Maintaining links with

Tassie

Page 15

Damage control at a touch

Polar push in spirit of

Anzac

Page 3 Centre

Serving Australia with pride

NEWSNAVYVolume 62, No. 2, February 21, 2019

FITTING FAREWELL

Ceremonial funeralfor distinguished

former officer Page 2

Pallbearers from HMAS Melbourne carry the late CAPT (Retd) John Stevenson into the Naval Chapel at HMAS Kuttabul for his funeral.Photo: ABIS Leo Baumgartner

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2 NEWS www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS February 21, 2019

LCDR Des Woods

CAPT John Philip Stevenson entered the Royal Australian Naval College (then at HMAS Cerberus) as a 13-year-old cadet midshipman in 1934.

As a junior officer, he saw war service in HMA ships Canberra, Nestor, Napier and Shropshire.

He was in Yokohama Bay for the Japanese surrender in 1945 and wit-nessed the results of the atomic bomb dropped on Nagasaki.

After the war, LEUT Stevenson went to the United Kingdom on loan to the Royal Navy, where he saw operational service in the early days of the Malayan Emergency.

Promoted to lieutenant command-er in 1950 he returned to Australia in the aircraft carrier HMAS Sydney III.

Upon arrival in Australia he took command, in March 1951, of the frigate HMAS Barcoo which oper-ated as Navy’s training ship.

He later served in the heavy cruis-er HMAS Australia II as navigation officer, and later re-joined Sydney as the Fleet Navigation Officer.

Sydney visited the UK for the coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II where Stevenson com-manded the RAN detachment during

LCDR Des Woods and CMDR Greg Swinden

ON February 15, the RAN honoured the life of a highly regarded and greatly admired retired officer who had an extraordinary career, marked with distinguished service in war and peace, tragedy and controversy.

CAPT (Retd) John Philip Stevenson died on January 30 at the age of 98. His career is etched in Australian naval history.

In 1969 he was in command of HMAS Melbourne II when the American destroyer USS Frank E Evans turned under the Australian aircraft carrier’s bow and was cut in half.

CAPT Stevenson was subsequently cleared by court martial of any respon-sibility for the tragedy and in 2012 received an official apology from then Defence Minister Stephen Smith for having been tried.

The apology letter acknowledged the unnecessary stress the court martial had caused CAPT Stevenson and his family.

CAPT Stevenson was farewelled in the Garden Island Naval Chapel in Sydney with a ceremonial funeral, normally reserved only for officers who pass away during their service at the rank of captain. It was the first time in the RAN’s history that a serving captain’s funeral had been held for a retired officer.

CAPT Stevenson was also given a seven-gun salute, which is normally reserved for serving officers who die while in command of a ship or shore establishment.

CN VADM Mike Noonan said the ceremonial funeral recognised the contribution made by CAPT Stevenson in peace and war to the Navy and the nation.

“CAPT JP Stevenson has been accorded a ceremonial funeral of a serving Navy captain to recognise that

the coronation parade. In 1954, CMDR Stevenson was

Director of Plans in Navy Office and also served in HMY Britannia as the naval equerry to His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh during the Royal visit to the 1956 Olympic Games in Melbourne.

He commanded the destroyer HMAS Anzac II from January 1957 to June 1958 and in May 1959 was appointed as the Defence attaché to Thailand, where he was promoted to

captain in December 1960. CAPT Stevenson assumed com-

mand of HMAS Watson in October 1961 and the following October took command of the destroyer HMAS Vendetta II, as well as commanding the 10th destroyer squadron.

In April 1964 he commanded the fast troop transport Sydney III, which took Australian troops to Borneo. In 1965 he commanded HMAS Cerberus. Then in late 1966 he became the Australian naval attaché in Washington DC. After returning to Australia he assumed command of the aircraft carrier HMAS Melbourne II in October 1968.

In the early hours of June 3, 1969, in the South China Sea, the American destroyer USS Frank E Evans crossed Melbourne’s bow and was cut in two.

The forward section of Evans sank immediately, resulting in the loss of 74 lives and Melbourne sus-tained extensive damage to her bow.

A joint US Navy/RAN board of inquiry in Subic Bay held Stevenson partly responsible, stating that, as CO of Melbourne, he could have done more to prevent the collision from occurring.

However, a subsequent RAN court martial cleared him of any

responsibility and commended him for his efforts to prevent the collision.

The integrity of the initial board of inquiry has since been questioned, particularly as it was presided over by the US Navy Admiral in overall tactical command of Evans at the time of the collision.

Stevenson’s defence counsel at his court martial, Gordon Samuels, QC, said he had “never seen a prosecution case so bereft of any possible proof of guilt”.

Despite being cleared, CAPT Stevenson subsequently resigned from the RAN – bringing his distin-guished 35-year naval career to an end.

In December 2012, he received an official apology from then Defence Minister Stephen Smith, who said Stevenson was not treated fairly by the RAN and the government of the day after the events of 1969.

Mr Smith described Stevenson as “a distinguished naval officer who served his country with honour in peace and war”.

Following a successful civilian career, John Stevenson continued to work with service charities and was appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the 2018 Australia Day Honours list.

CAPT John Stevenson on the bridge of HMAS Melbourne II, 1969.Photo: Courtesy the Australian War Memorial

Long, distinguished career

Admired former officer laid to rest

the circumstances in which he resigned from the Navy were unique, and to ensure there can be no doubt as to the very great esteem in which he is now held across our Navy,” VADM Noonan said.

“There can be no doubt past mis-takes were made that impacted both CAPT Stevenson and his family. The Navy of 2019 is a more people-focused organisation and strives to ensure simi-lar mistakes are not repeated.

“With the passing of CAPT Stevenson, our Navy family has lost a fine leader and consummate gen-tleman, who served Australia with pride in war and peace over a 35-year career and continued to support our Navy long after his time in uniform.

“We hope today’s formal farewell, in addition to the formal apology CAPT Stevenson received from government in 2012, will help ease the burden which the Stevenson fam-

ily has had to bear over the past five decades.”

CAPT Stevenson’s coffin was carried into the chapel by six serv-ing junior sailors from HMAS Melbourne.

As the hearse passed through Fleet Base East, Melbourne’s ship’s company lined her rails as a mark of respect, while wharf sentries from other ships saluted.

CO HMAS Melbourne CMDR Marcus Buttler hands Bryan and Kerry Stevenson their father’s officer’s cap and the Australian White Ensign at the naval chapel at HMAS Kuttabul during the funeral service and (inset) medals of the late CAPT (Retd) John Stevenson on display. Photos: ABIS Leo Baumgartner

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3NEWSFebruary 21, 2019 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

THE Australian Government has ratified a strategic partnering agree-ment with the French shipbuild-ing company Naval Group to have 12 regionally superior submarines designed and built in Australia as part of the Future Submarine Program.

CN VADM Mike Noonan said the agreement on February 11 was an important milestone.

“The $50 billion Attack-class program will deliver submarines that will meet our Navy’s capability requirements, will be at the fore-front of Australia’s defence strategy and will help protect Australia’s security and prosperity for decades to come,” VADM Noonan said.

