Fogliani

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“I WANT Navy people to challenge and be innovative in their environment. We shouldn’t do things because that is the way we have always done them.”

These words from VADM Tim Barrett were a common theme during the annual CN interview at Russell Offices on January 20, the day after his 40th anniversary of joining the Navy.

On record as saying this is an excit-ing time to be in the RAN, CN indicated we were on the cusp of a complete recapitalisation of Navy and the pros-pect of what was to come in the next three to five years was extraordinary.

“Never have I seen the future with such clarity,” CN said.

“We have new ships already in ser-vice with more to follow and we will see a transformation of what Navy can do.”

CN said we were now more fre-quently being asked to operate as an instrument of government.

“We can expect to, anywhere in the world, demonstrate government com-mitment to various international agree-ments or represent government in world affairs,” he said.

“So the recapitalisation of Navy in brand new ships and aircraft is more important to the nation than ever – it doesn’t get any better than that if you’re in this sort of organisation.”

2016 prioritiesNAVY is awaiting the outcomes of the Defence White Paper and its impact on recapitalisation of the fleet.

CN said his priorities started with his team in Canberra.

“We have to talk to the government about this new equipment and settle on the dates,” he said.

Second on the priority list; Navy has already begun to adopt the battle-group model being used by larger navies such as the US. By sailing in formation using networked communication and data sharing, we can effectively become a larger entity, sharing sensors, weapons and systems to fight and win at sea.

CN said we needed to continue to grow the task group orientation such as that which we practised during the fleet concentration period.

“We need the days of single ship steaming to be behind us” he said.

The Chief’s third priority is for all personnel to do their bit to help Navy move forward by becoming agile.

“Don’t get stuck into doing things the way we’ve always done them. Think differently – it is evident we began to do this last year with some success, so con-

WHETHER facing terrorism at home or overseas, piracy on the high seas, drug trafficking, protec-tion of Australia’s interests abroad or domestic border protection issues, ADF personnel will con-tinue to be deployed as they have been previously.

“Border protection is an ongo-ing task that needs to be under-taken and we will continue to send ships to the Middle East,” CN said.

“The amount of illicit drugs that have been interdicted represents billions of dollars removed from international trade.

“We’ve sent ships through the

South China Sea at the direction of government to prove a point about Australia’s view about free-dom of navigation.

“We’re sending our subma-rines further afield now on some significant deployments – we’re using them in the manner in which the Collins-class was meant to be used.”

“Operationally the shift is that we are doing a lot more real world stuff,” he said.

“This should give great satis-faction to people as we are now being asked to deliver on all our training.”

Your ideas matter: CN

tinue in that same vein,” he said.“This year is very important for

Navy and I need to see that agility in the way we approach problems because we have got a lot of challenges to meet.

“We’ve got to apply ourselves in a different way. It also provides satisfac-tion to solve problems rather than feel that is beyond you to fix them.”

CN’s expectationsLAST year was a busy year. The Fleet concentration period saw nine ships at sea, together. We accepted brand new aircraft into the Fleet Air Arm, and

we continue to support operations in the Middle East region and send ships around the world.

CN said two LHDs had been com-missioned into service with Canberra’s progress far exceeding expectations which was a testament to Army and Air Force coming together with Navy in such a professional manner.

Border protection continued to provide what was needed despite some challenges around maintenance issues of the Armidale-class patrol boat.

Half of our submarines were at sea,

with, at one stage, five in the water at the same time.

CN said this year he expected to see more of the same as well as those big decisions being announced.

“We will be talking to government about future recapitalisation such as new ships including tankers, off-shore patrol vessels and new frigates.

“We have a whole range of things we need to achieve this year which will see Plan Pelorus come to fruition and set us up for the next five, 10, 15, 30 years.

“Anyone who is around in 10-15

years will look back on 2016 and say this is when it was all settled.”

CN said we were to all play our own part in this reform.

“Whether we are asking you to consider how we should be training in the future, or if you’re part of a pro-ject team, maybe we’re asking you to manage the current Armidale until we consider how the new OPV comes into service; everyone is going to be able to see how their role fits within what we do and this is the year we lay out the detail,” he said.

LAUNCHED nine months ago, Plan Pelorus is the transition to the task group orientated Navy of 2018.

CN said Pelorus required signifi-cant effort and commitment from all Navy personnel to succeed.

“It requires challenging the norms, critical thought and agility in problem solving,” CN said.

“It is vital all naval personnel under-stand the need for this and embrace it. Good ideas don’t just come from supervisors and managers.”

CN said the feedback from those who he spoke to about Pelorus was encouraging in that there was under-standing of his vision.

“Because it’s been well advertised people are curious and excited– they can see we have both a direction and a plan,” CN said.

“It’s about looking forward rather than mulling over what we may have done in the past.

“With that in mind Pelorus has achieved what it set out to do.”

CN said he hoped all members of the RAN would be provided with a sense of certainty about where they’re going to be in the future.

“The government has directed a recapitalisation of Navy. We will be providing new ships and new capabil-ity not just over the next year but the next few years.

“Plan your future on what you want to do. Plan, to some extent, where you want to live. Plan on which ships you are likely to be operating in.

“We’ve always complained about the Fleet Activity Schedule having us wandering all about the place. We’ve always had concerns of promises that are never delivered.

We now have a great deal of clar-ity as a Fleet about where we’re going In the next three to five years.”

More information on Plan Pelorus is at http://intranet.defence.gov.au/navyweb/sites/CN/comweb.asp?page=255166

PLAN PELORUS

IN A small ceremony at Russell Offices on January 29, CN received his Federation Star from CDF AIRMSHL Mark Binskin.

He shared the day with three of his original class mates – CDRE Richard Menhinick, CDRE Daryl Bates and RADM Clint Thomas who also received their Fed stars.

CN said his time in the Navy had been fantastic. “I like to think I’ve enjoyed my time because of my attitude – I’m here because I want to be here. I wanted to do every job I’ve done,” he said.

“It’s been good fun and at the same time serious work. I’ve very much enjoyed the last 40 years and I’ll continue to do so with those that are still to come.”

FEDERATION STAR

CN VADM Tim Barrett is urging all Navy personnel to come on board with Plan Pelorus.Photo: ABIS Kayla Hayes

ON OPERATIONS

‘‘– VADM Tim Barrett

Chief of Navy

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4 NEWS www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS February 11, 2016

LCDR Natasha Connew

COMAUSLFT RADM Stuart Mayer launched the Navy Warfighting Strategy 2018 at HMAS Watson late last year.

“The Navy Warfighting Strategy outlines how we are going to get from the Navy of today to the Navy of the future – a Navy capable of generating and deploying self-supported and sus-tainable maritime task groups capable of accomplishing the full spectrum of maritime security operations with lethality” RADM Mayer said.

Navy Warfighting Strategy 2018

outlines how Fleet Command will achieve the objectives set by CN VADM Tim Barrett in Plan Pelorus, particularly Plan Pelorus’s Objective 1 Warfighting.

“The vision for the future does not change our ongoing requirement to deliver against government-directed operational outcomes, and further emphasises our need to be flexible and adaptable in our delivery of a scal-able and structured maritime force,” RADM Mayer said

“Much of what we do today will continue as the Navy Warfighting Strategy is implemented.”

He said the strategy did not seek

to diminish the important work being done now, but there were still challeng-es to be overcome in order to shift the focus from being a Navy that generates and deploys single units to a Navy that generates and deploys task groups.

“The Navy Warfighting Strategy will not be achieved by awaiting solu-tions from above, success will need a cultural shift towards individual accountability and innovation, rather than a mere change in hardware and processes,” RADM Mayer said

“Our platforms are pieces of metal, what makes them a capability are you and I. I urge you to think Navy-wide but take action at the unit level.

“Think about the challenges we face as a Navy and use that to inform the way you act at the individual, team and unit level.”

RADM Mayer said we all needed to be prepared to try something dif-ferent and to savour the journey that comes from trying, whether you suc-ceeded or failed.

“Everyone has a vital contribution to make to the warfighting effort.

“We are all about to embark on this journey as one team.

“I want all within the Command to be actively involved and for us all to be the ruthlessly professional warfight-ers we are capable of being.

“Over the coming weeks I trust you will all have discussions in your workplace about what Navy Warfighting Strategy means for you and I encourage you to have discus-sions about what you think it means to be a warfighter, how you contribute to the warfighting effort, and how your team can continue to move forward to achieve the goal of sustainable task group operations.”

More information on the Navy Warfighting Strategy can be found on at http://intranet.defence.gov.au/navyweb/sites/FLTCMD/ComWeb.asp?page=106018 or at page 14 of Navy News

Strategy for warfighting

PTE Julia Whitwell

HIDDEN along the Western Australian coastline lies a little-known oasis called Croc Creek.

Not to be deterred by its name, the crew of HMAS Choules anchored near the site for a rest and recreation visit.

After sending a RHIB to navi-gate the inlet, which at low tide drops to 50cm in depth in some parts, Choules launched two of her amphibious landing craft to take crew members ashore.

XO Choules LCDR Chris Doherty said the RAN has had a long history with the area.

“The Navy, along with the local mining community, has been visiting this site for more than 60 years,” he said.

Croc Creek itself flows down into a rock pool and, depending on the tide, either feeds a small waterfall into an inlet or joins with it completely leaving behind fish, and sometimes other marine life, when it recedes.

Surrounding the creek is a

dramatic landscape of rocky ter-rain which some crew members could not resist exploring.

LSMED Dave Cusack said the view from the top was breathtaking.

“The terrain was so harsh, but worth the hike; I had a 360 degree view of the whole area up there, and it was just stunning,” he said.

Croc Creek is located in Yampi Sound, 140nm north-east of Broome.

