AIR FVol. 52, No. 21, November 11, 2010 The official newspaper of the Royal Australian Air Force

RCERCE

OUR WORK OUR WORK HERE IS HERE IS DONEDONE

2SQN FIRST: AEW&C deploys

BOMBS AWAY: Rhino test results

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HIGH FIVE: Padu wrap P14-15

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Pakistan mission complete

THANKS FOR EVERYTHING: Operation Pakistan Assist II has come to an end after two months of humanitarian assistance in the flood-ravaged country. Pictured is ground defence officer FLTLT Luke Connery from 381ECSS being thanked by one of the teachers of a newly reconstructed school which ADF members helped rebuild in the Punjab Region of Kot Addu. Photo: PO Damian Pawlenko

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2 November 11, 2010RCEAIR Fperations

CPL Zenith King

AFTER two months of providing hu-manitarian medical aid to Punjab, one of the worst flood affected regions of Pakistan, Defence personnel deployed on Operation Pakistan Assist II re-turned home on October 29.

With a rotation of civilian medi-cal personnel after the first month, more than 200 Defence and AusAID/ Australian Medical Assistance Team (AUSMAT) personnel made up the Australian Medical Task Force (AMTF) deployed to Multan and Kot Addu, within the central Punjab region, to provide medical aid after devastating monsoonal floods tore through central Pakistan in July.

Commander Joint Task Force 636, WGCDR Ross Wadsworth of 1 Expeditionary Health Squadron, said the operation was successfully com-pleted with local health care services re-established.

“The capability of the local health care service has been re-established and is now able to cater for the health care needs at Kot Addu,” WGCDR Wadsworth said.

“They are now in a position to take over care of the local nationals.”

The first C-17A of personnel and cargo arrived in Multan on August 24, where a small contingent of Defence personnel remained throughout the deployment.

The other personnel moved to Kot Addu where a temporary health facility was set up to provide primary health care to the local nationals.

SQNLDR Jonathon Durden, of 2 Airfield Defence Squadron, said all personnel performed to a high stand-ard and should be proud of what they achieved.

“The AMTF was made up of a number of different groups including both civilian and military personnel,”

CPL Zenith King

FLTLT Sonya Beyer was thrilled to be part of a team of five Air Force environ-mental health officers on Operation Pa-kistan Assist II performing the vital role of maintaining camp hygiene.

FLTLT Beyer, of 2 Expeditionary Health Squadron, said during the set up of Camp Cockatoo, the team focused on putting in basic hygiene facilities.

“First we set up toilets and a lot of makeshift hand-washing facilities to stop people from cross contaminating between hand and mouth,” she said.

“Fogging was a big one as there were a lot of mosquitoes around and Kot Addu is a high-risk malaria area.

“We began a fogging program every night which really cut back the num-bers.”

Water quality was also a big issue during the early stages. “They wanted to

Pakistan mission ends

SQNLDR Durden said. “Each group contributed unique skills which ena-bled the task and achieved outstanding mission success.

“I was particularly encouraged by the maturity, tenacity, self-discipline and teamwork displayed by all mem-bers of the team.”

SQNLDR Durden said Defence personnel had contributed significant-ly to the community of Kot Addu.

“The entire mission was a chal-lenge but it was a challenge we were up to,” he said. “As a result, we had a very successful mission and did a lot of good for a lot of people.”

THE FINAL PATIENT: Above, Australian Medical Assistance Team Leader Dr Ian Norton sees the final patient out of the Australian health centre at Kot Addu. Photo: CPL Zenith King

GETTING READY TO GO: Above, medical personnel FLGOFF Josie Jarrad (left), FSGT Paul Kennedy (centre), and LACW Michelle Debnam work together to dismantle an Australian Medical Task Force health centre tent at Camp Cockatoo; right, LAC Alex Redlich sweeps one of the tents before it is disassembled. Photos: POIS Damian Pawlenko

Looking after the camp

use the local water supply for certain things, so we had to test it to be sure it was suitable.”

She said it had been excellent put-ting everything she had learnt into practice. “I have always wanted to do this so I was really excited to finally be

able to get in and help,” she said. “At first it was overwhelming; your brain doesn’t stop in those weeks leading up to it trying to figure out what you have to do when you get there and what type of environment you are going into.”

MOZZIE BUSTER: FLTLT Sonya Beyer walks around Camp Cockatoo with a fogging machine, used to minimise the mosquito population in the camp.

Photo: POIS Damian Pawlenko

THPAAbAuMeAsTeDrsepathheaPZ

WATER QUALITY CONTROL: Environmental health officer FLGOFF Daniel Wressel from 2EHS tests samples of local water for possible contamination at the Australian Medical Task Force health centre in Kot Addu. Ensuring water was potable was a vital task for the five environmental health officers deployed on Operation Pakistan Assist II. Photo: POIS Damian Pawlenko

3 November 11, 2010RCEAIR FF perations

MEMBERS of the Australian Medical Task Force (AMTF) received a heroes welcome at RAAF Base Amberley when they arrived home from their 10-week aid mission in Pakistan.

The main contingent of 70 ADF personnel led by Commander Joint Task Force 636, WGCDR Ross Wadsworth, arrived home by C-17A on October 29 after treating its final patients and closing the doors of its health facility at Kot Addu in the cen-tral Punjab region on October 20.

CAF AIRMSHL Mark Binskin, Defence Parliamentary Secretary Senator David Feeney and family members were waiting to greet them.

AIRMSHL Binskin said the suc-cessful combination of the Defence and civilian medical teams had ena-bled the smooth delivery of primary healthcare and brought emergency treatment to more than 11,000 flood victims.

“While this marks the end of the

CPL Zenith King

MEDICAL officer FLTLT Rupert Templeman of 2 Expeditionary Health Squadron (2EHS) said he was proud to have been a part of Operation Paki-stan Assist II.

“Ever since joining the Defence Force I hoped to be deployed on humanitarian operations,” FLTLT Templeman said.

He would never forget the experi-ences he had in Pakistan.

“I have had the privilege to care for severely sick and dehydrated chil-dren, including infants,” he said. “I am sure that many of them would not have survived without this interven-tion.”

Medical assistant LACW Ashlie Rennie of 2EHS said being part of AMTF was an amazing experience.

“The [memories of the] work we did and the people we saw will stay with me forever,” LACW Rennie said.

“So many people we treated on this mission will thank Australians for what we have done.”

LACW Rennie said her most memorable experience was treating children.

“One day a lifeless eight-month-old was carried into the health facility by its mother,” she said.

“By late afternoon the child was full of life, all because of the aid we had provided.

“Days like that were very reward-ing.”

We’re so proud

medical assistance during this crisis it does not mark the end of our assis-tance to help Pakistan recover and rebuild from this disaster,” he said.

The AusAID and ADF-led task force deployed following a request to Australia by the Pakistan Government to help relieve the immediate burden

on local medical services following the devastating floods in July.

Comprising 180 ADF and civil-ian doctors, nurses, paramedics and support personnel, the task force deployed in late August and started primary medical care on September 2.

By the time the Camp Cockatoo

health facility had closed its doors, 11,375 patients had been treated, including more than 3000 cases of malaria and many children suffering serious illnesses and dehydration.

OIC of the heal th faci l i ty, SQNLDR Andrew Pearson, said that the facility was regularly seeing more than 250 patients a day.

“We made a positive difference at a time when it was needed most,” he said.

WGCDR Wadsworth said that while the medical mission was over, there was still a lot of work to be done in the return of personnel and equip-ment to Australia.

A small group of 23 ADF per-sonnel remained in Pakistan to co-ordinate the administration and final movements of equipment back to Australia.

Operation Pakistan Assist II was due to officially end after they returned home on November 8.

AMONG THE ACHIEVEMENTS

� The 180 personnel forming the AMTF deployed on Operation Pakistan Assist II treated 11,375 patients – an average of 250 each day.

� They treated more than 3000 cases of malaria.