“With their inherent stealth, long-range endurance, and formida-ble striking power, the Attack-class are a key part of our Navy’s future.”

Subs program ratified

CN VADM Mike Noonan speaking at the ratification of the strategic partnering agreement.

The S t ra teg ic Par tner ing Agreement was signed at Russell Offices in Canberra by Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Defence Minister Christopher Pyne, and the

Minister for the Armed Forces of France, Madame Florence Parly.

Some work on the future sub-marines has already taken place under a design and mobilisation contract.

The full range of other activities required to deliver this major pro-gram, including the development of the submarine construction yard in Osborne, South Australia, are continuing.

The first Attack-class subma-rine, to be named HMAS Attack, is due to be delivered in the early 2030s.

The submarines are a major pil-lar of the Australian Government’s $90 billion National Shipbuilding Plan, which will see 54 naval ves-sels built in Australia, to meet the strategic requirements set out in the 2016 Defence White Paper.

LSIS Jake Badior

TOUCH screens are making traditional damage control a thing of the past aboard HMAS Hobart.

The screens build on the Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS), enhancing information flow and response times for inci-dents.

Hobart is equipped with a 75-inch touch screen and two 65-inch screens with Perspex covers, allowing additional plotting and notes to be made.

The screens provide the officer-of-the day or damage control officer (DCO) a view of the ship during incidents and exercises.

Hobart’s DCO LEUT Garry Bateman described the technology as a “quantum leap”.

“We’re going from draw-ing pictures, which have to be translated correctly, to an automated system telling you there’s a problem and the DCO having that holistic view and being able to easily calculate the main effort,” he said.

“Communicators in repair bases are able to direct-mes-sage each other using IPMS, ensuring greater fidelity of information, eliminating the need to clarify back and forth.

“Having these tools at my disposal is phenomenal; it affords us greater opportunity to prioritise what assets are needed where.”

IPMS provides immediate information to 19 locations in the ship, including repair bases, main engine rooms, ops room and bridge.

One of the 65-inch screens shows real-time information, giving the DCO a constantly updated view of what’s happening around the ship, making it easy to determine the main effort and manning requirements.

Hobart’s Assistant Marine Engineering Officer LEUT Gabrielle Anastasio said the new system was a huge advantage.

“The touch screen is so quick and easy, making response times quicker and easier than ever before,” she said.

“It has expedited the effort so we can prioritise where we need the support team and focus on what actually needs to be done.”

The system’s interactive display is also used to con-duct virtual tours of the ship.

New officers and sailors can study the ship and its systems all from the 75-inch screen at their own pace.

Damage control at

a touch

LEUT Garry Bateman (main) and SMNMT Brody Ross-Travis (inset) demonstrate the ability to manage a damage control incident with the Integrated Platform Management System on board HMAS Hobart. Photos: ABIS Ryan McKenzie

Create your own digital wallet by linking your Defence Bank Visa or Debit card to your smart phone or watch with Apple Pay, Google Pay™ or Samsung Pay*.

Set up is easy, simply call 1800 033 139 for assistance, drop into a Defence Bank branch or visit defencebank.com.au.

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*Apple Pay is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Google Pay is a trademark of Google LLC. Samsung Pay is a trademark or registered trademark of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. For full Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay terms and conditions visit defencebank.com.au. Defence Bank Limited ABN 57 087 651 385 AFSL/Australian Credit Licence 234582. Defence Bank recommends you read the Defence Bank Products and Services - Conditions of Use for any product you choose to take. Any advice contained above is general advice only.

Give your daughter the skills to build an exceptional futureMerici College is an affordable secondary school, educating young women in a Catholic environment with a strong focus on pastoral care, and targeted support for ADF families with an ADF mentor on site.

Our curriculum is wide and varied within a technology rich environment.

Direct buses to the College are available from most suburbs and neighbouring NSW centres.

To find out more contact the Enrolment Officer Ms Narelle Patrick on 02 6243 4150 enrolment@merici.act.edu.au merici.act.edu.au

5NEWSFebruary 21, 2019 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

Pacific security gets a boostLEUT Sarah West

THE Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) celebrated the commissioning of the first Guardian-class patrol boat on February 1.

The ceremony in Port Moresby was attended by CDF GEN Angus Campbell and the ship’s company of HMAS Wollongong.

HMPNGS Ted Diro, named after the first commander of the PNGDF post-independence, is the first of 21 Guardian-class patrol boats to be gift-ed to 12 Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste under the Pacific Maritime Security Program.

More than $5 million of works have begun at the Lombrum Naval Base in

Manus Province to improve the wharf and shore-based infrastructure that will support PNG’s four patrol boats.

GEN Campbell said the commission-ing of Ted Diro was an important mile-stone in the long and valued relationship with PNG.

“The Royal Australian Navy and PNGDF Maritime Element have a strong and enduring history of maritime security cooperation, which will contin-ue to deepen through the Lombrum Joint Initiative,” GEN Campbell said. “The Lombrum Joint Initiative will enhance PNG’s ability to protect its sovereign territory and manage its borders through a broad program of mentoring, tailored training, infrastructure development, and shared facilities at the PNGDF base.”

CDF GEN Angus Campbell addresses guests during the commissioning ceremony for HMPNGS Ted Diro. Photo: ABCIS Peta Binns

ADF personnel affected by flooding in Townsville may be eligible for reimbursement of associated costs after a Defence determination.

Following is an outline of the Defence (State of Emergency – Townsville floods) Determination 2019 (No. 1 and Amendment No. 2).

ExpensesMembers or dependants may be reimbursed for relevant expenses incurred before January 31.

Members who receive benefits under insurance cannot claim for those same benefits under this deter-mination.

AccommodationMembers or their dependants

are eligible to occupy temporary accommodation if, since January 31, they were displaced by flood waters or property damage.

This applies to service residenc-es, rental allowance accommodation or private homes. Members or their dependants may occupy temporary accommodation for a maximum of three months (with the possibility of an extension on a case-by-case basis), or until a service residence, rental accommodation or a mem-ber’s own home is available, or the dependants return to Townsville to occupy a service residence, rental accommodation or their own home.

Members displaced due to the floods can have their contribution towards their home ceased while in temporary accommodation.

Car hireMembers are eligible for the reason-able cost of car hire for the duration of the time they occupy temporary accommodation.

TravelMembers and their dependants are eligible for travel costs from Townsville to a location of their choice in Australia (check the determination for details on air and vehicle travel).

Members or their depend-ants who are required to travel to Townsville to assess damage to their housing or furniture are eligi-ble for the cost of return flights to Townsville; the cost of accommoda-tion up to the amount specified in the Defence Determination – but not more than three nights – and the reasonable cost of car hire for the duration of the stay in Townsville.

PetsMembers are eligible to claim costs associated with the transportation and boarding of household pets.

Transportation is to the place where the dependants are in tem-porary accommodation, the place a nominated carer for the animals lives, or a kennel, cattery or other commercial animal accommodation service.