HMAS Choules’ landing craft collects her crew members after a visit at Croc Creek. Photo: CPO Simon Bagnall

Choules’ crew cruises Croc Creek

HMAS Stuart and Anzac are escorted by HMAS Gascoyne into Jervis Bay during a mine field transit exercise for Fleet Concentration Period late last year.Photo: LSIS Bradley Darvill

5NEWSFebruary 11, 2016 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

THE crew of HMAS Melbourne seized close to one tonne of ille-gal narcotics during five raids since starting operational duties in September last year.

They seized 150kg of heroin on November 30 from a dhow off the east coast of Africa, confis-cated another 216kg of heroin on December 13, on December 26, more than 100kg of high-grade her-oin was seized from a fishing ves-sel in the Indian Ocean and about 65kgs of medium grade heroin was discovered on January 13.

The biggest seizure, however, was 427kg, which they discovered on a vessel on October 1.

That takes the estimated street value of drugs seized in 2015 to more than $700 million.

Commander CTF150 CDRE Jaimie Hatcher said the seizures reinforced the commitment and capability of Navy personnel who deployed to the region.

“These latest seizures are tes-tament to the professionalism of Melbourne’s crew and the RAN in general,” he said.

“The message here to smugglers who try to make a profit from run-ning drugs for terrorists is simple – we will pursue you.”

CJOPS VADM David Johnston said RAN personnel again demon-strated their commitment to clean-ing up the waterways.

HMAS Melbourne personnel dispose of heroin seized from a fishing vessel in the Indian Ocean. Photos: ABIS Bonny Gassner

A big haul for Melbourne

“The Navy personnel deployed to the Middle East are on duty around the clock, and every day of the week, and continue to do a fan-tastic job.”

“This latest seizure demonstrates our national commitment to elimi-nating the funding sources of terror-ism,” VADM Johnston said.

CO Melbourne CMDR Bill Waters said the seizures significant-ly curtailed the funding of terrorism in the region.

“We are not only stopping the drugs from reaching communities,

we are also restricting the funding for international terrorism which comes from the illegal trade of these types of narcotics,” CMDR Waters said.

We approached the last boarding like we did our first boarding of the deployment.

“The entire ship’s company remained focussed and our results bear witness to their abilities.”

The intercepts topped a momen-tous end of year for the crew of Melbourne, which included her claiming the Gloucester Cup.

Darwin marks a milestone million

Crew members of HMAS Melbourne inspect the drugs discovered on board a fishing vessel they intercepted. After being seized, the illegal narcotics were transferred to Melbourne for analysis and disposal at sea.

CMDR Fenn Kemp

AFTER departing Sydney on December 30, HMAS Darwin completed its lighten-ing visit to South East Asia and is on the way to the Middle East region (MER).

The warship clocked up her one millionth nautical mile the day she arrived in her namesake city, Darwin, on January 6, and the crew celebrated with a commemorative cake before sailing north.

CO Darwin CMDR Phillip Henry said it was a moment of reflection for the crew of the frigate.

“Since she was launched in 1982, Darwin has travelled the equivalent of 2.4 times to the moon and back, or 46.2 times around the circumference of the Earth,” he said.

“Darwin has deployed six times to the MER – we’re taking her on her seventh and most likely final run.”

For about half the ship’s company, this is their first overseas deployment.

SWO Tim Brading said the mood on board was extremely positive.

“There’s been plenty to keep us all busy so far,” WO Brading said.

After leaving Darwin, the ship sailed to Sattahip in Thailand before arriving in Jakarta just in time for Australia Day.

The South-East Asian stopovers were a departure from normal MER rotations, with the purpose of reinforcing ties with key regional neighbours.

“Thailand is always an eye opener, particularly if it’s your first time away,” WO Brading said.

“But everyone enjoyed themselves and did our service and their nation proud.

“Our stopover included a number of activities with the Thai Navy including a karaoke night and PASSEX on our departure.”

Then it was on to Indonesia with a rare visit to Jakarta in time for Australia Day. The visit came just over a week after a terrorist attack in central Jakarta, but WO Brading said it didn’t change anything.

“We all took the usual security precautions, but from what we could see it was business as usual,” WO Brading said. “We were made to feel very welcome.”

The positive mood was further reflected during official calls.

WO Brading and CMDR Henry took the opportunity to visit senior TNI-AL officials and local dignitaries during their time alongside.

“The meeting with the TNI-AL’s Western Fleet Command was a particularly rare honour,” CMDR Henry said.

“Most of our dealings are with Indonesia’s eastern fleet, but we spent a productive hour at Western Fleet HQ.

“The Indonesians are extremely keen to learn from our experiences as part of a coalition force”

The strong ties between the TNI-AL and the RAN were put to good use during the visit with a series of at-sea evolutions with TNI-AL ship Kri Usman Harun.

Darwin then accompanied the Kri Usman Harun to India for an International Fleet Review.

But it was a meeting with North Jakarta’s mayor that exposed the command team to a different aspect of Indonesian culture.

“He asked us whether we had tried Luwak coffee,” CMDR Henry said.

“It was only after the meeting that we learnt Luwak coffee is actually produced from the droppings of an indigenous possum.

“I’m sure it’s delicious, but the SWO and I were keen to leave something for our next visit.”

TOP: CO HMAS Darwin CMDR Phillip Henry is greeted by Indonesian Officials and a traditional dance ceremony on arrival in Jakarta, Indonesia. ABOVE: ABBM Glenn Ritchie during an indigenous performance for guests at an event in Jakarta. Photos: ABIS Sarah Ebsworth

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SGT Dave Morley

THE Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull, has paid tribute to the efforts and sacrifice of ADF personnel in the aftermath of the 2004 tsunami.

He unveiled a memorial on December 3 in Kings Park on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra, to the 26 Australian civilians killed in the Boxing Day disaster.

Mr Turnbull said the occasion “reminds us just how dangerous this work can be” .

“We pay tribute to the nine Australian military and medical per-sonnel who died when their Sea King helicopter crashed on Nias Island in Indonesia during rescue operations.”

Mr Turnbull said survivors and those who lost loved ones carried the burden of the national memory of the disaster.

“Now we have a place where we can reflect on these events, reflect on Australia’s contribution, reflect on Australia’s lost,” he said.

“But above all reflect on the love for those who were lost, and those who our servicemen and women, our diplo-mats, our aid workers, cared for in the aftermath.”

CPOA Jeff Weber, of 723SQN, was a leading seaman aircrewman with HMAS Kanimbla’s Sea King Detachment during Operation Sumatra Assist and deployed from December 2004 to mid-April 2005.

CPO Weber said he was flying in Shark 21 to the north west of the vil-

lage of Teluk Dalam when his crew believed Shark 02 had crashed.

“We identified the crash site while airborne from a far distance and pro-ceeded there, where we recovered two survivors,” he said.

He said his first impression on arrival in Sumatra was one of awe and shock.

“There was such a large area of devastation - up to 6-8km inland - and unrecovered bodies still floating in some waterways,” he said.

“The assistance provided by the ADF was exceptional.

“The interaction with various agen-cies allowed for aid to be delivered to points up and down the coastline, and looking back, I felt privileged to play a part in the humanitarian assistance.”

DGLOG Integrated Logistics Support Policy Officer LCDR Melanie Ryan was the lieutenant deputy mari-time logistics officer in Kanimbla dur-ing Operation Sumatra Assist.

She said they sailed from Sydney Harbour on New Year’s Eve 2004 and did not return until May 2005.

“The ship’s key role was to deliver humanitarian assistance stores and to

provide support to our troops ashore,” she said. “This included the medical staff at the Anzac hospital, treating people with conditions we would regard as rare, such as wards of people with full-blown cases of tetanus and pneumonia.

“The hospital that used to be there lost most of its people in the tsunami.”

LCDR Ryan said ship’s company members took part in rotations ashore and helped dig several school build-ings out of the mud.

“I remember seeing a vast, empty mud flat and being told that six weeks ago it was a village of 5000 people,” she said.

LCDR Ryan said the memorial on the lake was erected thanks to the efforts of the families of the 26 Australian civilians who died.

“The design is perfect in its sim-plicity, with a contemplative seat facing 26 small pillars for those who

were lost and arranged in the form of an embrace, overlooking the lake from a beautiful position in King’s Park,” she said.

“Mr Turnbull spoke of some of the stories of those who were lost, and they were very moving to hear.”

According to CPO Weber, the memorial on Lake Burley Griffin feels like a place of freedom and peace.

“I guess for all involved it is a place where people can reflect,” he said.

Mr Turnbull also paid tribute to the efforts of staff of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in the relief operation.

More than 230,000 people died during the Indian Ocean tsunami on Boxing Day 2004 when a 9.1 mag-nitude earthquake struck off the west coast of Sumatra in Indonesia.

The resulting tsunami was one of the most horrific natural disasters in recorded history.

PM lauds ADF sacrificeMain picture: LCDR Melanie Ryan, left, and CPOA Jeff Weber place flowers on the memorial to the Australian citizens lost in the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami.

Left: Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull unveils the memorial. Photo: CPL Max Bree

6 NEWS www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS February 11, 2016

AUSTRALIA has assumed com-mand of CTF150 as part of Operation Manitou in the Middle East region (MER).

CDRE Jaimie Hatcher assumed command of CTF 150 from RADM Muhammad Moazzam Ilyas, of the Pakistan Navy, at a ceremony in Bahrain on December 8 last year.

On assuming command, CDRE Hatcher said it was a privilege to lead the seventh rotation of Australians who deployed to the MER for the mission as part of Manitou.

He acknowledged the successes of RADM Moazzam Ilyas’s team, both at sea and in their active engagement with regional navies.

“Upon the impressive opera-tional platform laid by RADM Ilyas and his predecessors, our mission will be to further degrade the use of the maritime environ-ment by terrorists and those who support terrorism in the Middle East and west Indian Ocean mari-time regions,” CDRE Hatcher said.