� Six RAAF C-17A Globemaster flights delivered aid, personnel and equipment into Pakistan and the Medical Task Force provided:

� 201 family tents; 9126 tarpaulins; and 10 rolls of plastic sheeting to shelter more than 10,000 families.

� 24 portable generators to safely provide power to temporary shelters.

� 7420 water storage containers and water purification tablets to pro-vide 30 days of safe drinking water for more than 7000 families.

� 1962 birthing kits.

THEY’RE HOME: Left, members of the Australian Medical Task Force arrive at RAAF Base Amberley to a rousing welcome as they return home from Pakistan; above, SGT Peter Renaud back in the arms of his wife Kathryn and daughters Ashleigh and Isabella; inset left, CAF AIRMSHL Mark Binskin greets WGCDR Ross Wadsworth and AusAid’s Thanh Le. Photos: LAC Benjamin Evans

It won’t be forgotten

4 November 11, 2010RCEAIR FNews

Eamon Hamilton

A LUCKY aviator has received some ‘help from above’, courtesy of a 37SQN Hercules crew.

On September 28, the p i lo t of a Cessna 150 took off west from Bankstown and soon became disorien-tated over the Blue Mountains, NSW.

The crew of Trojan 07, a C-130H making a post-maintenance test flight, heard the call from the Cessna to Melbourne Centre air traffic control.

Melbourne Centre was able to tell Trojan 07 the Cessna’s last known posi-tion was over Katoomba in the Blue Mountains, and had approximately 100 minutes of fuel left.

The pilot wasn’t able to use any of the navigation equipment fitted to the aircraft. Given a bearing on the Cessna from Melbourne Centre, the crew of

Trojan 07 set about rendering assis-tance.

Captaining Trojan 07, FLTLT Nick McCowan said “the pilot described being in visual with two factories and a lake, but otherwise was unsure of his position.

“Based on this bearing and the pilot’s description of visual features, we assessed him to be in the Lithgow area.”

Trojan 07 instructed the Cessna’s pilot to count to 10 on the radio, allow-ing them to make a directional find on the Cessna and gain a visual contact. The crew then led the smaller aircraft to a landing at Bathurst.

“We instructed him to make radio calls and observed him land at Bathurst while we remained overhead,” FLTLT McCowan said.

“Once he was observed on the ground we returned to our airspace and completed the maintenance test flight.”

AN AIR FORCE AP-3C was diverted from operations in north-ern Australia and sent on a long and cold journey to Antarctica to search for a missing French heli-copter on October 29.

An AS350 Squirrel helicopter, carrying four people and belong-ing to the French research ship Astrolabe, activated a distress beacon approximately 50 nautical miles from the French Antarctic base Dumont d'Urville.

CO 11SQN WGCDR Phil Champion sa id the Or ion launched from Darwin at 6am on Friday morning and pre-posi-tioned in Hobart to refuel and to pick up Adrian Peat, a senior Antarctic helicopter pilot from the Australian Antarctic Division, who accompanied the crew to provide subject matter expertise.

“In parallel, 92WG staff also sought subject matter expertise from the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s 5SQN, who operates in those extreme latitudes more reg-ularly,” he said.

“The input from the Australian Antarctic Division staff, 5SQN and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority in their coordi-

nation role was pivotal for ensur-ing that the AP-3C could achieve its mission.”

T h e O r i o n c r ew s p o t -ted wreckage at the crash site, although unfortunately no signs of life were evident.

WGCDR Champion said the Orion remained as long as possi-ble in the search area and dropped survival stores on the chance that there may have been survivors.

The crew then returned to Hobart after a 20-hour duty day.

Australia’s search and res-cue area of responsibility covers almost one-fifth of the Earth’s surface and it tests our capabili-ties when operating at the extrem-ities.

“These capabilities were cer-tainly tested during this search and rescue,” WGCDR Champion said.

“From the building humidity of the Darwin wet to the extremes of Antarctica in the space of one day – it was a remarkable achievement when you consider the distances involved, and once again demonstrates the flexibility and responsiveness of airpower.”

Herc crew answers the call of lost pilot

Antarctic search

Kiwi Hueys catch a lift across the TasmanTHE SPIRIT of Anzac cooperation is still alive and well.

A trio of UH-1 Iroquois helicop-ters from the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s (RNZAF) 3SQN caught a lift to Exercise Hamel in north Queensland, courtesy of a 36SQN C-17A.

Picked up from RNZAF Base

Ohakea in late September, the three Iroquois posed little trouble for the C-17A. A similar load had been car-ried by 36SQN in 2008.

FLTLT Kane Sanson, from RNZAF’s 3SQN, said the exercise was a “fantastic opportunity for the squadron to practise tactical opera-tions in a large scale scenario, involv-

ing assets from across all three ser-vices of both the ADF and NZDF”.

The RNZAF will begin replacing its Vietnam-era Iroquois with NH90 helicopters next year. The NH90 is a similar model to the MRH90 helicop-ters being introduced to Australian Army and Royal Australian Navy service.

WANNA RIDE?: The first of three Iroquois helicopters are loaded on to a 36SQN C-17A in Ohakea, New Zealand, for transport to Exercise Hamel. Photo: F/S Carl Booty

HELP FROM ABOVE: A 37SQN Hercules crew helped a Cessna pilot find his way home after he became disorientated over the Blue Mountains. File photo: LAC Michael Green

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NUMBER 2 Squadron’s Wedgetail air-craft has deployed to Japan and South Korea for the first time.

From October 15 to 24, a squadron Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft deployed to Japan’s Hamamatsu Air Base and the Republic of Korea’s Kimhae Air Base as part of a goodwill visit.

CO 2SQN WGCDR Luke Stoodley said it was the highlight of his three years at the squadron.

“Just six months after accepting the [AEW&C] capability, to take on a significant overseas achievement such as this, it’s a credit to 42WG, the AEW&C Systems Project Office and the project team,” he said.

The aircraft arrived in time for the Hamamatsu Air Show.

FLTLT David Lee said they were treated like royalty by the Japanese.

“The air show was fantastic and very different to our air shows back home, and a highlight of this event was the handling display from the E-767,” he said.

The Boeing E-767 is Japan’s ver-sion of the AEW&C aircraft.

The Republic of Korea has commit-ted to buying a similar capability to the Wedgetail. The Koreans showed a keen interest in the aircraft, as they are yet to see their own four aircraft, which are due by 2012.

Both the aircrew and maintain-ers from both countries were keen to examine the RAAF’s new capability.

“It was an opportunity to inter-act with the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) and Japanese Air Self Defense Force (JASDF) to estab-lish working relationships and foster

Wedgetail wonderWedgetail wonder

goodwill between our air forces,” OC 42WG GPCAPT Stephen Meredith said.

“The visits further demonstrated a broadening and strengthening of our good relationships with both South Korea and Japan and identified poten-tial opportunities for future coopera-tion.

“I was proud to see the first 42WG overseas deployment, and the crew were put through a packed schedule.”

Among the busy schedule were a range of briefings and social activities.

The social activities included offi-cial dinners in both countries, and in Japan, a very competitive volleyball match as well as a tea ceremony.

2SQN visits Japan and South Korea

INSIDE STORY: Above, FLTLT Nick Gilbert discusses the layout of the Wedgetail cockpit with MAJ Jung Bongkwan who is a pilot with the Republic of Korea Air Force; right (from left), WGCDR Luke Stoodley with Vice Commander COL Satch and COL Morita at Hamamatsu Air Base in Japan.

Photos: LAC Craig Barrett JOIN THE QUEUE: Members of the Japanese Air Self Defense Force line up to have a look through the 2SQN aircraft at Hamamatsu Air Base in Japan.

WELCOME ABOARD: A Japanese airman about to inspect the inside of 2SQN’s Wedgetail.

TEA FOR TWO: FLTLTs Adam Paull and David Lee experience a traditional tea ceremony during a visit to Hamamatsu Air Base in Japan.

ALL TOGETHER NOW: 2SQN’s Wedgetail alongside the Japanese E-767 and E-2 Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft with members of the AWC group during their goodwill visit.