Living-in accommodationMembers required to live on base will not pay a contribution until the date the requirement ceases.

Dependants occupying the same live-in residence are eligible for meals in the mess and are not required to pay a meal contribution. Displaced members with depend-ants are eligible to access Member Choice Accommodation if available.

Rent allowanceAny member in receipt of rent allowance before January 31 who must pay rent despite being dis-placed will have the allowance temporarily changed to the actual rent payable, or the rent ceiling that applies, whichever is less.

Furniture hireMembers are eligible for the rea-sonable cost of furniture hire to temporarily replace furniture lost, damaged or made inaccessible by the flood.

The benefit provided applies until members or dependants are able to access their furniture, the member or dependents have other-wise been compensated, or a date set by command.

Rejoining dependantsMembers with dependants (unac-companied) whose dependants lived in the affected flood area on January 31 are eligible for a return economy flight from their place of duty to Townsville.

The full determination can be found at www.legislation.gov.au/Details/F2019L00108

Flood relief available for ADF members

IN BRIEF

THIRTY prominent military authors will attend the 2019 International Military Writers’ Festival in Darwin from April 5-7. ‘War and Words’ is the theme of the festival, which will feature author talks, panel discussions and literary sessions bringing together writers, historians and researchers with a passion for wartime history. Peter FitzSimons, author of Batavia and Kokoda, and publisher Richard Walsh will also be attending. The festival is the centre piece of Territory Tribute, a program of events com-mencing with the Bombing of Darwin Day Commemoration and ending on Anzac Day. Tickets can be purchased from the Territory Tribute website www.territorytribute.com.au/events/international-military-writers-festival/ or the Darwin Entertainment Centre Box.

During the ADF’s flood response as part of JTF 646, urgently needed

bottled water is delivered to the town of Cungulla, which was isolated by water.

Photo: PTE Brodie Cross

THE Australian Government is com-mitted to encouraging young Austral-ian women to pursue their interests in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in the workforce. To celebrate International Day of Women and Girls in Science, Defence Personnel Minister Darren Chester has launched three videos demonstrating the possibilities on offer at Defence for women who are results-oriented problem-solvers. The ADF is working to attract and retain more women to set up Defence and our nation for the future, he said. The videos are avail-able at: Navy: www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcok02_-pPM Army: www.youtube.com/watch?v=UD9D8sn-VK4Air Force: www.youtube.com/watch?v=weFtKNjMqvo

Writers’ festival Women in Defence

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6 NEWS www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS February 21, 2019

Andrew Bujdegan

FAMILIES were the focus when sail-ors hosted the annual HMAS Stirling families day on January 25.

The ever-popular occasion provid-ed an opportunity for serving mem-bers and their APS colleagues to bring their loved ones to Garden Island, acknowledging the valuable contribu-tion they make to the Navy family.

Other members of Navy’s broad-er community in Western Australia were also invited, including Navy

cadet units, Defence family transition mentors and the Defence Community Organisation.

A host of interactive activities and displays showcased the various ser-vices and units on the island.

Outgoing CO CAPT Br ian Delamont said it had always been a pleasure to engage with local families on families day.

“Stirling’s role is to support the Fleet, and families are a key part of that,” CAPT Delamont said.

“It is normally difficult for family members to visit their loved ones at work and for ‘new joiners’ to under-stand all that goes on here, so having an open day at the end of the school holidays has proved very popular.

“It has evolved over the years to include lunch and pool activities and it is a great start to the year.”

Judging by the turnout and the number of inquisitive questions by the younger visitors, the day was a great success.

Day to focus on familiesABML-SC Mahalia Ellis leads a group of visitors around the forecastle of HMAS Toowoomba during the HMAS Stirling Families Day. Photo: LSIS Richard Cordell

ABBM Shaun Iselin shows some interested visitors the F-89 Minimi machine gun at the armoury weapons display. Photo: CPOIS Damian Pawlenko

ABCD Jacob King, of CDT4, shows Daniel and Kaidyn Ford the control panel of the Talon Explosive Ordnance Disposal Robot. Photo: POIS James Whittle

SMNCSO Alister Holt shows Jonathon, Ruth, Evie and Angus Larvin the helm system on board HMAS Toowoomba. Photo: LSIS Richard Cordell

SMNML-P Kayla Petersen leads a tour group around HMAS Toowoomba. Photo: LSIS Richard Cordell

7NEWSFebruary 21, 2019 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

SBLT Max Logan

COMMANDER Navy Shore Force CAPT Stephen Bowater joined Top End Navy members on January 22 as they paused to commemorate the sinking of HMAS Patricia Cam and the loss of nine lives.

M e m b e r s o f H M A S Coonawarra’s ship’s company, resident units and Darwin-based Armidale-class patrol boats gath-ered at the small boats landing as CAPT Bowater committed a com-memorative wreath to sea.

Patricia Cam was a Sydney- built wooden motor vessel original-ly designed as a tuna fishing boat before being commissioned as a general purpose vessel in the RAN.

On January 22, 1943, the ship was conducting an island sup-ply run from Milingimbi to Elcho Island, East of Darwin, when it was attacked and sunk by a Japanese aircraft.

In addition to her crew of 19, the auxiliary minesweeper was car-rying a missionary and five Yolngu men.

The attack and sinking claimed the lives of five sailors and three Yolngu men.

CO Coonawarra CMDR Darren Rushworth said the date is of high importance.

“Patricia Cam was commis-sioned into the RAN during World War II at a time of great need,” he said.

“This event is poignant for us in the north as it occurred in our area of operations and reminds us of the sacrifices our forebears made in our territory.”

Reminder of sacrifice

ADF members attend a service to commemorate the sinking of HMAS Patricia Cam. Photo: POIS Peter Thompson

JHC, Bupa join forces JHC has partnered with health care provider Bupa for the provision of health services to ADF members from July 1, after signing the new ADF health services contract in January. The new partnership will focus on collaboration and joint decision making between JHC and Bupa and continuous improvement for the benefit of Defence members. Commander Joint Health AVM Tracy Smart said Bupa demonstrated a strong commitment to the interests of Defence and its members during the procurement process.

Register for ForceNetFORCENET for Families will be launched this month and all members are being reminded to register at forcenet.gov.au. An active ForceNet account enables you to sponsor fam-ily members to access ForceNet for Families. This will allow them to keep up to date with relevant Defence news, events and information within a secure online environment.The online com-munication platform allows registered users to access and share information via desktop, tablet and mobile devices without needing to access the Defence Protected Network. More information is available in a comprehensive FAQ guide at bit.ly/2RnNtVT

Cut-off for PFAS testingPERSONNEL who lived in or worked at bases in Williamtown, Oakey or Kath-erine since December 2016 have until April 30 to participate in the JHC-led voluntary PFAS blood-testing program. Anyone with concerns about exposure to PFAS should talk to their local medical staff about the voluntary blood-testing program. If you would like to record pre-vious occupational exposure to PFAS, you can do so on the ADF Historical Ex-posure Record submitted through your chain of command. Ex-serving members or Defence civilians should call 1800 DEFENCE (1800 333 362) to make a submission to the Defence Asbestos and Hazardous Chemical Exposure Scheme.