“Operating within a diverse group of nations in the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) is a privi-lege and there is much we are able to learn from each other.”

CDRE Hatcher will lead a team of 20 Australians — 17 RAN, one Army, one Defence civilian and one Australian Federal Police officer — and seven Canadian Navy personnel, for five months of

CPL Mark Doran

THE baton for Australian leader-ship in a key Middle East role was recently passed between two offic-ers who share a passion for mari-time security operations.

CAPT Tony Aldred assumed the role of Director Operations with the multinational Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) from CAPT Michael Turner in Bahrain, on December 3.

CMF is a naval partnership of 30 member nations promoting security, stability and prosper-ity across nearly 3.2 million square miles of international waters, which encompass some of the world’s most important shipping lanes.

In the dual-hat role, CAPT Aldred, who is on his second rota-tion with CMF, is now also the commander of the Australian per-sonnel who form the Maritime O p e r a t i o n s S u p p o r t G r o u p (MOSG).

The MOSG fills key leader-ship and operations support posi-tions within CMF headquarters and delivers services to RAN units deployed in the Middle East region.

CAPT Turner, who began his deployment in December 2014, said Director Operations was responsible for the coordination of the day-to-day operations of the three CMF taskforces.

“The multinational force is com-prised of CTF150, which conducts maritime security and counter-ter-rorism, CTF151, which conducts counter piracy, and CTF152, which is responsible for the Arabian Gulf security and cooperation,” he said.

“There is also an Australian responsibility as the Maritime Opera t ions Adv i se r t o t he Commander of JTF633.

There are about 3000 personnel, up to 15 warships and three mari-time patrol aircraft in the region available for CMF taskforces.

CAPT Turner said his final task as a representative of CMF was to brief the UN Sanctions Committee of the Security Council in New York in a joint presentation with the Afghan Ambassador to the UN, the UN Al-Qaida Taliban Monitoring Team, and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime.

He said CMF boardings directly affected terrorist financiers.

“One of CMF’s key achieve-ments has been to progress from conducting purely military opera-tions to recognising and devel-oping a method to work together with international law enforcement agencies and international organi-sations, such as the UN, to defeat serious transnational criminal net-works with terrorist links,” CAPT Turner said

CMF’s ongoing success in inter-cepting high-purity Afghan-origin heroin crossing the Indian Ocean– more than eight tonnes in the past three years – has attracted interna-tional attention.

Although he served in the same CMF role in 2011, CAPT Aldred said the job and the nature of the threats to be countered had changed dramatically since a reduction in the number of piracy incidents.

“Now we are focused on region-al maritime security and counter-

terrorism, particularly in regards to meeting our responsibilities under United Nations Security Council Resolutions and international mari-time law,” CAPT Aldred said..

“A key role now is interdicting illicit narcotics or weapons, spear-heading our efforts to undermine the flow of money to terrorist organisations.”

Nearly a third of the world’s sovereign states are engaged in maritime security operations in the Middle East region.

CAPT Aldred said maritime security was the lynchpin of global security.

“Close to 50,000 ships pass through CMF’s area of operations each year, representing nearly 90 per cent of the world’s trade, and nearly the same percentage of the world’s fuel supplies,” he said.

“Most of these ships pass through three major choke points, namely the Straits of Hormuz, the Bab-el-Mandeb at the southern end of the Red Sea and the Suez Canal, so any event affecting these areas could severely impact this trade.

“No one can predict the future, but I have no doubt terrorist groups will continue to threaten global security for some time.

“We need to be fully commit-ted to tackling such threats for the long- term, hence organisations like CMF, who focus the efforts of like-minded nations to contrib-ute to global security solutions, are invaluable.”

A privilege for Hatcher

Passing the security baton

CAPT Tony Aldred, above, takes over command of Combined Maritime Forces and Commander Maritime Operations Support Group, from CAPT Michael Turner, left. Photos: CPL Mark Doran

operations in the 30-nation CMF in Bahrain.

His team will plan and execute operations involving a range of ships and aircraft from the US-led CMF member nations across an area of 3.2 million square miles, including the Red Sea, Gulf of

Aden, Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean and Gulf of Oman.

The principal mission of CTF 150 is to suppress the exploitation of the maritime environment by those who perpetrate or enable ter-rorist acts..

RADM Muhammad Moazzam Ilyas, left, passes the ‘weight of command’ to CDRE Jaimie Hatcher under the watchful eye of US VADM Kevin Donegan.

7NEWSFebruary 11, 2016 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

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People-friendly, app’s aimCMDR Fenn Kemp

AN INNOVATIVE concept to better inform Navy people is paying off with thousands of sailors using the new electronic resource.

The Navy People Mobile App is only four months old, but it has already been downloaded more than 5000 times.

The app is designed to complement existing divisional system electron-ic resources on the DRN, providing advice and information on a growing range of services and issues. It com-plements the other two parts of the ‘Divisional Ecosystem’, which are Compass and the Eport.

The Divisional System’s Research and Communication Coordinator, POML-P Stacey Brotherton, says the response is encouraging.

“We hoped the app would be received well and all indicators show it has been and is being regularly used,” PO Brotherton said.

“But what is most exciting is the feedback we are receiving.

“Our aim is to continue to make the app as Navy people-friendly as possi-ble and add more useful content based on user feedback.”

The project began as a US Navy concept and was seen in a USN news-paper.

PO Brotherton said gaining a spon-sor for her concept was critical in pushing the idea ahead.

The basic prototype was built using

a site PO Brotherton’s team found online.

After building the app, they staffed the proposal through Director Navy People Policy and Governance (DNPPG) and ultimately Deputy Chief of Navy for approval.

PO Brotherton said the experience had reinforced that “our senior leaders are listening to members of all ranks. This has inspired me to continue to put my ideas forward in the future”.

The app was a joint project between PO Brotherton and LSCIS

Peter Turner. “LS Turner spent six months on CFTS working with the Divisional System team and, as we were both on flexible work arrange-ments, we spent many untraditional hours working on the app, including late nights, early starts and even week-

POML-P Stacey Brotherton shows Director General Navy People CDRE Michele Miller through the Navy people app she helped create.

ends,” PO Brotherton said. “We are both parents of young children so we managed our time the best we could with the full support of WO Divisional System – WO Fred Campbell and our families.”

The job was done in only two months.

“Working at DNPPG and, in par-ticular, being part of this project is a highlight of my career,” she said.

“Being part of a workplace that supports innovation and having super-visors that encourage us to think out-side the box was essential to making this small idea come to fruition.”

‘Fix problems, take action’ and ‘challenge and innovate’ are not only Navy Signature Behaviours, they are key to the success of Plan Pelorus – Navy’s Strategy to 2018 and beyond.

CN’s v is ion for innovat ion is explained further in the Navy Innovation Statement, available in your unit or on the Navy website.

“You need an idea, you need a sup-portive team and you need commit-ment – but ultimately, a good idea is a good idea,” PO Brotherton said.

“We have proven that thinking dif-ferently can pay off and that rank is irrelevant when it comes to a good idea.”

8 NEWS www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS February 11, 2016

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9NEWSFebruary 11, 2016 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

Natalie Staples

THE Navy’s newest warship, HMAS Adelaide, took centre stage for the 2016 Australia Day celebrations, hosting NSW Governor GEN David Hurley (retd), Australian of the Year NSW finalists and other Australia Day Council guests.

The 27,500-tonne vessel dwarfed other ships in the harbour as she took prime position in Circular Quay for the midday Salute-to-Australia ceremony.

CO Adelaide CAPT Paul Mandziy

said it was a proud day for the ship and the Navy as a whole.

“We only commissioned in December, so it was the first oppor-tunity we, as a ship’s company, have had to present our ship to the people of Sydney and Australia,” CAPT Mandziy said

“We are proud to participate and help celebrate our national day with the Australian community.”

The landing helicopter dock was central to the salute with a 24-man guard from the ship’s company giving the Royal Vice Regal salute.

GEN Hurley awarded CPOMT Damien Clayton his second Australia Day Medallion.

“I was completely surprised and felt very privileged,” CPO Clayton said. “But without the support of the Marine Engineering Department and my shipmates, I would not have this achievement.”

Also on board to help celebrate Australia Day was a children’s choir, which sang We are Australian, and the Sydney-based Army Band, which per-formed the National Anthem.

A 21-gun salute from North

Sydney and an aerial flyover by an RAAF F18 Hornet signalled the end of the salute.

Once the formal celebrations had concluded, members of the NSW Cricket team took part in a game of “backyard cricket” on Adelaide’s flight-deck.

“It was terrific to be involved,” ABML-S Kellie Nash said.

“This is my first time to be posted on a ship and go to sea.

“I am from a small town, Cooma, so being on a ship in Sydney Harbour on Australia Day is like Christmas again.

“Meeting some of the NSW final-ists for Australian of the Year was also inspirational.

“We also had a great view to watch the tug and yacht ballet in the har-bour.”

The crew of Adelaide will return to sea to continue with training and start the ship’s shakedown program in preparation for her work-up cycle planned for April.

The ship is scheduled to spend 160 days at sea this year.

A proud day for AdelaideVessels on Sydney Harbour are dwarfed by HMAS Adelaide as NSW Governor GEN David Hurley (retd), receives the salute to Australia during Australia Day celebrations. Photos: LSIS Brenton Freind and LSIS Peter Thompson.

Boss visits troopsMIDN Nicholas Dale MIDN Kierran Nehmelmann MIDN Samuel Penfold

BRIG Paul Nothard spent the lead-up to Australia Day celebrations visiting HMAS Adelaide.

The visit included an overnight sea ride from Jervis Bay to Sydney in which the Commander 17th Combat Service Support Brigade (CCSB), gained an insight into the capability Adelaide has to offer.