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6 November 11, 2010RCEAIR FFNews

FLTLT Skye Smith

NUMBER 4 Squadron’s latest Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) course marked the last Close Air Support (CAS) mission conducted by the F-111s before they are with-drawn from service next month.

The final mission took place on October 26 at the Singleton Range near Newcastle with Air Force and Army controllers on the ground.

The aim of the JTAC course is to graduate selected ADF personnel in the planning, briefing, control-ling and reporting of close air sup-port on the battlefield.

CO 6SQN Micka Gray said close air support could be described as air action against hostile targets which are in proximity to friendly forces.

“These tasks require integration of each air mission with the fire and movement of those forces,” he said.

Scheduled close air support tasks provide the crews with a tar-get, time on target and final con-trol arrangements. Once the mis-

sion is initiated, communication with forward air controllers (FAC) is usually limited to establishing that the mission is executed as planned.

“Successful employment of both aircraft operations and sur-face fires requires careful plan-ning combined with the ability to rapidly coordinate during chang-ing conditions,” WGCDR Gray said.

“JTACs must deconflict airspace to provide a safe operating space for aircraft to manoeuvre and attack targets.”

Equipped with Pavetack laser target designator and Laser-Guided bombs, the F-111s are highly capable of performing close air support missions.

“The F-111 has been a valuable asset in the provision of close air support due to the advantages it offers with its long range, endur-ance and payload,” WGCDR Gray said.

“The F-111 has supported a number of JTAC courses over many years and will be missed next year.”

F-111 close air finale

END OF AN ERA: A 4SQN Joint Terminal Attack Controller during the F-111’s last Close Air Support mission at Singleton Range.Photos: LACW Katharine Pearson

7 NewsNovember 11, 2010RCEAIR FF

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FLTLT Skye Smith

THREE more new F/A-18F Super Hor-nets will be delivered to Air Force by the end of the year.

The new arrivals will take the Rhino fleet to 14 of the order of 24 aircraft.

Meanwhile, 1SQN has notched up another milestone in its setting-to-work of the aircraft with the first live inter-national firing of the new AGM-154C Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW) C dur-ing a three-week bombing camp at the Woomera Test Range in South Australia. It was the first such firing outside the US.

The JSOW C is an air-to-ground glide weapon which provides a stand-off precision strike capability against hard-ened targets such as bunkers or ships. It has a range of 100km.

The camp trialled the F/A-18F Super Hornet’s air-to-ground weapons tech-niques, tactics and procedures for the first time since the Rhino was intro-duced into service in March.

During the camp, 1SQN also test-ed Laser Guided Bombs, Joint Direct Attack Munitions and the aircraft’s M61A2 20mm gun. The trials also tested 1SQN’s deployment capabilities, with five Rhinos and about 100 person-nel supporting the camp.

The squadron operated in a deploy-able field environment out of a

‘Trelleborg’ tents at Edinburgh during the squadron’s first Australian deploy-ment away from its main operating base of RAAF Base Amberley.

The trials started on August 30 and finished on September 15, during which time the aircraft fired two JSOW C munitions at two hardened bunkers. They were destroyed.

The successful conclusion of the tri-als was another milestone towards the squadron achieving initial operational capability by next month.

The weapon deliveries in January 2010 and the achievement of these key milestones are a major accomplish-ment for Project 5349 Phase 2. The project was established in 2007 to acquire the new weapons for the Super Hornet, including JSOW C, AIM-9X Sidewinder air-to-air missiles, the AIM-120 AMRAAM and MJU-57/B infra-red flares from the US.

The JSOW C-1 is planned to be available in 2012.

Speaking of the successful trials, Defence Materiel Minister Jason Clare said: “This is a significant milestone. It means that Super Hornets are on track to become operational later this year.

“The arrival of the Super Hornets marks an important transition for the Air Force, which will decommission the final F-111 squadron [next month] after four decades of service,” he said.

FLTLT Skye Smith

THUNDER struck the Top End skies last month as 11 F/A-18s from 77SQN lit upthe airspace for Exercise Arnhem Thunder.

77SQN conducted advanced air-to-ground combat training at Bradshaw Field Training area and Delamere Air Weapons Ranges during the three-week bombing camp.

The Hornets conducted four-ship attacks and self-escort strike missions while focusing on Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) employment.

JDAM is a guidance kit that when fit-ted converts unguided bombs, or ‘dumb’ bombs, into precision ‘smart’ munitions. JDAM-equipped bombs are guided by an integrated inertial guidance system coupled to a GPS receiver, giving Air Force the capability to accurately attack a ground target in all weather conditions.

XO SQNLDR Grant Burr said 77SQNgreatly benefited from exercises such as Arnhem Thunder.

“It gives us the opportunity to conduct end-to-end testing of our ability to deploy and operate the squadron safely and effec-tively while launching aircraft into a sim-ulated combat scenario using actual high explosives,” he said.

The Hornets employed a range of weapons, including JDAM, Laser Guided Bombs, conventional ‘dumb’ weapons and 20mm rounds during the exercise.

The squadron’s flying operations relied on support from 87SQN, 3 Control and Reporting Unit, Pelair services and RAAF Base Tindal support units.

F/A-18s light up Top End

CUTTING EDGE: A Super Hornet carrying the AGM-154C Joint Standoff Weapon on transit to Woomera Test Range.

Photo: SQNLDR Ben Nunan

SPOT ON: Screen grabs from a Sony HD video camera – left inset, the release of the AGM-154C Joint Standoff Weapon from a Super Hornet; centre, the weapon in flight; right, hitting the target. Photos: SQNLDR Ben Nunan

Rhinos on the charge

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8 November 11, 2010RCEAIR FNews

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Graham McBean

ASBESTOS Inventory Tiger Team (AITT) project lead-er CAPT Alan Johnston has urged Defence personnel to take the threat of asbestos in work and home environ-ments seriously.

Asbestosis – since 1998 the num-ber of annual deaths attributed to asbestosis increased from 43 to 109 in 2008. Lung cancer – the number of deaths attributable to lung cancer and other asbestos-related diseas-es is unknown. Mesothelioma – since 1997 the number of annual deaths has increased from 416 to 628 in 2008.Main sources of asbestos expo-sure in Australia are related to old buildings undergoing renovation (includes private home renovators), demolition and building mainte-nance with building products from the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. Asbestos-related diseases in Australia will not peak for some time due to the long latency period associated with these diseases.

All clear on WikileaksADF personnel deployed in Afghanistan and members of the local community who work with ADF assets there have not been placed at risk by the first round of WikiLeak documents. This is the key finding of the departmental task force set up by government directive to investigate the unauthorised release of classified documents relating to International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) activities in Afghanistan by the organisation WikiLeaks on July 25. Operations in that country had also not been placed at risk. The task force compared the material with operational reporting and Defence public statements and found that the leaked materials were predominantly tactical-level reporting, and that significant operational issues relating to Australia referred to in the leaked materials had already been publicly reported by Defence and, in most cases, reported in greater detail than in the leaked materials. It also found that the documents have not had a direct significant adverse impact on Australia’s national interests.

Stay vigilant on asbestos

As the team reaches the end of its mission to identify and facilitate the removal of asbestos from the Defence inventory, CAPT Johnston said compla-cency and lack of knowledge about asbestos was still a concern.

He said more than 700 people die from asbestos-related diseases each year but personnel still down-played the risk.

“Young people who are faced with other risks in our line of work see this as a very low priority,” CAPT Johnston said.

“It is an attitude that can come back to bite peo-ple.”

CAPT Johnston said even people in command positions had on occasion expressed complacency about the risk. He said in one conversation the risk posed by asbestos had been compared to the risk of road fatalities and influenza.

“We need to get people’s attention. Like smoking, it is an avoidable cause of death and we need to stop using it by totally removing it from our inventory.

“This is not a matter for someone else to worry about – asbestos is an insidious killer with latency periods of between 10 to 40 years.”

The AITT has facilitated the removal of more than 63,000 pieces of asbestos-containing material from the Defence inventory since the project was raised in January last year.