IN BRIEF

Dallas McMaugh

WHILE most people enjoy watching aircraft in the skies, one Sydney youngster gets her thrills from the pre-flight routine.

Every Australia Day, since she was a toddler, six-year-old Eloise Livingston and her parents have headed to Mosman Oval to watch the Navy helicopter crew prepare for the flag fly.

816SQN’s Black Team trade supervisor LSATA Daniel Crowe described Eloise as the Fleet Air Arm’s biggest fan.

“I had the pleasure of meeting Eloise and her parents Emma and Clyde a few years ago,” LS Crowe said.

“She watched from the sidelines and after we’d wrapped up, she asked if she could have a photo with me because I was one of the ‘brave people’.

“How could I say no to such a big smile?” Eloise’s parents told LS Crowe that their

daughter had a real love for the ‘brave people’ and that she included them in her prayers every night.

“I made sure the team knew to look out for Eloise this year and to make sure they said hello to her when they had a spare moment,” LS Crowe said.

“The team had other ideas in mind and went further than a hello. They allowed Eloise to help spread the flags out and roll them up afterward.

“They also presented her with a Romeo key-chain and gave her a white ensign.”

He said Eloise was one of a few members of the public who knew just how much preparation was required to conduct the flag fly.

“Preparation usually starts a week out from the event with rigging and inspections carried out on all the flags and we do practice runs at Albatross before the big day.

“Set-up begins with an early morning walk around the oval to secure any loose items that may cause damage or injury to aircraft or peo-ple.

“The flags are staked out on the oval and then it’s a process of assembling and connecting weight stacks and counter weights before the aircraft arrive on the oval and wait for approval to start the operation over the harbour.

“Once they are cleared to fly, the aircraft will hover and members of the team position them-

Fan flies the flag

selves on the flags. As the flag is raised the crew drops back and the last person will tug the tail of the flag, making it unfurl as the aircraft flies away.”

The flag fly may look simple next to other military helicopter evolutions, but it’s a labour- intensive process.

“It’s definitely worth it,” LS Crowe said.“It allows us to express our thanks and sup-

port to the wider community and it’s great that we can also make individual contact with some-one like Eloise.

“This little girl had the greatest Australia Day ever because of the people we employ and the professionalism they display.

“Photos from the day don’t do justice to the smile on Eloise’s face.”

Flypasts and aircraft displays are a highlight that mark many auspicious events.

This year’s Australia Day activities on Sydney Harbour included a RAAF C-130J Hercules dispensing flares over the Harbour Bridge and two MH-60R Seahawk helicopters flying the Australian flag and the white ensign.

Eloise Livingston, of Mosman, gets her photo taken with members of 816SQN, left, after helping the team, below, prepare for the flag fly on Australia Day at Mosman Oval.

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8 NEWS www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS February 21, 2019

WHEN Thomas Claridge joined the Navy in Hobart last month, he was following in the footsteps of his great-grandfather Alec Campbell, who was Australia’s last Anzac.

MIDN Claridge, 27, has traded his career as a secondary school teacher for a career as a helicopter pilot.

Alec Campbell was 16 when he falsified his age to enlist straight from school in June 1915.

Campbell arrived at Gallipoli in October 1915 with the 15th Battalion and was there through to evacuation. He passed away in 2002 and was hon-oured with a state funeral in Tasmania.

Campbell was one of several of MIDN Claridge’s family members to serve their country across both World Wars.

His maternal great-grandfather, Thomas Davidson, was a highly decorated infantry soldier in World War I, awarded the Military Medal for bravery.

Another great-grandfather, Charles Claridge, also served in World War I.

MIDN Claridge’s paternal grandfa-ther, Robert Claridge, was a

decorated pilot in World War II.His uncle, Patrick Davidson, also

served in the RAAF.MIDN Claridge is also the grand-

son of former Collingwood AFL player Max Davidson.

He hopes the leadership lessons he has learned from all the role models in his family will stand him in good stead for his career in the Navy.

“I am lucky to have had a lot of personal contact with strong leaders throughout my life,” he said.

“During sport, school and personal life I have seen a range of different types of leaders and have looked up to these people as role models with char-acteristics I would like to develop,” he said.

He credits his family for inspiring him to join.

“My family has a strong history with the ADF and it’s something I’ve thought about since I was a young boy,” he said.

The former Launceston local will now work to complete the New Entry Officers’ Course at HMAS Creswell.

“I believe the Navy provides a far

more appealing lifestyle than most other careers,” MIDN Claridge said.

“I love the idea of being a part of an exciting workplace with great opportunities to travel and experience a range of roles and cultures, along with world-class training aimed at continual learning and development of new skills.”

Senior Naval Officer - Tasmania (and MIDN Claridge’s appointing officer), CMDR Robert Curtis wished the new officer well in his Navy career.

“A career as a Navy officer is any-thing but ordinary and is an opportu-nity to make an immensely important contribution to Australia,” CMDR Curtis said.

“A career as a Navy officer com-mences with training in leadership, seamanship, communications, Naval history, physical fitness and weapons handling.

“NEOC graduates could be the future commanding officers of the Navy’s fleet of destroyers, amphibious ships, aircraft squadrons and subma-rines, just to name a few.”

Following the example of his role models

Senior Naval Officer - Tasmania and appointing officer CMDR Robert Curtis welcomes Thomas Claridge into the Navy at Anglesea Barracks in Hobart. Photo: José Navarro

Posting soon or just posted to a new location? Is your partner looking for work?Help is available through the Partner Employment Assistance Program.

In each posting location, partners of ADF members can apply for up to $1500 funding to contribute towards employment-related initiatives such as resume preparation, job search and job interview techniques, as well as job placement advice. It can also assist with professional re-registration costs when moving from one state or territory to another.

Want more information? Visit www.defence.gov.au/dco, call 1800 624 608 or email defencefamilyhelpline@defence.gov.au

DCO 073-2018

9NEWSFebruary 21, 2019 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

LSIS Jake Badior

POB Kevin West was “over the moon” after being awarded the Bradley Meek Perpetual Shield for combat survivabili-ty instructional excellence in December.

The shield is presented annually to the best RAN School of Survivability and Ship Safety instructor, which includes staff at HMA Ships Creswell, Cerberus and Stirling.

PO West believed his drive, enthu-siasm and love for damage con-trol (DC) con-tributed to him w i n n i n g , b u t said there were other instructors w h o d e s e r ve d the award just as much.

“DC to me is one of those fun-damental things that are required for the sa fe ty and wellbeing of sailors at sea,” he said.

“If I can teach new generations of officers and sai lors a l i t t le more about DC and how important it is, then chances of survival are far greater if an incident does occur.”

LSMT Bradley Meek was one of four crew members who perished in the Westralia fire on May 5, 1998.

Working in the maritime environ-ment is not without its hazards and the risks are ever present with the fire on board Westralia a clear demonstration of what can go wrong and how fast a dangerous situation can escalate.