The main objective of the visit was to meet Army personnel serving in Adelaide and understand their roles and functions.

The 61 Army positions within Adelaide’s complement fill a range of roles and responsibilities and are critical to the operational success of the ship’s amphibious capability.

BRIG Nothard, accompanied by the

Special tour for Ford familyMIDN Amy Campbell MIDN Jarod Buissink

The Ford family, from Sydney, are huge supporters of Legacy and last year at the annual legacy lunch, Dianne Ford successfully bid $20,000 at auction for the chance to bring her family on board HMAS Adelaide for a 24-hour sea ride from Jervis Bay to Sydney.

Kitted out in Adelaide T-shirts, DPNU pants and fire boots, the Ford family par-ticipated in a ship’s tour, live fire arms shoot, and a dinner with the CO.

Whi le d i scuss ing the Legacy Foundation with the ship’s company, Mrs Ford outlined the driving force behind her passionate support of the organisation.

“My late father served in the Army’s Signal Corps in WWII and was involved in the amphibious operations of the Pacific Campaign,” Mrs Ford said.

“Some time ago, I retraced his journey through the island campaign and during this pilgrimage, I realised I wanted to contribute to an organisation that helps veterans and their families.”

Regimental Sergeant Major WO1 Kim Felmingham, embarked in Adelaide by landing craft and was welcomed by CO Adelaide CAPT Paul Mandziy and Commander Amphibious LTCOL James Parkins.

BRIG Nothard received an extensive tour of the ship.

BRIG Paul Nothard disembarks the landing craft and steps onto HMAS Adelaide’s steel beach.

The Ford family, from left, Jasmine, George, Dianne and Geoffrey, with their escort, SBLT James Hobby, on Adelaide’s Deck.

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11NEWSFebruary 11, 2016 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

CPL Max Bree

A SENIOR Navy commander has been sworn-in as an officer of the Australian Border Force as part of HQJTF639’s integration with Maritime Border Command (MBC).

Deputy Commander HQJTF639 CDRE Brenton Smyth was sworn-in as Deputy Commander MBC by Commander MBC RADM Michael Noonan at a ceremony in Canberra on December 4.

He will exercise control of Australian Border Force assets and personnel within the command.

“In this job things are not that far detached from Defence,” CDRE Smyth said.

“We’re still defending Australia’s strategic interests and protecting our borders; it’s just that Border Force is managing the flow of people and goods across them.”

“It’s a privilege and an honour to be sworn in and to be part of this organisation,” CDRE Smyth said.

“We see the results of our activi-ties every day in the media and it’s a unique part of Defence to be in.

“When I take over as acting com-mander I will be effectively doing his role of overseeing Defence and Australian Border Force personnel.”

LCPL Sebastian Beurich

A SHEEN of rain covered the cloisters of the Australian War Memorial (AWM) as a dedication to FLTSGT Lyndsay Arthur Bayley was read to the crowd of silent onlookers.

CMDR Kate Ryan held the gaze of the crowd as she spoke of his life and how the 29-year-old navigator was killed in action in 1945 dur-ing a bombing run on Lutgendorf, Germany.

“The Lancaster in which Bayley was a crew member was shot down by anti-aircraft fire,” she said.

“Only one man managed to bail out and spent the remaining weeks of the war as a prisoner of the Germans.”

FLTSGT Bayley’s life was the sub-ject of the 1000th Last Post ceremony at the War Memorial on January 14.

The ceremonies were originally started by Director AWM Brendan Nelson in 2013 after visiting Ypres,

Belgium, where a similar ceremony was held regularly to commemorate the memories of the British and Commonwealth soldiers who died in the first and second world wars.

Now, at the end of each day, as the AWM begins to close its doors, its guests gather in the cloisters for the ceremony.

For CMDR Ryan, reading at the ceremony was a privilege, but a sober-ing reminder of the cost of war.

“I volunteered because I think it’s important to keep everyone informed of our predecessors and to make sure we will remember them,” she said.

“That’s what we say every day, but we have to make sure it actually happens.”

Any ADF member interested in participating in the ceremony, or if you would like to see someone memorialised, contact the AWM by emailing lastpostceremony@awm.gov.au or calling (02) 6243 4575.

Changes afoot at Border Force

Though HQJTF639’s headquar-ters has transitioned from Darwin to Canberra, CDRE Smyth said he wouldn’t have any trouble with the change.

“It’s nothing new, I’ve been doing that role for the past two

years,” he said. “This is a continu-ation of having Defence combined with MBC.

“We’ve just split out the 639 side of HQ NORCOM and inte-grated it with HQ MBC.”

CDRE Brenton Smyth, left, is sworn in as Deputy Commander Maritime Border Command by RADM Michael Noonan, right.

Recalling cost of war

CMDR Kate Ryan salutes as a bugler plays during the 1000th Last Post Ceremony at the Australian War Memorial.Photo: LCPL Sebastain Beurich

www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS February 5, 2016 1312 CENTRE

AUSTRALIA DAY HONOURS FOR RAN PERSONNELAppointed a Member – Military Division (AM)RADM Anthony DaltonFor exceptional service in the field of helicop-ter acquisition and sustainment in the ADF.RADM Greg SammuttFor exceptional performance as the Head Future Submarine Program, the Director General Submarine Capability and the Director Submarine and Specialist Ship. CMDR Brett WolskiFor distinguished service as Director General Workforce Planning Branch, Defence People Group, and as Director Workforce Modelling Forecasting and Analysis, Defence People Strategy and Policy Group.Medal of the Order of Australia – Military Division (OAM)WO Rachelle BurnettFor meritorious performance of duty as the Naval Police Coxswain in Ardent 4 and HMAS Toowoomba during the period 2009 to 2014.

WO Stuart O’BrienFor meritorious service as a Maritime Logistics Personnel Sailor in the field of personnel services and as the founder of the Defence Gay and Lesbian Information Service.

CPO Jay StevensonFor meritorious service as a senior sailor in the field of Personnel Management and Support.

CPO Nigel WilliamsFor meritorious service as a CPO Bosun.

Commendation for Distinguised Service

CAPT Craig PowellFor distinguished performance of duties in warlike operations as the Director of Operations, Combined Maritime Forces, Maritime Operations Adviser, Joint Task Force 633 on Operation SLIPPER from 3 December 2013 to 30 June 2014.

Conspicuous Service Cross (CSC)LCDR John De BomfordFor outstanding devotion to duty as the Marine Engineering Officer in HMAS Stuart from December 2013 to March 2015.CPO SFor outstanding achievement in the ADF Counter Improvised Device Task Force.CMDR David WalterFor outstanding achievement as XO HMAS Brunei from May 2011 until the decommis-sioning of the ship in December 2014. CAPT Bradley WhiteFor outstanding achievement as Director of the Navy People Career Management Agency. Conspicuous Service Medal (CSM)

LS Mitchell AustinFor meritorious devotion to duty as Leading Seaman Propulsion Systems Marine Technician in HMAS Arunta from March 2014 to March 2015. WO Gordon DavisFor meritorious devotion to duty as Command Senior Sailor of NUSQN725 and Senior Maintenance Unit Coordinator during 2013 and 2014.CMDR Narelle DevineFor meritorious achievement as the Deputy Director-Cyber (Maritime) in Joint Capability Coordination Division. PO David HowardFor meritorious devotion to duty as the Communications Systems and Navigation Aids Supervisor in HMAS Sirius. LCDR Petrus JonkerFor meritorious achievement as the Staff Officer 2 Logistics Operations within Headquarters JTF639 on Operation Resolute.Bar to CSMWO Debbie ButterworthFor meritorious devotion to duty as Ship’s Warrant Officer in HMAS Success.

LEUT John Cole

WONPC Rachelle Burnett was recog-nised for her performance as the NPC in Patrol Boat crew Ardent Four and in HMAS Toowoomba from 2009 until 2014.

Her duties at that time stretched from the search for Malaysia Airlines flight MH370; two deployments to the Middle East; treatment of casualties on board HMAS Childers after an explo-sion on SIEV 36 and the leadership of Anzac frigate Toowoomba’s narcotics disposal team.

WO Burnett said the common and lasting impression from all those high-tempo activities was the contribu-

tion and effectiveness of the team.“On the day, when it happens and it

really matters, all that training kicks in and everyone works together to get it done,” she said.

“You may not expect to see it when people are going about their job every day, and just doing their part, but then to see them on the days when the most extraordinary events happen and the pressure is on, people completely are able to get tasks done and get them done to the highest standard.

“That is the amazing part of the Navy and we all have so much to be proud of.”

WO Burnett is now in Canberra in a training and development role as part of Capability Development Group.

OUR BEST

WONPC Rachelle Burnett, OAM

SWO Debbie Butterworth, Bar to CSM

SGT Dave Morley

A FORMER junior sailor who had a shaky start to her career and is now SWO in HMAS Success, was one of several Navy members recognised in the Australia Day honours list.

WO Debbie Butterworth received a Bar to her CSM for “her most conspicuous zeal and dedication to duty”, throughout the busiest period Success has experienced in more than a decade.

She said it was a frantic time for the ship’s company after Success underwent deep-level maintenance.

“Maintenance was followed by a busy time returning the ship to full operational capability,” she said.

“We completed the first-of-class flight trials for MRH90 and then deployed to support the search for MH370.

“We completed a RIMPAC deployment in 2014 to replenish the ship and then deployed to the Middle East region for Operation Manitou.”

WO Butterworth said her main challenge as SWO Success was restoring the battle tanker to a ship that could be relied on to complete any task thrown at it.

“But the platform could not facilitate any task without the great group of people that are the battle tanker heart of Success,” she said.

WO Butterworth said she felt humbled by the award.“I don’t think I deserve any of the awards I have

received,” she said. “I have been so lucky to be surrounded by fantas-

tic people for my whole career; they are the ones that deserve the recognition.”