It is expected to finish its inspection program of 1128 units by the end of this year and complete a re-validation of 50 units before winding up in early 2011.

CAPT Johnston said the AITT had been a “big-bang” approach and had made important in-roads as part of the broader policy of zero tolerance of asbes-tos in accordance with Government policy.

But he said there was an ongoing need to maintain awareness that asbestos may be present in the system.

“The AITT has been an important tool in casting a trained eye over holdings and identifying asbestos-containing material, and when in doubt then sending suspect material off for testing.

“At present, the hit rate for finding asbestos in material submitted for testing is about 36 per cent.

“So one third of everything we test comes back with a positive finding for asbestos – that is a surpris-ingly high number and goes to show the worth of the inspection program.”

He said personnel should also be mindful of encountering asbestos in the home environment in such things as fibro sheeting and roof insulation.

Further information on asbestos within Defence inventory and Defence asbestos policies and regulations are available at the AITT intranet site at: http://intranet.defence.gov.au/dmoweb/sites/AITT or phone (02) 6265 6252. Further information on precautions to be taken when renovating your house can be obtained by visiting the NSW Government website: www.nsw.gov.au/fibro

THE HIDDEN KILLER

9 November 11, 2010RCEAIR FF

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perationsLEUT Todd Austin

AN AIR FORCE reservist is one of five Australians helping staff one of Afghanistan’s busiest medical facili-ties.

Trauma nurse FLTLT Bronte Douglas is working at a NATO hos-pital at Kandahar Air Field which pro-vides a critical service for the coali-tion troops deployed on International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) operations in the Zabul, Uruzgan and Kandahar regions of Afghanistan.

The Role 3 Mult i -Nat ional Medical Facility has 270 clinical pro-fessionals with an average of 80 sur-geries a week.

Each week there are another 400 medical cases, 1000 inpatients’ scripts to be filled at the pharmacy, more than 5000 lab tests and more than 1000 X-rays and digital scans.

FLTLT Douglas is deployed to the Combined Joint Operations Centre at Regional Command (South) to run the medical operations duty desk. However, she also volunteers her medical skills to work in the trauma bay at the Role 3 facility.

Back in Australia, FLTLT Douglas coordinates the trauma service for the Royal Darwin Hospital and said, although the work was similar, the degree and frequency of injuries was higher given the amount of battle inju-ries they receive. These battle-relat-ed wounds account for around 250 patients a month.

“We treat everyone from ISAF personnel to Afghan National Security Force personnel. We also treat local national adults and children and civilian contractors who work in the regions we cover,” FLTLT Douglas said.

“We see a lot of head injuries related to blast trauma as well as chest

injuries. Obviously we get plenty of gun shot injuries as well, but blast injuries tend to affect the whole body and can be very complex to treat.”

There are five trauma teams work-ing at the Role 3 Medical Facility, set up in teams rotating at being first on call, second on call through to fifth on call. The allocation is one patient per team so, if they receive several patients, the medical facility will call in multiple teams.

“It does get quite busy here, par-ticularly at the moment as it’s classed as the fighting season. Like most trau-ma areas it ebbs and flows,” FLTLT Douglas said.

Working with other coalition med-ical personnel has been a challenge for the Australian medics but it’s been an enjoyable challenge. The coalition medics do some things differently to what they are used to in Australia but

a lot of things they do remain very much the same.

“Australian medical people have a very good reputation among the other nations but in the medical sense we’re known for being quite adaptable and flexible,” FLTLT Douglas said.

Caring for the injured

CALM BEFORE THE STORM: Above, FLTLT Bronte Douglas who has to be ready for anything; left, medics prepare to receive patients from coalition medical helicopters at the landing zone outside the Role 3 Medical Facility in Kandahar. Photos: SGT Neil Ruskin

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10 November 11, 2010RCEAIR FNews

Leonie Gall

A DEFENCE program is providing exciting opportunities for young indigenous Aussies while encouraging diversity within the ser-vices.

The Indigenous Youth Connections Program (IYCP) offers a variety of hands-on Defence tours to indigenous high school students to highlight the ADF as a real career pathway option.

Eligible indigenous students have enjoyed everything from week-long trades and officer tours to life-skills days, visiting bases across the country to discover more about life in the ADF.

Acting Deputy Director Indigenous Affairs/Manager Community Engagement and Indigenous Youth Connections Program MAJ Mark Prideaux said the program focused on engaging indigenous youth early enough to encourage a positive attitude towards Defence and to smooth the ADF recruitment process.

“By doing this we also encourage them to stay at school longer and hence increase their employment options,” MAJ Prideaux said.

“The aim is to disassemble barriers to recruitment caused in the main by cultural and geographical issues.”

The IYCP is a component of the Defence Reconcil iat ion Action Plan (DRAP), which provides the strategic framework for Defence’s Indigenous agenda.

The current DRAP 2010-2014 carries three main themes including Changing Perceptions, Ongoing Support to Indigenous Personnel and Specialised Pathways (incorporating IYCP).

In December 2009, Defence Secretary Dr Ian Watt committed to increasing Defence’s indigenous personnel representation from 1.4 per cent to 2.7 per cent by 2015.

Leonie Gall

A DOZEN young women last month swapped their books for early mornings and PT as part of a pilot tour camp showcasing life and careers in the ADF.

As part of the new Women in Defence program, 13 high school students across NSW experienced military life hands-on through base activities in Sydney.

The tour devoted a day to each service, with the last day devoted to Air Force, where the young women sampled activities at RAAF Base Richmond including a chat with pilots and support crew.

They saw C-130 aircraft, visited the Military Working Dog section with its new puppy recruits, the Air Traffic Control Tower and fire sec-tion which was showing off its new truck.

On the tour’s last night the young women were treated to a meal at Richmond’s Officers’ Mess.

The other two days were packed with Army and Navy activities at Holsworthy Barracks, Fleet Base East, HMAS Watson and HMAS Parramatta.

Tour organiser Defence Force Recruitment Career Counsellor CPL Amelia Stafford said the young women enjoyed themselves.

“We wanted to break down some barriers and misconceived ideas about what being in the ADF is all about,” CPL Stafford said.

Program targets indigenous youth

Overall the event was consid-ered successful and tour question-naire feedback was very positive.

“Following their experience, the girls all said they would defi-nitely put forward an application for the ADF.

“So we’ve given them a career ambition to aim for.”

The tour camp was mainly organ-ised and presented by Defence Force Recruiting staff from Parramatta.

Defence Force Recruiting is reviewing the event and may run another tour early next year.

The Women in Defence tour camp forms part of a broader Women in Defence initiative, focused on

increasing the recruitment and retention of females in the ADF, and the provision of access to effective equity and support.

A website developed for the recruitment of women in Defence can be found at www.defencejobs.gov.au/womenintheadf

Sampling ADF life

WOW FACTOR: FLGOFF Melinda Russell, a C-130H co-pilot with 37SQN, provides a tour of the cockpit for Rebekah Nixon, Emma-Marree Wilesmith, and Kirsten Dukes; right, Belinda Frail sits in front of a C-130 during the visit to RAAF Base Richmond. Photo: LAC Michael Green

11NewsNovember 11, 2010RCEAIR FF

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FLTLT Skye Smith

THE milestones keep coming for 6SQN with their junior maintenance workforce being the last to gain trade qualifications on the mighty Pig.

LACs Matthew Curmi and Thomas Coppin are among the last F-111 tech-nicians to complete the skills log on the F-111 before it retires from service at the end of the year.

The pair has been at 6SQN for about two years and have been working towards achieving certifica-tion to become qualified tradesmen on the F-111 aircraft and avionics systems respectively.

LAC Curmi, an aircraft technician, completed his skills log in just under

two years, while LAC Coppin is an avionic technician and hopes to com-plete his qualifications within the next month.

The two technicians are grate-ful for the experiences they have had working on the F-111s and are excited to see the aircraft through to its retirement.

“It gives you some bragging rights being one of the last people in the world to work on operational F-111s,” LAC Coppin said.