In such a situation, if a ship is to survive, then good, clear direction with decisive leadership is required to ensure that DC countermeasures are quickly deployed to contain the incident and prevent the spread of damage.

Each year nominations are forward-ed from the three RANSSSS training facilities for the award named in his honour.

This was PO West’s second instruc-tional billet at Creswell’s School of

Survivability and Ship Safety.

“People have t h e e x p e c t a -tion that it’s just another course, but if I can have people walk away with a greater understanding of the importance of DC and having learnt at least one thing, then I have done my job,” he said.

“ T h a t o n e thing can mean the d i ffe rence between saving a ship and losing it.”

PO West said firefighting was the highlight of his instructional time.

“There’s only so much fire dynam-ics you can explain to someone inside a classroom,” he said.

“It’s not until you put people in-front of a real fire and show them the effective techniques of dealing with it that they really understand how and why we do what we do.”

PO West claimed the honour after it had been won by Cerberus instructors for the past three years.

Safety award to Creswell

CAPT Craig Powell presents the 2018 Bradley Meek award to POB Kevin West.

MAJ Lachlan Simond

JANUARY 30 proved to be an auspicious day for CAPT Mark McConnell’s handover of command of HMAS Moreton to CMDR Gerald Savvakis.

One of CAPT McConnell’s last actions as CO was to accept the Governor’s Cup from Governor of Queensland Paul de Jersey.

The Governor’s Cup is awarded to the shore establishment that has excelled in all aspects of operations, safety, training and support to the Fleet.

Previously operating as Navy Headquarters - South Queensland, Moreton was commissioned in 2016 and lives up to its motto of ‘hold fast’, which is reflected by winning this award two years into its modern incarnation.

The base’s name has had many incarnations and locations over its

history but had laid largely dormant since 1996 until it’s re-raising.

During the presentation, Governor de Jersey said he was proud that the cup had returned to Queensland, hav-ing last headed north in 2010 when HMAS Cairns was honoured.

“This cup is a highly sought after symbol of excellence and it reflects the achievements in welfare, morale, equity and diversity that are evident at this base and in this small team,” Governor de Jersey said.

CMDR Savvakis took the oppor-tunity to congratulate his predecessor and his new team as one of his first actions on the base.

“I am honoured to be selected in command of HMAS Moreton, which is a small base that punches above its weight,” he said.

“I look forward to building upon the excellent foundations estab-lished by CAPT McConnell and the Moreton team.”

A big day for Moreton

Outgoing CO HMAS Moreton CAPT Mark McConnell receives the Governor’s Cup from Governor of Queensland Paul de Jersey and (inset) CAPT McConnell hands over command to CMDR Gerald Savvakis.

www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS February 21, 2018 1110 CENTRECOMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

KEEPING LINKS WITH TASThe ship’s company of HMAS Choules were proud to represent Navy at this year’s Royal Hobart Regatta, NATALIE STAPLES reports.

Natalie Staples

HMAS Choules delivered veteran Sydney-to-Hobart Yacht Race vessel Mistral II (1922) to Hobart ahead of the regatta.

CO Choules CMDR Scott Houlihan said it was pleasing to transport the classic schooner to her new home.

“Mistral II is being restored by the not-for-profit organisation Windward Bound Trust as an employment skills training pro-ject and, on completion, will be used as a sail training vessel,” CMDR Houlihan said.

“Choules was pleased to transport the 97-year-old schooner from White Bay in Sydney-to-Hobart for the Trust.”

Moving a 64-foot long, 26-tonne yacht is a complex activity.

Coordinating the activity for Choules was MAJ David English, OIC of

the ship’s Army establishment.He said it was no mean feat. “A number of stakeholders were in-

volved in the load and transport of Mistral II from Sydney to Hobart. Everyone had different technical requirements and priori-ties,” MAJ English said.

“To get the job done we had to manage complex ship movements, very heavy crane operations and remain in constant dialogue and be flexible with planning.

“At the end of the day it all came together and produced a great outcome for everyone involved.”

Mistral II has strong ties to the Tasma-nian community having sailed in the first five Sydney-Hobarts.

She was displayed at the Australian Wooden Boat Festival from February 8-11, before going into refurbishment.

Landing ship dock delivers

Mistral II on board HMAS Choules, alongside Hobart. Photo: POIS Justin Brown

Members of HMAS Choules’ ship’s company fire volleys during a ceremonial sunset.

LEUT Peter Hunter with Ryan, Ashlee and Jodie Hayes on the bridge of HMAS Choules during the open day.

HMAS Choules anchored in the Der-went River serving as flagship for the Royal Hobart Regatta. Photos: POIS Justin Brown

HMAS Choules spent a busy weekend in Ho-bart recently, proudly representing Navy as the flagship for the Royal Hobart Regatta and opening her gangway to the public.

On February 9, about 2000 people explored the amphibious landing ship dock for the sold-out open day.

Young and old took the opportunity to explore the ship’s dock and embarked naval flight and take in Army and amphibious displays. Many also sat in the captain’s chair on the bridge and tried on dam-age control equipment.

Fifteen-year-old Ashley Hayes, of Hobart, who is a Navy cadet with Training Ship Derwent, said she was interested in a career in the Navy.

She attended the open day to learn more about the career options available to her.

“I’ve come on board to learn about the different parts of the ship and the different jobs on board. I’m considering being a boatswain’s mate,” she said.

Her mother, Jodie Hayes, said the whole family enjoyed the experience.

“You don’t realise how big and high Choules is until you get on board,” Mrs Hayes said.

“It’s fantastic, we love these open days, they are so informative.”

On the Sunday, while anchored in the Derwent River as flagship for the regatta, Choules wel-comed aboard Navy cadets and sent a team ashore to participate in a tug-of-war competition. When night fell, she was backlit by a fireworks display marking the end of the annual regatta.

CO Choules CMDR Scott Houlihan said the ship was pleased to be continuing Navy’s long-held relationship with the people of Tasmania.

“The ship’s company and I were proud to visit the city of Hobart and enjoyed engaging with the local community over the weekend,” CMDR Houli-han said.

“Navy has a strong historical connection to Ho-bart and the state of Tasmania and it was terrific to celebrate the Royal Hobart Regatta and Navy Week Tasmania with the community.”

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WHEN LEUT Daniel Lea walked into the din-ing facility at Australia’s main operating base in

the Middle East sporting a beard and wearing a desert-coloured flying suit, other ADF members took a second look.

LEUT Lea joined the Navy in 2012 as a maritime warfare officer and served on various ships, includ-ing a deployment in 2015 aboard HMAS Newcastle.

Now he works at 30,000 feet above sea level.

After being certified as an MWO, LEUT Lea gained the additional qualification of fighter controller. This involved being trained in air warfare operations.

After completing his training, he was posted to the RAAF E-7A Wedgetail early warning and control aircraft.

LEUT Lea, who recently returned from operating in the airspace over

Iraq and Syria, said the role was the most rewarding part of his career so far.

“I joined to see the world, now I can do that from the air, in the world’s best airborne tactical com-mand and control asset as a fighter controller in the Navy,” he said.