WO Butterworth received a CSM in June 2006, while posted to HMAS Newcastle and an OAM in June 2012.

She deployed to Somalia in HMAS Jervis Bay in January 1993 to discharge cargo and some 1RAR diggers and returned in May 1993 to collect cargo.

WO Butterworth said she was initially posted to sea in Jervis Bay after service at HMAS Kuttabul.

“I was young and immature when I joined and my hot-headedness resulted in me being sent to sea at an early age, but it’s something I have never regretted – I have loved every sea posting,” she said.

LSMT Mitchell Austin, CSMLEUT Bek Williamson

WITH qualities like tireless profes-sionalism and continual innovation, it is no surprise that LSMT Mitchell Austin’s dedication to his role has earned him a place on the Australia Day Honours list.

Awarded the Conspicuous Service Medal (CSM) for meritorious achievement in the performance of duty as Propulsion Systems Marine Technician in HMAS Arunta from March 2014 to March 2015, he was shocked to hear he had received the award.

“It was a huge surprise when they told me, but I was also extremely honoured,” he said.

“During that time, I was managing the propulsion work centre and I really had to step up as a new leading sea-man.

“We didn’t have a petty officer but I did have the support of an excellent team.”

LS Austin is a sailor of outstand-ing technical mastery, and his dedi-cation was crucial to the productivity and efficiency of his ship’s marine engineering department.

His contribution to the successful progression of the ship through a challenging extended maintenance availability delivered a legacy of enhanced maintenance manage-ment in Arunta.

LS Austin is this year’s most junior Navy member to receive an honour.

Eighteen Navy personnel were awarded Australia Day honours this year.

LSIS Jayson Tufrey

POET David Howard’s commitment to duty as Communications Systems and Navigation Aids Supervisor aboard HMAS Sirius was rewarded with the Conspicuous Service Medal (CSM).

His citation reads: “His exceptional technical skills and service knowledge enabled him to problem-solve critical defects, implement new planned main-tenance routines and leave a legacy of improved procedures for future incum-bents, and ensured that Sirius was able to continue supporting Operation Sovereign Borders in December 2013.”

PO Howard said he first received notification of his nomination in September.

“When I received the letter in January to say I’d been awarded the CSM it was definitely a shock to the system,” he said.

“The letter came in the mail just like any other.

“When I saw it was from the offices of the Governor General I thought, ‘this

is either really good or really bad’. “You don’t ever expect to receive

something like this and when it hap-pens it’s pretty crazy.”

PO Howard said the notification was in-confidence and nobody initially knew about it, not even his workmates or supervisor.

“As I read the spiel I felt excited, honoured and proud,” he said.

PO Howard’s mother could barely contain her excitement as she congrat-ulated her son via social media.

“I do believe I’m the proudest mum in the world this Australia Day, woo-hoo,” she said.

PO Howard said he received well-wishes from far and wide once the list was promulgated.

“I received congratulations from overseas, workmates, even a text mes-sage from my old boss who posted out recently,” he said.

“My partner Lauren is also proud of my achievement.”

POET David Howard, CSM

Photo: ABIS Jake Badior Photo: LSIS Bradley Darvill

Sailors of the Bungaree Navy indigenous dance group perform a Torres Strait Island dance aboard HMAS Adelaide during Australia Day festivities in Sydney Harbour. Photo: LSIS Peter Thompson

NWS18EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

HONOUR, HONESTY, COURAGE, INTEGRITY, LOYALTYwww.navy.gov.au

In April 2015, the Chief of Navy (CN) released NavyStrategy 2018 (Plan Pelorus) to provide direction to Navyas we move into the future. To support CN’s intent, I havedeveloped the Navy Warfighting Strategy 2018 (NWS18)to shape a realistic pathway towards achievement of PlanPelorus’s Objective 1 - Warfighting. For many years, Navy’scontribution to Government strategy has focussed on singleship contributions to maritime constabulary operations andoccasional regional submarine deployments. Today and intothe future, we need to shift that focus towards generationof self-supported and sustainable maritime task groupscapable of accomplishing the full spectrum of maritimesecurity operations. By achieving this, Navy will start torealise its full potential while maintaining a capability tosupport ongoing and emergent Government requirements.

NWS18 provides an outline of how Navy can support CNsstrategic intent by breaking the problem into two constituentparts. Firstly, NWS18 identifies three critical requirementsto successfully deliver a sustainable warfighting capabilityin 2018 that supports Plan Pelorus Objective 1. Theserequirements are:

• A Navy that can generate and certify force elements ableto operate with lethality across the spectrum of maritimeoperations

• A Navy that can operate as part of a force level warfareconstruct

• A Navy that can provide the naval element of a joint orcombined force.

Secondly, NWS18 provides a roadmap to success throughdevelopment of the Warfighting Campaign Plan 2015-2018(WCP). The WCP and its associated tasks highlight the rolethat every defence element or individual associated withwarfighting capability has to play in transforming NWS18 froman inanimate document into a sustainable reality. Across fourkey lines of operation - Warfighting, Seaworthiness, Peopleand Support - every person has a role to play in realisingNavy’s warfighting potential. It is crucial that individualsunderstand their role and maximise their inputs to supportthe development of Navy’s warfighting capacity over the next3 years.

The Navy of 2018 will only deliver the required warfightingcapability defined by Plan Pelorus if we can secure andchannel our combined energy in support of our overarchingmission - ‘to Fight and Win at Sea’. We can’t buy thisoutcome - we have to build it. NWS18 provides Navy withthe blueprint upon which effective plans of action can bedeveloped to generate this capability. Over the next threeyears and beyond, we will couple current and soon to bedelivered platforms and processes with our skilled, focussedand supported professional warfighting personnel. UsingNWS18 as a foundation, I urge each and everyone of Navy’speople to challenge and innovate the ways in which wecombine people, platforms and processes to effectivelyanimate and sustain our platforms and processes and turnthem into a legitimate warfighting capability.

RADM Stuart Mayer, CSC and BarCommander Australian Fleet

DPS:NOV033-15

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A LUXURY motor launch built for a wealthy pas-toralist in Port Adelaide in 1932 and loaned to

the Navy during WWII is under-going restoration to her former glory in Sydney.

In 2011, a small group of trustees began restoring the boat, with the aim of having it com-pleted this year.

Former ordinary telegraphist Ross Gourlay, who turned 90 on Remembrance Day 2015, and who served in HMAS Martindale during WWII, was treated to a cruise around Sydney Harbour in her on Boxing Day to watch the start of the Sydney-to-Hobart yacht race.

He took the wheel for a short while, remembering the time 70 years before, when he took Martindale out through Sydney Heads.

Mr Gourlay said the vessel was stationed at the islands of Trobiand, Goodenough, Kiriwina and Katava, where there were Air Force operational base units (OBU).

“During our stint in the Trobiand group we were alerted by RAAF No. 41 OBU that seven airmen were miss-ing on a raft somewhere,” he said.

“We were ordered, to ‘please pro-ceed to rescue them’.

“With aircraft support, at midnight some 36 hours later, with no sleep, the raft was located. All seven airmen were taken aboard Martindale, fed, bedded down and delivered safely to 41OBU the next day.”

PASTORALIST John Mortlock ordered Martindale so he could entertain his friends and visit his properties.

The boat was built for comfort, with a large saloon seating 14 for meals and room for four to sleep, a fully-equipped galley, two single state rooms with ample storage, bathrooms and crew quarters.

She was powered by a single 110hp six-cylinder Gardiner diesel engine, displaced 51 tonnes and was 20m in length.HMAS Martindale commissioned in July 1941, and shortly after sailed from Adelaide to Sydney for refit, including mounting an anti-aircraft gun on the aft deck, to prepare her for war service.

After refit, she sailed to New Guinea, serving in an air-and-sea rescue role, as well as carrying out general duties.

Martindale later acted as a pilot ship in Madang and Hollandia and carried stores and personnel to outlying ports.

She returned to Australia in Oc-tober 1945, decommissioning in Adelaide in June 1946, when she was again refitted before being handed back to her original owner.

After the war, the boat changed owners several times, eventually falling into disrepair.

ABOUT MARTINDALE

A team of trustees and helpers is restoring a motor launch loaned to the Navy during WWII, SGT Dave Morley reports.

For the love of Martindale

Former sailor Ross Gourlay (inset) takes the wheel during a cruise around Sydney Harbour in former HMAS Martindale (main) which is in the final stages of restoration.

Mr Gourlay said after experiencing hammocks and Spartan mess decks in other ships, Martindale’s polished mahogany surrounds, lockers and fold-down bunks were certainly interesting.

“It was a bit crowded, though, with eight blokes living in a saloon designed to sleep four,” he said.

“When not carrying out my telegra-

phist duties, I had my turn at cooking, on the wheel, in the engine room and lowering and rowing the dinghies to remote places.

“It was a wonderful experience for an 18-year-old.”

The Martindale Club is looking for more members.

Membership gives supporters the

opportunity to experience Sydney Harbour in a unique vessel, while sup-porting an ongoing program to main-tain and restore a piece of Australian history.

For more information, visit: http://mvmartindale.com/membership.html

15HISTORYFebruary 11, 2016 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

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16 PERSONNEL www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS February 11, 2016

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THE ADF is on its way to a modern approach to clothing management with progress being made in the implemen-tation of the new Personal Inventory Management System (PIMS).

PIMS will combine an electronic clothing record and entitlements sys-tem with the ability to order both com-bat and non-combat uniforms online.

The online system will be available on tablet devices, home computers and the Defence network.

Late last year, four navy logistics members joined a triservice team in Townsville conducting PIMS user acceptance testing.

CPOML-SC Jane Lapa said the new system would simplify the pro-cess for members.