“It’s amazing that such an old aircraft is still performing so well. Working with the old technology of the F-111s also gives you a perspec-tive on how far it has come in the last couple of decades.”

In the two years that LAC Curmi has been at 6SQN, he has learned troubleshooting and technical skills not possible on another platform.

“There is a lot of experience that can be gained from working on F-111s that you won’t learn on a new airframe,” he said.

“F-111s are a very unique air-frame and I think it’s amazing that they were able to continue in service for 37 years.”

Following the retirement of the F-111s next month, LAC Curmi will move on to the new Super Hornets.

LAC Coppin is excited about the challenges that await him at 11SQN as he converts on to the AP-3Cs next year.

FLTLT Skye Smith

AS THE hangar doors close on F-111 operations, nearly four decades of ser-vice will be celebrated when the mighty Pigs take to the skies for the last time on December 3.

Two days of events will showcase and celebrate the service of the formi-dable F-111 fleet under the aptly named Pigs’ Tales.

Pigs’ Tales will take place between December 2 and 3 at RAAF Base Amberley, as Air Force farewells the last F-111s still operating worldwide.

CO 6SQN WGCDR Micka Gray said the retirement of the F-111 fleet would mark a significant milestone in the history of Australian aviation.

“Pigs’ Tales commemorates the his-tory of these amazing aircraft, but also provides an opportunity to honour all of the men and women who flew, main-tained and supported the F-111 during its service,” he said.

CAF AIRMSHL Mark Binskin will review 82WG personnel on parade with the F-111 conducting a flypast on December 2.

A service will be held at the Amberley memoria l garden on December 3 to honour the men who have sacrificed their lives during F-111 operations.

Past and present members who have served with the F-111 will come togeth-er from around the world for a last look and touch of the F-111s that will be on display at the base.

For many, the final flight of the F-111 will be a sad occasion, but 6SQN will be sure to put on a great display that really shows off the strike bomber.

Four F-111C aircraft will take to the skies for the final flight as the jets fare-well and acknowledge the local com-munities of Ipswich, Brisbane, south-east Queensland and towns in northern NSW for their support over the past 37 years.

“It’s important that we take this opportunity to perform a final tour of the F-111s with farewell flypasts over the towns and cities that have supported us for so many years,” WGCDR Gray said.

A spectacular flying display will be sure to wow the crowds as the four

Flying into the sunsetBRAGGING RIGHTS: LACs Thomas Coppin and Matthew Curmi.

Photo: LACW Jessica Smith

F-111s return to Amberley from their farewell flight.

The display will showcase the tacti-cal and operational capabilities of the F-111, before exploding through the skies with a final awe inspiring dump and burn that the Pig has become so famous for.

Pigs’ Tales will culminate with a champagne toast and last hurrah barbe-cue as the F-111s touch down for the last time.

WGCDR Gray will take his place in the eight-man display crew as the last CO of an F-111 squadron.

“I’m humbled to be leading the last F-111 squadron in the world,” WGCDR Gray said.

“While it will be a sad occasion to fly the F-111 for the last time, Pigs’ Tales will showcase this amazing plat-form and honour all those who have served with it.”

Four F-111s will be on display around Australia with one at RAAF Base Edinburgh and one at the RAAF Museum at Point Cook. The final two will take up residence at RAAF Base Amberley, which has been home to the Pig for the past 37 years.

Pigs’ Tales is proudly sponsored by Boeing Defence Australia, Rosebank, Engineering, TAE, Pratt & Whitney, Raytheon Australia and Thales.

For more information on Pigs’ Tales, check out: www.pigstales.com.au.

‘While it will be a sad occasion to fly the F-111 for the last time, Pigs’ Tales will show-case this amaz-ing platform and honour all those who have served with it.

– WGCDR Micka Gray

Photo: LAC Christopher Dickson

T

NEW mission analysis capability for the F/A-18 is in train with the intro-duction of the Hornet Data Recorder (HDR).

Since last March, 3SQN and the Tactical Fighter Support Program Office have been trialling the new system and during Exercise Pitch Black in July, the squadron deployed with the HDR fitted to all its aircraft.

The trials proved very successful.The HDR will replace the current

Airborne Video Tape Recorder and TEAC Integrated Debriefing Station

which has been in use on the Hornet aircraft since 2002.

It comprises a solid state video and audio recorder, and playback system. The Removable Recording Media (RRM) replaces the HI-8mm tapes but has added functionality such as a real time clock and secure erase function.

The ease of use of the system will improve mission analysis capabil-ity, thereby providing better training and tactical outcomes for the Hornet fleet.

New data recorder for Hornet

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

All of your pay matters

Your housing entitlements, including Rent Allowance or Living In Accommodation

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

Arranging all your DHA housing maintenance requirements

Arranging all your uplift and delivery requirements

Determining your Conditions of Service

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

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

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

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

Booking travel and temporary accommodation for your relocation

Your relocation allowances and entitlements

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

Defence Housing Australia – your housing solution.

13 NewsNovember 11, 2010RCEAIR FF

Reservists, share your skills with usIf you’re a Reservist, you’ll soon have the opportunity to help the ADF’s Civil Skills Data Team learn more about

you. The CSD collection e-survey starts soon and is your chance to tell us about your civil skills, qualifications and

experience. It will help us to gain a more complete picture of who you are, and it could help your Reserve career

and deployment opportunities. You’ll be paid for completing the e-survey. We’d like you to take part and we’ll

send an information pack to your home address. Watch this space!

To ensure you get the Civil Skills Data information pack, check your address details on PMKeyS.

CIVILSKILLSDATASkills in Reserve

Eamon Hamilton

MORE THAN 400 personnel from RAAF Base Richmond have exercised their right to Freedom of the City of Hawkesbury.

Marching through the streets of Pitt Town on October 22, the parade marked Defence’s close ties to the Hawkesbury area in Sydney’s north-west, as well as a number of historic anniversaries for the area.

The base first exercised its Freedom of the City of Hawkesbury in 1990.

The latest parade began with an unsheathing of unit standards and banners at Pitt Town Public School, before being led out by GPCAPT Michael Brown.

On reaching Pitt Town’s Anglican Church, the Parade was ‘challenged’ outside by NSW Police.

AIRCDRE John Oddie, Senior ADF Officer for Richmond, said he was honoured on behalf of Defence personnel to take this opportunity.

“Carrying out our work would not be possible were it not for the support we have in the Hawkesbury, be it from our family, friends, or the wider community,” AIRCDRE Oddie said.

The historic and community links between Defence and the Hawkesbury area run deep.

The area is the third oldest European settlement in Australia. This year marks the bicentenary of

Governor Lachlan Macquarie’s arrival in the Colony of NSW, which was instrumental in establishing the Hawkesbury area.

G o v e r n o r M a c q u a r i e a n n o u n c e d p l a n s a n d n a m -ing for the ‘Macquarie Towns’ in the Hawkesbury area, including Richmond and Pitt Town.

A cen tu ry a f t e r Gove rnor Macquarie, the roots of military avia-tion arrived in the Hawkesbury. In September 1914, Frenchman Maurice Guillaux set up a flying school at the present site of RAAF Base Richmond.

It later became a State Government flying school that trained pilots who fought in WWI.

On July 1, 1925, following the

arrival of 3SQN DeHavilland DH9s the previous day, ‘RAAF Station Richmond’ was formed as Australia’s second Air Force site.

Hawkesbury honourHawkesbury honour

PRIVILEGE: GPCAPT Michael Brown from RAAF Base Richmond leads the procession through Pitt Town.

Photo: AC Chris HallHEARTY CHEERS: Children from Pitt Town Public School cheer and wave Australian flags as the Air Force contingent passes by.

Photo: CPL Amanda Campbell

HEARTY CHEERS: Children from Pitt Town

Recognition for 79SQN’s1940s roleFLTLT Skye Smith

NUMBER 79 Squadron was re-cently honoured with the awarding of battle honours for operational service in the Pacific, New Britain and Morotai during the 1940s.