LEUT Lea sits at one of the air-craft’s 10 consoles where he receives a two-dimensional picture of what is happening below. He uses his experi-ence to interpret the information into

a three-dimensional awareness of the situation to assist in battle manage-ment and surveillance.

The on-board crew manages coali-tion aircraft such as fighters, tankers, remote-piloted aircraft and surveil-lance aircraft in the airspace for about eight hours at a time.

“We monitored the airspace over Syria and Iraq to ensure the safety of all aircraft, as well as protecting our coalition partners on the ground,” he said.

“While the job is rewarding, it carries heavy responsibility and long hours of heightened awareness.”

LEUT Lea credits flexibility and teamwork as the most impor-tant skills for a crew member on the Wedgetail.

“We are constantly adapting dur-ing the mission, ensuring we are working together, sharing workloads and communicating effectively to ensure success,” he said.

Our eyes in the sky

LEUT Daniel Lea at Australia’s main operating air base in the Middle East.Photo: CPL Carla Armenti

CPL Carla Armenti

A RELENTLESS six months in Afghanistan for LSMED Tahnee

White has earned her the accolades of her coalition peers and an American Joint Service Achievement Medal from US Special Forces.

LS White said she always knew she wanted to be a medic in the Navy.

“I didn’t even choose a second pref-erence when I enlisted; I was sure that was what I wanted,” she said.

LS White was deployed as a medic to the Role 2 hospital in Kabul where she was told she would be detached to a nearby airbase for more than a month.

There, she provided support to the coalition Resolute Support mis-sion alongside US troops deployed to NATO Special Operations Component Command-Afghanistan.

She held the position of medical Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge for the Command Surgeon’s Office Clinic within the US special operations

medical facility, where she provided advice to the Command Surgeon on medical issues.

LS White was recognised with a Joint Service Achievement Medal, with Combat device – a military decora-tion usually reserved for the US armed forces. The medal is awarded by a local commander to junior officers and enlist-ed personnel for “outstanding achieve-ment or meritorious service performed under combat conditions”.

The Command Surgeon, US Army Lieutenant Colonel Devin McFadden, recognised her drive to deliver first-aid training to other troops and civilians working in the area, while under con-stant threat of indirect fire.

“LS White excelled in her everyday sick-call duties. In addition she prepared incoming personnel to provide self-aid and buddy-aid if wounded, and she was a tremendous asset to the team,” Lt Col McFadden said.

“Her efforts ensured that command

did not miss a beat in the accomplish-ment of its medical mission.”

LS White said she found the high-tempo working environment challenging and rewarding, which included training people to treat blast victims.

“Some of the people working in the threat area are hearing about this kind of casualty treatment for the first time. I found it extremely fulfilling to know that these people are now so much better off knowing what to do and where to go if a situation should arise,” LS White said.

She said she never thought she would receive a medal from her US counter-parts.

“The award was a surprise to me. Every time I look at the medal it will remind me of my time in Afghanistan deployed among US colleagues,” LS White said.

She worked alongside coalition forc-es from Albania, Azerbaijan, Denmark, Norway, the Czech Republic, Turkey, Germany, Portugal and the US.

Medic proud to get US Special Forces medal

LSMED Tahnee White receives the American Joint Service Achievement Medal from Lieutenant Colonel Devin McFadden at a ceremony in the Role 2 hospital in Kabul. Photo: POIS Andrew Dakin

13FEATURESFebruary 21, 2019 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

When he joined Navy, LEUT Daniel Lea had no idea he’d be serving 30,000 feet above sea level. CPL Carla Armenti reports.

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14 TRAINING www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS February 21, 2019

CPOCIS SM Anthony O’Riley

LAST year was a revolution-ary one in the field of sub-marine communications.

The submarine force saw upgrades made to legacy communications systems, a state-of-the-art training simulator installed at the Submarine Training and Systems Centre (STSC) and the fitting of new modern-ised communications centres in a number of the Collins-class submarines.

In March 2018, subma-rine headquarters and Austal agreed to the establishment of an industry outplacement program, creating an oppor-tunity for up to six commu-nications and information systems submariners to work with Austal’s information technology department for six months.

AB Madalynne Currell,

Program a boon, say sailors

– ABCIS Mitchel Jones

I would recommend this position to highly motivated sailors who have a passion for IT.‘‘AB Mitchel Jones and AB Bradley Webber were the first submariners to complete the outplacement program.

All agreed that their experience with Austal was invaluable and highly rele-vant to the emerging capabil-ities being delivered across the submarine force.

“My time at Austal was certainly a positive one, with the exposure assisting me in gaining my Cisco Certified Network Associate certifica-tion,” AB Jones said.

“I would recommend this position to highly motivated sailors who have a passion

for IT, or are interested in new experiences.”

For Navy, the outplace-ment program was an attrac-tive arrangement, expected to deliver several benefits.

It will serve as a reten-tion initiative for CIS subma-riners who are waiting to be posted to a submarine.

It will also provide the opportunity for CIS subma-riners to gain relevant IT experience in a related indus-try, therefore increasing their knowledge and skills.

The outplacement pro-gram was established for an initial period of three years.

ABCIS SM sailors Madalynne Currell, Bradley Webber and Mitchell Jones took part in the industry outplacement program. Photo: LSIS Richard Cordell

A small group of intrepid ADF members are preparing to take on a long-distance trek-king challenge to honour and

demonstrate the enduring Anzac spirit.Unlike their forebears, the trekkers

will face a different enemy.“The enemy is the cold,” LSCD

Vinnie Carlsen said.LS Carlsen and a small team

of Australian and Kiwi military personnel are preparing to under-take a 1500km, 70-day trek across Antarctica.

“We’re focusing on building really strong interpersonal relationships so when faced with the harsh conditions of the South Pole we’ll be able to get through as a team,” LS Carlsen said.

Pulling sleds through winds of up to 90km/h and battling temperatures down to -50°C, the team members are preparing not just for a physical battle, but a mental one.

“It’s going to be tough; the team will have to dig deep,” he said.

“A typical day will be eight hours hiking, four hours preparing food, water and taking care of yourself, eight hours sleep, then another four hours in the morning to take care of your equipment and conduct any comms needed.”

The idea for the trek was born when FLTLT Emily Chapman took a cruise to Antarctica in 2015.

“I set myself a goal to do more exploration-type activities in Antarctica,” she said.

“It quickly transformed from a per-sonal goal into a team concept – the purpose being to raise awareness of the benefits of adventure training and to build and share knowledge

15FEATURESFebruary 21, 2019 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

of the polar environment.“It’s also about paying homage to

the Anzacs. There’s a real opportunity for us to share our experiences and demonstrate mateship, courage and endurance; hopefully inspiring people to set some goals and get outdoors.”

The team has a crowd funding campaign to assist with the expedition that starts in November.

Twenty per cent of money raised will go to Wounded Heroes Australia and the Gallipoli Medical Research Foundation to conduct research into the benefits of adventure activities for current and ex-serving members’ well-being and rehabilitation.