“PIMS is an innovative system

which will better enable members to manage their clothing and personal equipment online,” CPO Lapa said.

“Logistics staff on board ships will also have the advantage of know-ing the size for every member thereby only ordering and holding the sizes required by their crew aboard.”

The PIMS Project is being piloted in Townsville for Army and Air Force personnel and on board HMAS Success for Navy.

On successful completion, PIMS is expected to roll out ADF-wide by the end of 2016.

For more information, visit http://drnet.defence.gov.au/vcdf/DSCBIP/Organisation/LogisticsSystemsProjects/Pages/Logistics%20Projects.aspx

OTHER RANKGeneral Court Martial1 x Forgery – DFDA s 61(3) and Criminal Code (ACT) s 3461 x Using false document – DFDA s 61(3) and Criminal Code (ACT) s 347 The member was accused of making a false document in connection with their conditions of service. The member was also accused of using the false document.

The member pleaded guilty to the charges and was found guilty. The member forfeited seniority in rank and was fined $4553.26 (to be paid in instalments).

All court martial and Defence Force Magistrate trial results are subject to command review and appeal. The results are of trials across the ADF.

NOVEMBER TRIAL RESULTS

Uniform approach to PIMSThe new Personal Inventory Management System will revolutionise the way ADF members order uniforms. Photo: LACW Katharine Pearson

DEFENCE has reviewed and adjusted member con-tribution and allowance rates for accommodation and meals.

The new rates will take effect on February 11 and be reflected in members’ pay on February 25.

ADF members have a range of conditions of ser-vice, benefits and allowances that are adjusted each year. These adjustments apply to contributions from members and payments to members.

In relation to accommodation, changes made to the Group Rent Scheme contributions and regional rent band adjustments are reflective of the housing market.

Changes to meal and utility charges and allowances reflect annual movements in the Consumer Price Index.

Director Military Conditions and Housing Policy Lisa Arnold said it was a requirement for Defence to share the cost of housing 50/50 with members.

“Following the introduction of the housing clas-sification reforms in 2007, contributions for Service residence and rent allowance properties have been cal-culated annually based on the national average rent for Defence houses in each rent band,” she said.

“This rent band method offers a transparent method for calculating contribution increases based on actual rental increases rather than forecasts.”

For 2016, rates will remain unchanged at $5 for breakfast and $6 for dinner.

The cost of lunch in the mess will increase from $6 to $7. The fortnightly meal contribution rate will increase from $158.90 to $180.00.

The subsidised fortnightly meal charge is normally based on 10 days of casual meal charges.

“The cost to Defence of providing meals continues to increase and the changes being made now reflect changes to the cost of providing the service to mem-bers,” Dr Arnold said.

For more information, see Chapter 7 of the Pay and Conditions Manual at http://intranet.defence.gov.au/pac

17PERSONNELFebruary 11, 2016 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

COMFAA departs his post in style

Dallas McMaugh

THERE was no need of car or driver to trans-port CDRE Vince Di Pietro to his Change of Command Ceremony at HMAS Albatross on January 21 as he chose to do things in his own considerable style, chauffeuring himself in his vintage red Ferrari.

Things were a little different when he arrived for his first posting at Albatross in 1978 as an 18-year-old straight from pilot training in Melbourne.

In the intervening years CDRE Di Pietro’s distinguished career has brought him back to the Naval Air Station on several occasions.

It has also taken him around Australia and the world, with high-profile and demanding post-ings such as staff officer at the Australian High Commission in London and Australian Naval Attaché in Washington.

Addressing the assembled FAA personnel, CDRE Di Pietro said the change of command cer-emony was an important event.

“Not because this is about me; in my heart and mind this is very much about you,” he said.

“This organisation has done extraordinary things in the last three years and I’ve had the privi-lege and honour to be here for the last years of my career, which has spanned the best part of four decades.

“From my perspective, after so many years, and having seen how other services in other countries put things together, what the RAN has achieved from this team in that time is unbelievable.

“This really is my opportunity to say to you that what you have done for your nation, what you do for your Navy, what you achieve in reputational terms for our organisation, the FAA, is incredible.

“You have a terrific career ahead of you and I just wish I was at your end of a career and not mine. I wish you every success for whatever you desire.”

CDRE Di Pietro’s pennant was then lowered, folded and passed to him as a second pennant was broken in recognition of CDRE Chris Smallhorn assuming command of the FAA.

“Today is a change of command,” CDRE Smallhorn said. “But I’d like to keep the focus on the celebration of a great commander and a hell of a guy.

“Both personally, and on behalf of the FAA, I’d like to thank CDRE Di Pietro for his professional-ism, for his achievements, for his enthusiasm and, more than anyone, for his mentorship of hundreds – you have left your mark and it is indelible.”

CDRE Vince Di Pietro gives an emotional farewell during the supersession of COMFAA ceremony at HMAS Albatross, Nowra. Photos: LSIS Sarah Williams

CDRE Vince Di Pietro arrives at the ceremony in style in his red Ferrari, left, and hands the weight of command to new COMFAA CDRE Chris Smallhorn.

Dallas McMaugh

CMDR Adrian Capner took the opportunity to praise 808SQN assembled for the ‘trident of power’ handover to CMDR Michael Waddell at HMAS Albatross on January 18.

At the traditional rowing ashore of the outgoing CO, CMDR Capner said it was impor-tant to focus on the people instead of the equipment.

He said what 808SQN had achieved in the past two years was fantastic.

“It was your hard work, your

experience and your perseverance that got us to this point and you should be as proud of this as I am,” CMDR Capner said.

He thanked the squadron for their support. “Your professional-ism, your humour, your banter, your dedication have just been exceptional and I am humbled to have been your CO.”

“My time here has been the hardest, most gruelling, most physically challenging, most emo-tional and yet the greatest job I’ve had to date in the RAN, and if you can work out how that all comes together, please let me know”.

LEUT Mark Flowerdew

CMDR David Frost handed over command of 725SQN to CMDR Matthew Royals in December.

CMDR Frost was flown from his home in Gerringong for the ceremony in the Nowra local area and was greeted by his fam-ily, Deputy Commander FAA CAPT Shane Craig, and 725 and 816SQN members.

Last year was a significant year for the team, with 725SQN recommissioning in June.

CMDR Frost has been at the helm since 2013 and ensured his team delivered a sustainable and capable training squadron for MH60R aircrew and mainte-nance personnel.

During his tenure the squad-ron conducted introduction into service training with the US Navy; took delivery of its first four aircraft, and operated along-side US squadrons in Florida.

“I wish to thank every single one of my team for their support

808 changes hands

Significant tenure at head of 725SQN ends

Changes to rental and meal rates

CMDR Matthew Royals, left, receives the ceremonial gauntlet from CMDR David Frost. Photo: ABIS Alan Lancaster

CMDR Adrian Capner, left, hands the ‘trident of power’ to CMDR Michael Waddell during the handover ceremony.

A NEW program aimed at increasing the submarine work-force has been launched.

At the announcement of the Submarine Deliberately Differentiated Package (SM-DDP) on January 29, Assistant Director of Navy Workforce Management (Warfare) CMDR Guy Blackburn, said the package was a new approach to delivering Navy’s workforce requirements.

CMDR Blackburn said it “addresses the financial considerations as well as the wider professional, career and social issues that submariners indicated are affecting their intention to serve in the submarine capability and wider Navy”.

The RAN remains committed to delivering a sub-marine capability that delivers “strategic deterrence, lethality, availability and sustainability”.

However, the submarine workforce manning can-not be achieved through increased recruiting alone.

To meet submarine work-force growth targets and remedy work-force sustainability issues, an immedi-ate and enduring measure was required to attract and retain personnel into the submarine arm.

“Other parts of the Navy work-force are also under pressure, and we’re trying to grow them, too. However, the submarine work-force has been consist-ently fragile and under-strength over the past two decades,” CMDR Blackburn said.

He said the package comprised seven components (two financial and five non financial) for eligible submarine personnel who contribute to the submarine capability.

CMDR Blackburn said the SM-DDP was the first package of its type to be used in the ADF. He said it would provide a model for how Navy approached work-force challenges in other areas by carefully researching what motivates people and then enhanc-ing those things that can help people make the deci-sion to stay.

More information can be found on the NPCMA website at http://intranet.defence.gov.au/navyweb/sites/NPCMA/com-web.asp?page=271417&Title=Remuneration Bonuses.

A new plan to attract and retain submariners

and tireless efforts in what has been a period of great change,” CMDR Frost said.

CMDR Royals was CO of 805SQN before its decommis-sioning, and his last job was Deputy Director Navy Aviation.

CMDR Frost has taken up a new post in Canberra as Deputy Director Maritime Aviation.

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Fond memories at reunion

A RETURN to Australia for a 40-year reunion in October, highlighted all that a US-based officer enjoys

about the Navy.CMDR Ted Cummins left school at

Goulburn, NSW, during year 10, joined as a junior recruit at 16 and rose to the rank of warrant officer before becoming an officer.

He said he initially engaged in the Navy for the minimum period permitted at the time.

“I always thought it would be a short-term career and I would move on while still very young,” he said.

“But it didn’t take long to realise when you enjoy doing something you should continue to do it while ever you are able to.”

CMDR Cummins returned to Australia last November to attend a reunion of those he enlisted with in 1975. He said he caught up with about 40 of the men he joined with, many he had not seen since leaving HMAS Leeuwin in 1976.

“I hadn’t really given any thought to what I would miss outside the Navy, so I was surprised to hear how much they all missed the mateship, camaraderie and esprit-de-corps that comes with Navy life,” he said.

While he personally celebrated 40 years Navy service, his family’s Navy service totals 144 years.

CMDR Cummins followed two older brothers into the Navy.

“My eldest brother Chris completed 23 years and another 16 years in the Reserves before retiring as a chief petty officer, and my next brother Phil completed 20 years, finishing as a petty officer,” he said.