Since its inception in 1943, 79SQN has experienced a history of disbanding and reforming. This history is symbolised in the squad-ron’s crest, which features a phoe-nix rising from the ashes.

79SQN was first formed as a Spitfire fighter squadron at RAAF Base Laverton on April 26, 1943.

The squadron was reformed in June 1962 in Thailand, flying Sabre jet fighters. It again disbanded in July 1968.

The squadron was reformed in March 1986 at Butterworth, Malaysia, flying Mirage fighters in air defence and ground attack roles. However, 79SQN was disbanded again in June 1988 due to the intro-duction of the F/A-18.

In July 1988, 79SQN reformed at RAAF Base Pearce equipped with Macchi aircraft and followed later by Hawk aircraft as a lead-in fighter training squadron.

A decade later, 79SQN contin-ues to serve in this role today.

A new squadron standard has been applied for to coincide with the opening of the new 79SQN headquarters scheduled for late next year.

14 November 11, 2010 15Centrepiece NNNRCEAIR FF

3SQN was a successful partner on Ex Bersama Padu, writes FLTLT Skye Smith

A ONE HUNDRED per cent mission success rate with 122 sorties conducted was achieved by 3SQN during this

year’s Exercise Bersama Padu, held in the South China Sea and on the Malaysian Peninsula from October 11 to 29.

Eight F/A-18s and 125 per-sonnel from 3SQN participated in the multilateral exercise con-ducted with Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore and Britain under the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA).

3SQN worked closely with the FPDA air components to train and learn from each other during the three-week exercise that tested land and maritime interdiction, along with offensive air support missions.

Commander of the Australian Contingent WGCDR Ken Robinson

said the 3SQN relationship with the other air components of the FPDA continues to strengthen.

“Bersama Padu 2010 was a truly integrated exercise, which we are continually developing,” he said.

“It is highly rewarding to have such great participation from the Australian fighter jets.”

The success of 3SQN’s air component could not have been achieved without the support of the 78 maintenance personnel who ensured two waves of six Hornets were available each day during the exercise.

Senior engineering officer SQNLDR Jim Xinos said the big-gest challenge was the stretched supply system as it took about three days to receive parts from Australia.

“But with successful pre-planning and under the excellent

coordination of FSGT Kevin Jago, we avoided any excessive or large scheduled servicings while we were deployed,” he said.

“Plus there was excellent sup-port from local units 324 Combat Support Squadron and the RMAF’s 18SQN which ensured 3SQN’s outstanding mission achievement.”

The Hornets conducted hot turns at Kuantan to meet the two missions each day for the exercise.

Nine maintenance personnel led by the 3SQN armament officer FLTLT Phil Collis supported the quick turnaround of the jets out of the Malaysian peninsula.

“This ensured we met the second-wave mission targets each day, as well as providing initial maintenance response to aircraft that diverted to or became unser-viceable in Kuantan,” SQNLDR Xinos said.

“It’s a testament to all involved, especially the hard work and dedi-cation of the maintenance person-nel, to launch the aircraft twice each day.”

Singaporean Chief of Defence Force LTGEN Neo Kian Hong thanked all participants at the clos-ing ceremony on October 29.

“We have witnessed a high level of commitment during Bersama Padu 2010, which reflects the importance of this exercise,” he said.

“We have gained valuable train-ing and enhanced our interoperabil-ity to make this a truly combined and joint exercise.”

The exercise this year com-prised a field training component as well as a command post exercise, which were executed concurrently.

This was also the first time a land component was exercised dur-ing the Bersama series.

WGCDR Robinson said the par-ticipation of more than 1100 ADF personnel is a tangible sign of our enduring commitment to FPDA.

“After 10 months of planning, Bersama Padu 2010 has success-fully been conducted to enhance interoperability between the FPDA nations,” he said.

“Bersama Padu 2010 has witnessed an increased level of complexity with the introduction of a land component into the field training exercise construct with amphibious operations conducted from HMAS Tobruk.

“This shows the great poten-tial for Australia to continue this integration and achieve enhanced training objectives as FPDA devel-ops further into the future.”

The 40th anniversary of FPDA next year is a key milestone that illustrates the long-term commit-ment of the founding members.

Padu perfectPadu perfect

CHECK UP: Dr Vimala Menon and FLTLT David Dunn from the 3 Expeditionary Health Squadron Det Butterworth check local health files.

ALL GOOD: 3SQN pilot FLTLT David Hannaford conducts a pre-flight inspection of his Hornet before a mission.

EW RULES: The Joint Electronic Warfare Operational Support Unit’s FSGT Steve Morse points an emitter at the nose of an F/A-18 while FLTLTs Sean Donovan and Craig Gee monitor the cockpit.

MANY HANDS: left, 3SQN’s CPL Scott Slade helps himself to some garlic bread at the 324 Combat Support Squadron Combined Mess facility; above, 3SQN’s SGT Paul Crouch, installs extra lighting around the Butterworth flightline; right, 3SQN aircrew brief members of 1 Royal Australian Regiment and the 2nd Malay Infantry Platoon about an F/A-18 that is participating in Exercise Bersama Padu 2010.

FINAL COUNTDOWN: 3SQN’s LAC Tim Chatterton installs an external fuel tank to a Hornet in preparation for the squadron’s flight back home to Australia while other technicians conduct checks and maintenance on the aircraft.

Photos: CPL David Gibbs

HOMEWARD BOUND: A 3SQN Hornet departs RMAF Base Butterworth on its way home to Australia at the end of Exercise Bersama Padu 2010.

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Bersama Padu RCEAIR FF November 11, 201016

FLTLT Skye Smith

EXERCISE Bersama Padu 2010 was a great success thanks in large part to the local support provided to deployed forces by resident unit 324 Combat Support Squadron (324CSS).

A small permanent Air Force and civil-ian presence at 324CSS worked tirelessly for months leading up to and during the three-week exercise at RMAF Base Butterworth between October 11 and 29.

Commanded by WGCDR Ken Robinson, 324CSS represents Australia’s national inter-ests in South-East Asia by providing deployed combat and domestic support.

324CSS is tasked with the responsibility of providing logistic, communication and health support to ADF units deployed throughout Malaysia and Singapore, including ADF activi-ties at Butterworth, Kuantan (eastern peninsu-lar Malaysia) and Paya Lebar (Singapore).

Deployed units such as 3SQN and the Army’s Rifle Company provided smooth operational support to the exercise.

“324CSS plays a significant role in support of ADF units deployed on exercise or transiting through Butterworth,” WGCDR Robinson said.

“Our dedicated staff provide essential local support including refuelling, medical facilities, air movements, force protection and logistics – without this support from 324CSS, exercises such as Bersama Padu would prove to be very challenging for deployed units.”

A number of augmentees from Australia deployed on the exercise in support of 324CSS tasks, including the provision of round-the-clock security operations, security patrols of the flightline, aviation medical and local administration.

324CSS supported the Australian National Command Element headquarters as a part of the exercise, as well as WGCDR Robinson being appointed as national commander of Bersama Padu 2010, which was a combined joint exercise involving more than 1100 Australian service men and women.

Outside of the exercise, the unit supports ADF personnel based at Butterworth includ-ing those serving at Land Command Liaison Section and Rifle Company Butterworth.

FLTLT Skye Smith

THE families of ADF members serving at RMAF Base Butterworth got an inside look at base opera-tions during Exercise Bersama Padu 2010.

Members from Butterworth’s ADF lodger units – 324 Combat Support Squadron, Integrated Area Defence System, 92WG Detachment A and the Army’s 2nd/30th Training Group – brought

their children to the base to show them where they work.

324CSS, commanded by WGCDR Ken Robinson, played host to the family day.

“The day was designed to for-mally recognise and acknowledge the support that our families pro-vide to all of us in enabling us to effectively do our jobs each day,” WGCDR Robinson said.

“Days like this remind us what a great job we have in the ADF and the pride we take in showing

this off to our supportive fami-lies.”