“We are looking at how adventure training can benefit in getting people back on track,” LS Carlsen said.

“We’ve got quite a strong team. Everyone is bringing different life experiences.

“Divers often work in small teams and a lot of care is taken when look-ing after the dive equipment, and the divers in the water; those skills will easily transfer to polar travel.”

Expressions of interest were opened in 2016 and more than 300 people applied from across the ADF.

Since then, there have been three training camps, from cold weather at Kosciuszko National Park, to hiking the South Coast Track in Tasmania and abseiling and climbing in the Blue Mountains.

The team is now preparing for the final training phase in Finse, Norway, beginning on March 4.

“Norway is the next big hurdle,” LS Carlsen said.

“We will be focusing on basic mili-tary skills like teamwork, discipline and caring for your equipment.

“We will be doing a mixture of classroom and field-based training, working on our routine and finalising equipment needs.

“There are loads of nerves that go with taking on something like this but overall I’m just really excited to get out there.”

The mini expedition in Norway will be supervised by world record-holding polar explorer Hannah McKeand to ensure they are able to undertake their mission.

LS Carlsen said he had learned a lot from being part of the team so far.

“Being exposed to some of the higher-level planning that has gone in to making this mission possible is something I will be able to call on in my career moving forward,” he said.

“If we can achieve this goal as a team, it will be a huge achievement for the ADF.

“Hopefully we can build on the framework created and have an endur-ing commitment to polar expeditions.

“I never thought anything like this would be possible in the ADF. We have a long way to go, but I am extremely grateful to have this opportunity.”

For updates on the team’s progress, you can follow them on Instagram @thespiritlivesan-tarctica or their website www.thespiritlive-santarctica.com

Anzac spirit

on ice

A select group of ADF members are pitting themselves against the polar elements. LSIS Jake Badior reports.

Some of the gear the participants will be using, including one of the sleds, foreground, and one of the tents, during training at Falls Creek.

Team members return to base

camp during training at Kosciusko

National Park.

LSCD Vinnie Carlsen during a rock climbing team building activity in the Blue Mountains in November last year. Photos: Kelly Kavanagh

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16 PERSONNEL www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS February 21, 2019

LEUT Gary McHugh

HMAS Stirling had a change at the top on February 1 when outgoing CO CAPT Brian Delamont handed over the reins of Navy’s largest base to CAPT Ainsley Morthorpe.

In keeping with his passion for adventure training, CAPT Delamont was rowed ashore from Captain’s Landing on a mega stand-up paddle board, escorted by a flotilla of kayaks and paddle boarders.

CAPT Morthorpe, whose most recent posting was Director of Navy Security and Police, said

he was excited by the prospect of three years at the helm of Stirling.

“We have a broad range of dedicated Defence members, APS staff and associated contractors who are all part of the Stirling team, and I am proud to be associ-ated with you all,” he said in an address to the ship’s company.

“CAPT Delamont has left an impressive legacy here at Stirling and it is my intention to continue that excellent work.”

CAPT Morthorpe joined the Navy in 1986 and, after graduating from the inaugural class at ADFA, went on to serve as officer of the

watch in destroyers, landing craft, frigates and mine-hunters.

He specialised as a mine war-fare officer and later qualified as a principal warfare officer, before assuming command of HMA Ships Fremantle and, later, Success.

CAPT Morthorpe, who has also served as CO HMAS Coonawarra, said being given command of a Navy establishment or ship was a great privilege and one he enjoyed.

“I consider command in the RAN as my career highlight and I can think of no better type of work,” he said.

Seen off in fitting style

CAPT Delamont is rowed ashore on a paddle board by Stirling’s

PTIs, from left, PO Matthew Vaisey, CPO Brian Garrety, CPO Alan Clark, CPO Tim Ayling and

LS Jessica Clarke. Photos: POIS Yuri Ramsey

CAPT Delamont hands the weight of command to CAPT Ainsley Morthorpe.

Outgoing CO HMAS Stirling CAPT Brian Delamont is farewelled by the ship’s company.

17GANGWAYFebruary 21, 2019 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

HMAS Ballarat’s flight deck team, from left, AB Ellen Storie-Gregory, AB Karlee Rance, LS Jacob Machen, AB Haley Beaumont and LS Jae McKindlay during a deck landing practice serial as part of the multinational Exercise Intrepid Sentinel. Photo: LSIS Bradley Darvill

The RAN Band performs at a public concert at Llewellyn Hall, Canberra, to honour the sacrifice of all Australians who served in World War I. Photo: LSIS James McDougall

ABML-C Priyantha Abeykoon Mudiyanselage during the 2019 Carr Cup tennis tournament held at HMAS Kuttabul. Photo: ABIS Leo Baumgartner

ABCD Benjamin Johnson demonstrates diving equipment to Chief of Staff of the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force ADML Yutaka Murakawa during his tour of HMAS Waterhen. Photo: LSIS Tara Byrne

ABML-Cs Hayden Thefs and Jessica Thompson prepare lunch on board HMAS Parramatta. Photo: LSIS Kayla Jackson

ABET-SM Ryan Paterson repairs electronic circuit cards at Fleet Support Unit - West. Photo: ABIS Christopher Szumlanski

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CPL Julia Whitwell

LSET Cristy Hazelman, who finished among the placeget-ters at the International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation World NoGi Championship in California in December, has found the martial arts discipline to be a grounding experience – for herself and her opponents.

LS Hazelman, 31, placed third in her masters purple-belt super heavyweight cat-egory in California, building on her success in the event, and others, in recent years.

She has been learning Brazilian jiu jitsu on and off since 2009, and joined the ADF Martial Arts Association (ADFMAA) in 2016.

She said the sport was great for fitness, and promot-ing a positive head space.

“It really gets you in the moment,” LS Hazelman said.

“When someone’s got you in a choke hold, you don’t really have time to think about anything else. You just concentrate on the task at hand.”

Now a purple belt, LS Hazelman said international competition was a valuable experience.

“Brazilian jiu jitsu is pre-dominantly men who are younger, fitter and more ath-letic than I am” she said.

“They fight differently to who I would compete against in a tournament, so I learn a lot every time I compete.”

Flooring the opposition LEUT Sarah West

THE Navy women’s team fell short of defending its title at this year’s Johnny Warren Cup but still kicked a goal for Navy Football Federation Australia.

By entering teams in the event, in early February, the federation achieved its aim of forging stronger ties with the broader football community.

Seventy-seven teams took part in the cup over five separate divisions in three men’s and two women’s leagues.

The tournament, in its 22nd consec-utive year, is run by the Johnny Warren Football Foundation in the NSW town of Jamberoo – a place close to the heart of the late Socceroos captain.

The Navy women went into the seven-a-side tournament as hot favour-ites, having won the event in 2018. But they were knocked out by some strong opposition before the final rounds despite two wins, including a 7-0 win in their last game.

SMN Madi Warren was a standout on the pitch, demonstrating outstand-ing skill in her first small-sided tourna-ment with the team.

The star player for the Navy vet-erans (men’s) team was LEUT Tim Baillie as his team recorded a win, loss and draw before missing the finals.