“Their stories of adventure and excitement were enough to entice me to join as well.

“My youngest brother Mick fol-lowed as well and completed 10 years, finishing as a leading seaman.”

CMDR Cummins said his wife Tracey completed 10 years in the Navy and has been a Reservist for about 25 years, and is currently a chief petty officer.

“As a family I guess we have chalked up quite a bit of Navy time,” he said.

According to CMDR Cummins,

his career has had many highlights.“I think my time as Fleet Warrant

Officer Signals Yeoman stands out as the most rewarding, mainly because it provided a great opportunity to share my knowledge and experience with so many young officers and sailors,” he said.

“I was honoured to have been award-ed the Order of Australia Medal in 2001, and to have been selected by CN to be one of the three initial Maritime Combat Officer Communications Information Warfare officers in 2012.”

CMDR Cummins is currently posted to the US Central Command Headquarters in Tampa, Florida, as the Deputy IT Engineering Division Chief within the Coalition, Command and Control, Communications and Computers (C5) Directorate.

He said his position was a HQJOC non-reciprocal embed position within US Central Command.

“It’s a Navy commander PWO CIW position, and the normal tenure is two to three years,” he said.

“As the Deputy Division Chief for C5 Engineering, my responsibilities include planning, organising, and over-seeing the activities of the US Central Command J6 Engineering Division.

“This includes formulating program goals, plans, policies, procedures and work packages dealing with the devel-opment and operation of command-wide C5 functions and activities.

“I work with US and Coalition mili-tary and specialist network engineering contractors to plan, design, implement and maintain coalition mission networks in the Central Command area of respon-sibility.”

“The embedded officers often pro-vide a fresh perspective on the many issues faced by the headquarters on a daily basis,” he said.

“Personally, I believe the profes-sional and honest approach Australians bring to the table is appreciated by our US hosts.

“I think they appreciate that we call a spade a spade.

There are six ADF officers, led by MAJGEN Shane Caughey, embed-ded within the US Central Command Headquarters, spread between directo-rates of the headquarters.

CMDR Cummins’ advice to young sailors is to be proud of the career choice they have made and the uniform they wear.

“Always strive to live up to the Navy values; it is these values that will guide you in many of the decisions you will be called on to make during your career,” he said.

“Always aim to leave your position in a better state than it was when you took it over, and do not leave wonder-ing whether you could have done better, leave knowing that you have done your best.”

CMDR Ted Cummins pictured recently with Commander US Central Command, Gen Lloyd J. Austin III.

SGT Dave Morley reports how a short-term goal became a life-long career for this US-based serviceman.

19FEATURESFebruary 11, 2016 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

SHAPINGTHE DEFENCE EMPLOYMENT PACKAGEFORTHE ADF - 2016 SURVEY

Would you like to be a part of ensuring that the package of benefits available to all ADFmembers (the Defence Employment Package or DEP) is the best it can be?The permanent ADF DEP study is a great opportunity to have your say on the financialand non financial aspects of your employment package.This year, we will be inviting asample of each Service to take part, so if YOU receive an invitation by email, we wouldlove you to participate.The study will be open from 7-21 March 2016.

Around 7 March, selected members will receive an email from the Directorate of PeopleIntelligence and Research in Defence People Group on the Defence Restricted Network.The email will ask them to participate in the internet-based survey application, whichwill be facilitated by the Defence contractor,True Choice Solutions of NewYork. TheADF DEP survey will take about 15-20 minutes to complete.

While the survey is voluntary, the greater the response from those invited to participatethe better understanding the ADF will have of what is important to members in theirpackage. For example, all three Services are working to improve work-life balance fortheir members, and the survey will assess work-life balance measures. Responses will beanonymous and reported findings will be aggregated, so we encourage open and honestresponses.

Of course, any outcomes of the survey will have to be considered by the Services in thenormal manner.

So here isYOUR opportunity to make a real difference to help shape the DEPfor the ADF into the future.

If you have any enquiries, please direct them toEmploymentPackageResearch@drn.mil.au

21TRAININGFebruary 11, 2016 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

Putting response to the testSGT Dave Morley

FOR the first time since its inception in 2010, all four regional partners from across the Asia–Pacific rim gathered recently for Exercise Cooperation Spirit 2015.

The humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) exercise, con-ducted at RAAF Base Williamtown, from November 16–20, involved 10 ADF members, five from People’s Republic of China, four from the US Pacific Command and two from the NZ Defence Force.

CJOPS VADM David Johnston said the exercise was an opportunity to deepen understanding and coordina-tion of our respective HADR capabili-ties and plans.

“The Asia Pacific is a region prone to natural disasters, which makes HADR a natural and important area of cooperation between countries in our region,” he said.

“The exercise is designed to build our collective capacity to provide a disaster relief response in the future.”

The exercise consisted of seminars and a table-top activity based on a fic-titious scenario of cyclone damage to a South Pacific nation.

“Unfortunately such scenarios do have real-world application with Cyclone Pam impacting on Vanuatu early in 2015,” VADM Johnston said.

LCDR Jace Hutchison, of the Australian Defence College in Canberra, said he participated as a maritime planner and was able to leverage off his experience in the Amphibious Task Group, which was often involved in HADR missions.

“The types of disaster events that occur in our region always bring together a range of countries who wish to assist the host nation in some way,” he said.

“It is really important we are able to understand what each country is

able to bring to the table in terms of manpower, air and surface lift plat-forms, humanitarian stores, engineer-ing support and medical aid.

“The more we can work together and get to know each other, the more we are able to gain efficiency in the

way we allocate resources to tasks on behalf of our individual governments.”

LCDR Hutchison said the success of the exercise was demonstrated to him by the way the participants from each nation were able to collaborate and, in a short space of time, develop a workable plan to assist the host nation.

“It was clear that even in a simu-lated situation the focus was always on the country and its citizens in need,” he said.

“This is no easy feat when each nation plans and operates differently and there are significant language bar-riers to overcome.

“This was a great opportunity to play host to our international partners and I certainly learnt a lot about how we can work together in the future.”

Separations Coordinator at the Navy People Career Management Agency, LS Bai-Kong Lee, attended the exercise to provide language sup-port between English- and Mandarin-speaking participants.

“I appreciated the opportunity and enjoyed using my language skills to provide language support in the exer-cise,” he said.

The exercise was first undertaken as a bilateral one between Australia and China in 2010, and has subse-quently been expanded to a quadrilat-eral exercise between Australia, China, New Zealand and the United States.

LCDR Jace Hutchison, left, LTCOL WU Bin, of the Peoples Liberation Army China, and LS Bai-Kong Lee discuss ideas during Exercise Cooperation Spirit at the Australian Defence Force Peace Operations Training Centre at RAAF Base Williamtown. Photo: CPL Craig Barrett

LEUT John Cole

THE presentation of an Australia Day Medallion has recognised the energy and drive to transform training systems at Navy’s Hydrographic School.

Outgoing CO HMAS Penguin CMDR Paul Gall presented an Australia Day Medallion to CPOHSM Ben White last week.

He said the presentation was well-deserved recognition of CPO White’s outstanding contribution to the Hydrographic School, as well as for his support of Penguin.

CPO White said the entire team at the school had worked hard to ensure Navy’s training and accreditation sys-tems were world class, and able to meet

the exacting requirements for a 21st-century Navy.

“There has been a massive focus here over the past two years to provide new competency logs and ensure the qualifications of all personnel who come through these doors are up to date,” he said.

“Our focus has not just been on Navy qualifications, but on ensuring we are able to meet the training require-ments for equivalent civilian courses. Beyond that, our accreditation needs to also satisfy the training requirements for our international partners.

“It’s been a massive job, and the focus at every stage has been to ensure the school is delivering the exact train-ing outcomes required for a modern Navy.”

Due recognition for world-class trainer

CO HMAS Penguin CMDR Paul Gall presents CPOHSM Benjamin White with an Australia Day Medallion. Photo: ABIS Chantell Brown

The Australian Services Rugby Union (ASRU) serves to promote and develop theplaying, coaching and officiating of rugby in the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

ASRU hosts the annual Australian Services Rugby Championship and fieldsmen's and women's senior teams selected from serving members of the RoyalAustralian Navy, the Australian Army, and the Royal Australian Air Force.

ASRU is about to commence the next four-year playing cycle. For the ASRUMen’s team, the next playing cycle culminates with the International DefenceRugby Competition, hosted by Japan in 2019. For the ASRU Women’s team, thenext playing cycle includes an international tour and annual participation at theAustralian Rugby Union’s National 7s and 15s Championships.

The ASRU Chairman invites interested ADF members (full time and part time) toapply for the following appointments.

Contact Lieutenant Colonel Michelle Mason, ASRU Secretary,michelle.mason@defence.gov.au or mob: 0414 999 752, for more information,

including duty statements and the 2016-2019 playing schedule.Applications are to be submitted by Fri 26 Feb 16.

• Men’s National Operations Mgr

• Men’s Team Coaching Staff

• Men’s Team Match Analyst

• Men’s Strength/Conditioning Staff

• Men’s Team Management Staff

• Men’s Team Medical Officer

• Men’s Team Physio

• Men’s Team Sports Strapper

• Women’s National Operations Mgr

• Women’s Coaching Staff

• Women’s Team Match Analyst

• Women’s Strength/Conditioning Staff

• Women’s Team Management Staff

• Women’s Team Medical Officer

• Women’s Team Physio

• Women’s Team Sports Strapper

• Coach Development Officer

• Events Manager

• Sponsorship Officer

• Public Affairs Officer

• Treasurer

• Secretary

AUSTRALIAN SERVICESRUGBY UNION

Chairman:Major General John Frewen AM

THE AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE FORCEARTS FOR RECOVERY, RESILIENCE,TEAMWORK AND SKILLS PROGRAM

ADFARRTS ProgramIt’s on again! Currently serving ADF personnel with health and wellbeingissues can now apply to attend a unique creative arts program utilising

music, drama, creative writing and visual arts.