The family day visit included a trip to the hardstand for a fire truck display by the RMAF fire section.

A highlight for many of the chil-dren, though, was the opportunity to watch four of 3SQN’s F/A-18s taking off on an exercise mission before getting up close to a static display, with fighter pilot FLGOFF Paul Anderton.

Fifty-two members and 120 dependants are based at Butterworth.

324CSS steps up

VIGILANT: CPL Richard Kohn and SGT Jarrod Fairfield from 324 Combat Support Squadron’s force protection flight conduct security patrols at the 3SQN flightline during Exercise Bersama Padu 2010. Photos: CPL David Gibbs

BUSY: CPL Tai Ender and Mrs Letchmi Muniandy go over some purchase orders at RMAF Base Butterworth.

EXTRA SMILE: CPL Aaron Cant, a communications and information systems controller, at work.

Families seize the chance for inside look at Butterworth

LOOK, DAD: Above, FLTLT Dean Leck and 20-month-old Indah; right, Ethan and Aiden, sons of FSGT Les Plapp, have a close-up look at a visiting 3SQN F/A-18 during the family day. GREAT DAY: SGT Mark Robertson and his daughter Tahnee, 5, enjoy the fire truck display.

17NewsNovember 11, 2010RCEAIR FF

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WHO has been with the Australian Air Force Cadets (AAFC) for more than 10 years longer than it has been in existence?

The answer is No. 2 Wing AAFC’s SQNLDR (AAFC) Barry Lonergan and FLTLT (AAFC) Ken Brandes, who have completed 40 and 41 years respec-tively with the cadets.

Their combined service is longer than the AAFC and its precursor, the Air Training Corps (ATC), have existed. The organisation turns 70 next year.

Air Force honoured SQNLDR (AAFC) Lonergan’s service on October 24 when DCAF AVM Geoff Brown presented him with his Federation Star in recognition of 40 years continuous service with the AAFC.

FLTLT (AAFC) Brandes received his Federation Star in August last year.

For AVM Brown, the ceremony was something of a homecoming. He started his Air Force career as a member of the Toowoomba-based 210SQN (AAFC) and learned to glide with No. 2 Wing.

SQNLDR (AAFC) Lonergan and FLTLT (AAFC) Brandes both enlisted in the ATC in the 1960s and reached the rank of Cadet Under Officer. They enjoyed the experience so much, they decided to return as vol-unteer staff members, and are still going strong four decades later.

SQNLDR (AAFC) Lonergan said he was humbled to receive the award and that he loved volunteering his time to the AAFC.

“I have enjoyed every minute of my service in the AAFC. It is a wonderful youth development organisa-tion that gives young people an opportunity to learn self reliance, self discipline, and citizenship,” he said.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, OC No. 2 Wing WGCDR (AAFC) Ian Harding said he was proud the two had been recognised for their long ser-vice.

“In any organisation 40 years is a lot but in a vol-unteer organisation it's just phenomenal,” WGCDR Harding said.

“It's fantastic to have volunteers recognised with a Federation Star for their involvement, for which we are very grateful.”

Star cadetsStar cadets

Virtual C-17A handed overHEALTH Operational Conversion Unit (HOCU) will find Aero Medical Evacuation (AME) training simplified and more realistic after it recently received a C-17A AME simu-lator from Boeing Defence Australia (BDA).

HOCU is responsible for delivering AME training on both fixed and rotary-wing plat-forms but has found that increases in Air Force’s operational tempo has made access to the C-17A increasingly difficult.

The unit decided a simulator would help fill the gap and approached the Heavy Airlift Systems Program Office (HALSPO) for assis-tance. HALSPO in turn approached BDA who constructed, under contract, a replica section of the after end of the C-17A. It is 10m long, seven metres wide and three metres high.

It is fitted with litter stanchions and attach-ment points as well as replica patient services such as power and oxygen outlets.

The simulator will now meet many of HOCU’s requirements and reduce the impacts of its training requirements on 36SQN opera-tions.

SIM SIGN: CO HOCU WGCDR Sandra Riley signs the C-17A training simulator handover contract with the manager of the C-17A Logistics Management Unit, Stephen Finch. Photo: LACW Sandra Midson

SUPER SERVICE: From left, DCAF AVM Geoff Brown with SQNLDR (AAFC) Barry Lonergan and FLTLT (AAFC) Ken Brandes, who collectively have served 81 years with the cadets. Photo: FLTLT (AAFC) Michael Hyde

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19 FlightlineNovember 11, 2010RCEAIR FF

Your back-up

War Zone Cover Injury & Accident Insurance

This information is of a general nature only and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider your personal circumstances and the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) in deciding whether to acquire Injury & Accident Insurance. You may wish to seek independent advice. Defence Health Injury & Accident Insurance is underwritten by American Home Assurance Company ABN 67 007 483 267 AFSL 230903 incorporated with limited liability in the USA, trading in Australia as Chartis. Defence Health receives remuneration of 13% of premiums you pay to Chartis. The Financial Services Guide and PDS may be obtained by calling the Defence Health Member Service Centre on 1800 335 425 or downloaded from www.defencehealth.com.au

Accidents do happen. To make an injury less painful, take out Defence Health Injury & Accident Insurance.

You’ll be covered 24/7 wherever you are – including on deployment. It’s handy financial back-up until military compensation arrives.

You can also extend the cover to include accidental death. But you must take out this option 12 months before being deployed for cover in a war zone.

Try getting protection like that elsewhere! It’s easy to apply online for guaranteed and immediate cover. Visit www.defencehealth.com.au or call 1800 102 994.

THANKS ANDY: Right, in a ceremony in Canberra, CAF AIRMSHL Mark Binskin presents Andy Anderson with a CAF Commendation for his commitment, enthusiasm and outstanding performance as the Strategic Communications Adviser to CAF. Mr Anderson has been in the job for four years.Photo: FSGT John Carroll

SMILES AND STARLIGHT: Above, patient Tahlia Coghlan, 15, from Belmont got a surprise when pilots SQNLDR Jamie Riddell (right) and FLTLT Ben Foote from 2SQN at RAAF Base Williamtown visited the John Hunter Children’s Hospital at Newcastle to brighten the day of sick and injured children. The visit was organised in conjunction with the Starlight Foundation. “The children were very inspirational, and it was a very satisfying way to spend a couple of hours,” SQNLDR Riddell said. Photo: LAC Craig Barrett

SHIP HUNTING IN KOREA: Above, 11SQN AEAs WOFFs Brett Tassell (left) and Simon Koch familiarise themselves with the target ships used during Exercise Eastern Endeavour, held in South Korea recently. It was the first time a RAAF AP-3C had deployed to the country.

Photo: LAC Glynn Jones

PUPPY PRIDE: Above, CO 27SQN WGCDR Paul Aggett (right) presents MWD Ike and handler CPL James Notaras with the Canine Service Medal for five years’ service (equivalent to 35 years in dog years) and the War Dog Operational Medal for service in Afghanistan and East Timor. Ike was among several dogs from the RAAF Base Townsville MWD section to be recognised during the annual awards ceremony.

Photo: LAC George Koulakis

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FLTLT Skye Smith

THE BOND between current and previous generations of bomber squadrons was further strengthened on October 13 when the annual 82WG Associations’ Day was held at RAAF Base Amberley.

Three 1SQN members and two from 6SQN received acco-lades for their outstanding per-formance during 2010 on the day, which brought together 120 asso-ciation members from the Path Finder Force Association, 467/463 Squadrons' Association, Beaufighter and Boston Association (Qld), RAAF Beaufort Fraternity (Qld), Aircrew Association and the RAF Association.

A memorial service at the base front gate was followed by trophy presentations to the 82WG members.

OC 82WG GPCAPT Steve Roberton acknowledged the impor-tance of the commitment of associa-

Accolades for best of bombers SPECIAL DAY: 82WG Associations’ Day recipients with their trophies, from left, CPL Craig Meyerink, FLTLT Raymond Seville, FLTLT Dave Murphy, FLTLT Andrew Kloeden and CPL Tom O’Neil.Photos: LACW Kylie Gibson

MEMBERS of 77SQN were recog-nised for their outstanding perfor-mance when they received Air Com-mander Australia commendations recently.