Veteran Navy women’s player CPO Dani Williams said while the results “didn’t play in our favour, it is always a pleasure participating in these com-munity tournaments and representing Navy”.

A win for community bonding

LSET Cristy Hazelman with the fruits of her Brazilian jiu jitsu

efforts at her local gym in Port Kennedy, Western Australia.Photo: ABIS Christopher Szumlanski

19SPORTFebruary 21, 2019 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

CPL Dan Pinhorn

A LOVE of the ocean will draw Navy personnel to Ulladulla for the Interservice Surfing Championships (ISSC) from March 4-8.

Navy Surf Riders Association (NSRA) president WO Dion Blair said the championships were “a great event for all three services to come together and share the passion of surfing”.

“Even though there is the rivalry of competition, the esprit de corps of the event is at the forefront and this is a fantastic opportunity to build relation-ships for future ADF events as team-mates,” he said.

“We have some incredibly talented surfers in the Navy and have been the stand-out surfing service for the last

three years in the ISSC. However, Air Force has some awesome surfers and will be very hard to beat.”

He said the surfers would be judged on their ability to perform “radical controlled manoeuvres in the critical section of the wave with power, speed and flow”.

“The variety of manoeuvres and the degree of difficulty and commit-ment is also judged. There is a fair amount of luck involved. Sometimes the waves just don’t come to you in the heat and there is always the nerv-ousness about pushing too hard and falling off a wave.”

WO Dion Blair has been surf-ing most of his life and enjoys being involved in running the NSRA.

“I enjoy surfing any time and these

championships provide the opportu-nity for camaraderie and building on and learning new skills,” he said.

“There’s a great interservice vibe and you get to go away for a week of competition surfing. It culminates in the team challenge to see who is crowned the ISSC champions. All dis-ciplines are surfed with a variety of surfers in a tag team-style time-limited heat.

“Surfing is a great form of exer-cise, it’s challenging against the ocean and also very relaxing. Every wave is different and the cliché is spot on: ‘Only a surfer knows the feeling’ ”

Navy Surf Riders Association membership is open to all Navy personnel, regardless of skill level, and beginners are encouraged to join.

CPL Dan Pinhorn

FLANKER AB Tika Yeend hopes the change of venue from Ballymore in Brisbane to Canberra will also bring a change of fortune for Navy at the ADF Women’s Rugby Championships in May.

“The favourites this year, like most years, will be the Army. Navy’s main aim for the competition is to beat them,” she said.

It will be her third season on the Navy team.

“I really enjoy playing for both the Navy and ADF teams, considering I never went out to join the game,” she said.

“I kind of just fell into it when the Navy team were short a few players and someone found out I played rep footy.”

AB Yeend was hoping to return to her favoured position of blindside flanker when the team’s training, usu-ally held at HMAS Kuttabul, began.

“This is where all the girls can get together at the same place at the same

time if operational and fleet move-ments don’t separate us,” she said.

“Most years we have brand new girls, so sometimes it’s back to basics for training. It isn’t always a bad thing. We always seem to pull it together as a team. This year I think the effort we’ll make from start to fin-ish will be nothing short of amazing.”

National operations manager of the ADF women’s teams SQNLDR Esther Suh said the championships, at Viking Park in Tuggeranong, were a good opportunity for members to represent their service.

“They’ll take all members at any level, from those who’ve never played to seasoned players,” SQNLDR Suh said.

Three games will be played between the services from May 12 to 18, then an ADF team will be selected to play against Australian Police on May 21.

Anyone interested in joining ADF Women’s Rugby can contact SQNLDR Esther Suh via esther.suh@defence.gov.au

Ready to tread the boards

CPL Dan Pinhorn

DETERMINATION and grit pushed CMDR David Bettell to be the first ADF member to cross the finish line of the Ironman 70.3 in Busselton, Western Australia, in December.

Despite minor health issues, CMDR Bettell completed the Ironman 70.3 in a respectable 5hr 21.36min, which was not quite his personal best.

“I was on track for a sub-five-hour finish but my health slowed me down and I lost about 25 minutes on the sec-ond half of the run,” he said.

“I’ll never be the fastest out there, but it was disappointing to fall short of my personal goal. This is just addi-tional motivation for my next race.”

CMDR Bettell, whose favourite part of the triathlon is running, said participating in the sport was a good way to zone out, leave work behind and do something different.

“Triathlons are a mental battle more than anything else. Three or four hours into any physical activity, no matter how fit you are, it still starts to hurt. It becomes a case of how hard can I push myself?”

CMDR Bettell has been com-peted in triathlons for three years and December’s event was his fourth Ironman 70.3.

“I was unfit and slightly overweight so I started using the treadmill and spin bike on board the ship,” he said.

“I wanted to put it all together so I joined the local triathlon club. They helped me along the way, which led to joining the ADF Triathlon Club.”

CMDR Bettell averages eight to

Packing down with new hope at new venue

Wheel deal when things get real

LSIS Jake Badior

THE Northern Territory women secured a tough 32-21 victory over NSW during the ADF Netball Association Carnival in December.

The competition, at Sydney Olympic Park, attracted men’s, women’s and mixed teams from north and south Queensland, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia and ACT, and a women’s team from the Royal Air Force.

Northern Territory co-vice-captain AB Stacy Creamer said her side was confident going into the competition but knew NSW

would be its biggest threat. “Our last game going into the final was against NSW. We didn’t even get to finish the game due to injuries,” she said.

“Everyone was a little nervous going into the grand final as we hadn’t played a full game against each other, but thankfully we came away with the win.”

Victoria took out the mixed competition with a 32-21 win over NSW and North Queensland scored a narrow 17-12 victory over Northern Territory in the men’s event.

Victory over major threat

AB Courtney Frankl, pictured in action during the Women’s Rugby Forces Challenge last year, has been one of Navy’s stars. Photo: PTE Renee Breeze

PO Jordan Dank has produced winning form on the short board for Navy in past interservice competitions.Photo: LSIS Justin Brown

10 hours of exercise per week as a base training regime. About 12 weeks before an event, he starts a specific training program of three runs, three rides and a couple of swims per week.

“If you want to start out in triath-lons, start out at your local club. The ADF Triathlon club is very inclusive. It has a positive environment and it’s a really good way to be involved in ADF sport,” he said.

CMDR Bettell said he was inter-ested in taking on a full ironman event, but with four children aged seven and under he struggled to find the time to train the 15 hours a week it required.

The next triathlon in Busselton will be on May 4. CMDR Bettell will be the ADF team manager for the event and interested per-sonnel are encouraged to get in touch.

CMDR David Bettell has progressed from a treadmill and spin bike on a ship to the real thing in triathlons.

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SPORTSurfers ride a wave

of interservice rivalry

Page 19

Navy is hoping for the success surfers such as

ABML-SC Linda Fisher have had against Army and Air

Force to be repeated during the Interservice Surfing

Championships at Ulladulla. Photo: LSIS Justin Brown

Volume 62, No. 2, February 21, 2019

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