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

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

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

PSJA

N00

5-16

Set your core goalsStrengthening your core will help protect against injury LCPL Sebastian Beurich reports.

PTI CPL Todd Hayes conducts core exercise at RAAF Base Edinburgh in Adelaide. Photo: CPL Nunu Campos

22 HEALTH www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS February 11, 2016

YOUR core is one of the most important muscle groups in your body and is used for the smallest of tasks, but according

to Army Physical Training Instructor SGT Damian Cannizzaro, most of us don’t use our core effectively.

“People think of the abdominal muscles as your core, but they’re just a part of the larger muscle group including your pelvic floor muscles, hamstrings, gluteus maximus and others,” he says.

“Until people have an injury such as an abdominal tear, they don’t realise just how much they use their core.”

SGT Cannizzaro says to do most movements correctly, we need to switch on our core muscles first.

“At recruit level we teach the correct lifting techniques, using the base of support technique,” he says.

“But the core is used in everything from everyday tasks, such as sitting and walking, to complex tasks like doing a dead lift.”

With the increase in popularity of yoga and pilates, SGT Cannizzaro says people have realised there is a lot more to training their core than dynamic abdominal exercises such as sit-ups and leg raises.

“Balance activities using equipment such as a Swiss ball to add instability are an effective way to train your core,” he says.

“Most gyms are now providing equipment which combines muscular balance, mobility and core strength to build up stamina and endurance for sports competitions or assessments such

as BFAs, physical employment standard assessments and other military fitness testing.

“Fitness trends are leaning towards pilates training, and gyms now provide yoga and pilates classes. Beginners, intermediate and advanced core classes run in consultation with a physio section have enabled a swift turn around for many long-term injured members.

“Beginners exercises can be as simple as kneeling on a Swiss ball or sitting on it with your hands and feet in the air and activating your core muscles to balance.”

SGT Cannizzaro says if people consistently improve their core strength, they will find military testing easier in addition to improved mobility and flexibility.

“Not only will your everyday life benefit from better and stronger core muscles, but the tasks you do at work and home will become easier,” he says.

For more information on training your core muscle group, speak to your local PTIs.

‘Until people have an injury such as an abdominal tear, they

don’t realise just how much they use

their core.– SGT Damian Cannizzaro

23SPORTFebruary 11, 2015 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

WO2 Andrew Hetherington

AS LCDR Darryl Whitehead sank his final putt of the 2015 ADF Golf Championships, he added another title to his impressive list of ADF golfing achievements.

To add to that monumental effort, POML-P Lorna Brew, of HMAS Cairns, hit an overall score of 346 for the four round to finish an incredible 45 strokes clear of second placed FLTLT Angela Smylie to take the women’s title.

LCDR Whitehead, of Navy Strategic Command, managed to defend his ADF golf champion title, winning narrowly by two strokes in early December at the Federal Golf Club, Canberra.

He’s now won three overall ADF titles – one for Army and two for Navy – since he transferred from the Royal Navy in 2004 to Army.

LCDR Whitehead transferred to the RAN in 2007.

If Air Force wants to win future overall ADF national titles, they might need to consider employing him too.

In his first round, LCDR Whitehead managed a solid overall score of 75.

“In round two I played below my expectations and returned a score of 80, putting me squarely back in

the pack with a lot to do,” LCDR Whitehead said.

“With the wind strengthening in Round 3, I shot a non-damaging 77, which was good enough to put me in the last group for the final round, but still with plenty of work to do if I was to win.”

Chasing the overnight leader, Army’s MAJ Ben Magi right up to the last hole of the fourth and final round, LCDR Whitehead eventually shot a creditable 73, on a windy and blustery day, to retain his title.

LCDR Whitehead said the strongest aspect of his game during the championships was his short game.

He attributes his successful put-ting to a lucky find.

“During a visit to New Zealand in 2014, I spotted an old style Scotty Cameron putter in the Pro Shop where we were playing,” he said.

“They’re the uber daddy of put-ters and I once had one about 10 years ago, but it was stolen.

“I negotiated with the Club PRO and bought it for $200 and managed to put the stick to good effect.

“It made a difference to my game over the four rounds.”

LCDR Whitehead intends to play in this year’s championships to be held in Canberra from December 5-9.

PO Brew said she was pleased with her win as it was only her sec-

ond attempt at the ADF national, playing for the first time in 2011.

“I didn’t have the ideal prepara-tion due to not being able to play as much as I would have liked.

“My practise was playing in the interservice competition in Townsville and in the monthly matches with the Cairns Navy Golf group.”

During the four rounds PO Brew tried to concentrate on being consist-ent and began round one with a 93.

“In round two I managed an 89,” PO Brew said.

“By round three, I was relaxed, enjoying the game, not missing a putt and hit a 77.

“This was my best round of the week and my best round at the Federal Golf Course.

“In the final round my putting was not so great and also the wind was strong, so it was another chal-lenge I was not accustomed to.”

PO Brew had a final round of 87 finishing off a strong performance.

ABATA Kurt Lampe, of 723SQN, won the Navy Men’s title and POB Justin Goodall was Navy Nett Champion.

Air Force won the overall com-petition this year with a combined score of 3188, over Army with 3214, and Navy on 3253.

Master stroke

LSIS Jayson Tufrey

JUMPING from a perfectly serviceable aircraft and plummeting earthwards at terminal veloc-ity isn’t for everyone, but Australian Defence Parachuting Association (ADPA) members live for the last week before stand-down each year.

The ADPA Military National (MILNAT) cham-pionships were held from December 14-20 at Picton, NSW, where teams qualified for the national titles to be held in March.

While the experienced all-Army teams took out all disciplines, Navy was strongly represented with POMT Dave Walker, of HMAS Waterhen, marking a milestone by completing his 200th jump. Sailors competed successfully in second- and third-placed triservice teams across all disciplines.

“My team, The Purple Cobras, are an all-Navy team and we get a thrill out of skydiving together,” PO Walker said.

“There’s nothing like jumping with your mates in a nice tight four-way and just sticking all the positions – we enjoy the camaraderie you get from this sport.”

The three events being contested were the four-way formation, the two-way formation and two-way canopy relative work (CRW).

Scoring is effected by a camera operator jumping with each team to record their serial for the judges.

LSATV Melissa Bourke, of the Federation Guard, has competed in Western Australia, but this was her first time at the ADPA MILNATs.

“My week went really well. It started off well and I gained more confidence as the week pro-gressed,” LS Bourke said.

“I enjoyed learning from so many people with so much experience – the coaches were great, offering valuable advice after watching our jumps.

“The MILNATs were a good opportunity to meet new people, network and compete at a less stressful pace than other competitions I’ve competed in.”

LS Bourke said her highlight of the week was scoring 11 points during a practice jump.

“That was really good for us as we had only been able to get together a few times this year,” she said.

“Other than myself, my team Random Precision comprised two RAAF members and one from Army. We had a variety of experience, from members with more than 1000 jumps to those with fewer than 100.

“I hope to gain more experience in the four-way discipline and learn some new skills to bring to next year’s MILNATs and maybe even take out a medal.”

Teams ready to jump into national titles

POMT Dave Walker prepares to land at the ADF Parachuting Association Championships at Picton drop zone, NSW.Photos: LSIS Jayson Tufrey

LSATA Melissa Bourke gets ready for her a jump at Picton, NSW (above) and (below), from left, LEUT Jeremy Evain, SBLT Richard Phillips, POMT Dave Walker and, front, SBLT Gerard Vejrych.

LCDR Darryl Whitehead on his way to winning the 2015 ADF Golf Championships. Photo: WO2 Andrew Hetherington

Volume 59, No. 1, February 11, 2016

SPORT

CLOSE SERVENavy wins Sydney title

ADF golf titles Page 23

ParachutingPage 23

INSIDE

SGT Dave Morley

NAVY came from behind to beat the favourites, Air Force, at the Sydney Defence Squash League (SDSL) final at Willoughby Squash Club on December 13, after a hard-fought tie-breaker.

ADF Squash Vice President Navy CPO David White said despite a late charge up the ladder from Victoria Barracks, it came down to the two most consistent teams through the year for the final show-down.

“Fleet Base East (FBE) went up against RAAF Base Richmond, who fielded their strongest team for the year, and on paper had a slight edge,” he said.

“The players from FBE rose to the occasion and played some of the best squash they’d played during the competition.

“After three matches RAAF Richmond were 2-1 up and it all came down to the last match between SGT Craig Baldwin of RAAF Richmond and ABCSO David Bolger of FBE.”

CPO White said despite having just returned from a significant injury, SGT Baldwin put up a great fight forcing AB Bolger to dig deep to stay in the match.

“AB Bolger forged a 2-0 lead but was struggling in the third game, the work starting to take its toll,” he said. “It came down to a tie-breaker with AB Bolger just managing to get over the line to secure the win for FBE, winning overall by just one game.

“Both players have won the Defence national individual title in the past so it promised to be a real battle and it lived up to all expectations.”

The SDSL is a year-long triservice squash compe-tition that provides a great avenue for friendly com-petition of all standards, according to CPO White.

“Teams come from FBE, HMAS Penguin, Victoria Barracks, Randwick Barracks and RAAF Base Richmond and there were some fantastic matches through the year,” he said.

The 2016 SDSL will start in March and is open to players of all abilities and features ex-professional squash players all the way through to casual players.

Members interested in joining in should email: squash@defence.gov.au

SGT Craig Baldwin hits a backhand during the final of the 2015 Sydney Defence Squash League Competition against ABCSO David Bolger, of FBE.Photo: LSIS Brenton Freind