Commander Air Combat Group AIRCDRE Mel Hupfeld presented the awards on behalf of ACAUST to SQNLDR Grant Burr, SGT Kerrie Hammond and CPL Jason Van Kraay.

SQNLDR Burr was commended for his outstanding performance as XO 77SQN.

SGT Hammond was recognised for her outstanding performance as

Leonie Gall

DEFENCE has taken out the Can-berra Public Sector Club Red Blood Challenge for the second time.

The victory was announced at the 2009/2010 Canberra Corporate and Community Donor Challenge Breakfast at Canberra’s Brassey Hotel on October 27.

Representatives from the public and private sectors, embassies and the community joined the Red Cross in celebrating the year’s biggest ACT blood donors in a range of catego-ries.

With 1096 donations, Defence outshone six-time Public Sector win-ner and biggest rival, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC), which ran second with 993 donations.

AIRCDRE Tracy Smart accept-ed Defence’s award on behalf of Commander Joint Health MAJGEN Paul Alexander.

AIRCDRE Smart said she thought there had always been a strong association between blood donating and the ADF.

“I think a lot of our members realise that it could be them needing

it one day or one of their mates, and that’s a good incentive to volunteer,” AIRCDRE Smart said.

“There were about a thousand donations and that sounds a lot but we’ve got a lot of Defence members in the Canberra region and I think we could do a lot better next year.

“We will continue to support the Australian Red Cross and we hope the Australian community will join us in increasing its commitment also.”

Defence Blood Drive Challenge organiser Gary Schulz was all smiles, thrilled with Defence’s Canberra win.

“I’m really happy and very appreciative of all the Defence per-sonnel, uniform and civilian, who have contributed to this proud day for blood donors,” Mr Schulz said.

You still have time to donate in this year’s Defence Blood Drive Challenge and get your service over the line by November 30.

AIRCDRE Smart has put out the challenge.

“I’d like to see the other servic-es take on Air Force and beat us at our own game, therefore raising the amount of blood donations.”

tion members to retaining a critical link to 82WG’s history.

“All of these associations were formed post-WWII and represent bomber squadrons, hence their close affiliation with 82WG,” he said.

“Originally the associations dis-played their banners, but over the

years stones have been laid at the front gate forming the memorial garden at Amberley.”

The Path Finder award, for the most outstanding aircrew member in their first operational tour, was won by FLTLT Andrew Kloeden of 6SQN.

FLTLT David Murphy of 1SQN and FLTLT Raymond Seville of 6SQN received the RAAF Beaufort Fraternity (QLD) award for their contribution to squadron flying operations during the year.

T h e 4 6 7 / 4 6 3 S q u a d r o n s ’ Association (QLD) award, for the best technical member under the age of 30 in a strike-related role, was claimed by CPL Tom O’Neil of 1SQN.

And the Beaufighter and Boston Association of Queensland Award, for the best airman employed in strike reconnaissance non-technical combat support duties, was won by CPL Craig Meyerink of 1SQN.

POIGNANT MOMENT: An Association member pays his respects at the memorial service.

Catch us if you can

Defence wins blood challenge

AIMING HIGHER: AIRCDRE Tracy Smart who accepted the award on behalf of Defence and issued a challenge for next year.

Photo: LAC Aaron Curran

Recognising top achievers from 77SQN

the SNCO at the squadron’s equip-ment section.

During Exercise Arnhem Thunder 2009, CPL Van Kraay demonstrated

outstanding initiative by assisting the Raytheon field representative trouble-shooting on an aircraft to rectify an obscure electronic warfare system fault.

HONOURED: SQNLDR Grant Burr, SGT Kerrie Hammond and CPL Jason Van Kraay with their commendations.

Photo: LACW Amy Trebilco

21 PersonnelNovember 11, 2010RCEAIR FF

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Rebecca Codey

DURING this month, all uniformed and civilian Air Force personnel will have a unique opportu-nity to comment on the occupational health and safety aspects of their workplace by participating in the online Safety Culture Snapshot survey.

As well as providing an assessment of current safety standards, culture and attitudes in each workplace, it will provide members the opportu-nity to submit their ideas on ways the service can improve its safety performance.

This will play a major role in improving the overall safety culture across Air Force.

The Directorate of Defence Aviation and Air Force Safety (DDAAFS) designed the survey and CAF AIRMSHL Mark Binskin approved and authorised it.

Safety culture is a reflection of the values, attitudes and behaviours of any organisation with regards to occupational health and safety. It is the single biggest driver for safety behaviour and, therefore, is directly related to the safety output of each unit or workplace and those who work there.

Known simply as “the way we do things around here”, safety culture has a direct impact on all areas of the Air Force and the ADF, from productivity to OHS performance and staff morale.

In a positive safety culture:� everyone in the organisation believes they

have a right to work in a safe and healthy envi-ronment;

� everyone takes responsibility for their OHS and that of others;

� supervisors and managers value the impor-tance of safety; and

� leadership behaviour and action demonstrate a commitment to health and safety.Consequently, the snapshot will provide a

relative measure of the current safety culture within the Air Force. It will provide a baseline of information for future analysis, and the informa-tion gained will offer insight into safety culture initiatives aimed at assisting in the reduction of incidents or accidents in the future.

The directorate stressed that the snapshot is a dynamic survey that is not only about simply collecting a range of statistics and data. A single response or comment can open the door to big improvement opportunities.

Programs focusing on crew resource manage-ment, maintenance resource management, fatigue management, shift rostering and reporting culture are examples of current efforts to improve safety culture.

DDAAFS is strongly encouraging all Air Force personnel to participate. The directorate

Snapshot onshot on safetetyy

HARNESSING OHS: CPL Piers New (left) and LAC Mark Foster of 37SQN carry out maintenance strapped on to a C-130J aircraft at RAAF Base Richmond. Photo: LACW Casey Gaul

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TWO recent directives from CDF ACM Angus Houston and Defence Secretary Ian Watt have been released to provide guidance on payroll remediation.

Joint Directive 001/2010 sets out the specific responsibilities of the ADF Payroll Remediation Task Force and provides direc-tion concerning procedural compliance with existing orders.

Joint Directive 012/2010 details the key responsibilities and accountabilities for the delivery of personnel and pay administration support to Defence personnel on operations and exercises – overseas or in Australia.

The new directives follow the establish-ment of the task force, which was announced by the Government on February 2.

The function of the task force will be to rectify current deficiencies in the ADF pay-roll system and to accelerate the introduction of an improved pay system.

It is developing the Payroll Assurance Framework (PAF) to enable more robust controls and to enforce greater visibility and accountability in payroll. It is expected payroll processes will be simplified, stand-ardised, optimised and synergised across the services.

The task force has initially focused on identifying and remediating process failures for deployed ADF members.

Since March 2010, it has undertaken and observed the following:

� More than 7000 records checked. The Task Force continues work with Joint Operations Command, the services and members to resolve issues.

� International Campaign Allowance (ICA) overpayments greater than $2000 trending down.

� Many previous overpayments due to administrative failures when ceasing mem-ber entitlements on return to Australia. Process gaps are being remediated.

� A payroll inspection team deployed in a monitoring and assurance role and to remediate process failures identified in the MEAO.

Take responsibility

Check your payEach individual has an obligation to

ensure pay and allowances paid each fort-night reflect their circumstances. Personnel are encouraged to check their salary variation authority regularly.

If you have a deployment pay issue, and are still deployed, contact your in-country or ship administration representative.

If you have returned from deployment and have a query regarding your deployment pay, you need to contact your administrative staff, or contact the nearest customer service centre in your location or by calling 1800 DEFENCE (1800 333 362).

Permission to inquireThe permission to inquire process

enables access to Privacy Act protected information (such as a member’s pay record) by third parties, such as a spouse or partner. Members are encouraged to complete the permission to inquire form (AD214) pr