AIR F RCE

Vol. 59, No. 18, October 5, 2017
The official newspaper of the Royal Australian Air Force
SGT Lucas Moro, a Loadmaster with
37SQN, on the ramp of a C-130J Hercules
during formation practice on the New
South Wales coast near Sydney.
Photo: CPL Oliver Carter

Windows of
opportunity as a
Loadmaster
 Page 11

TOP
JOB
FLTLT Fred Cassidy obituary – Page 2 Battle of Britain’s 77th – Pages 4-5
 2 News AIR F RCE October 5, 2017

AIR F RCE
Vol. 59, No. 18, October 5, 2017
The official newspaper of the Royal Australian Air Force
FLTLT Fred Cassidy (retd)
“sets the scene” as he
reads his account of the

SGT Lucas Moro, a Loadmaster with

37SQN, on the ramp of a C-130J Hercules

Battle of the Bismarck Sea

during formation practice on the New
South Wales coast near Sydney.
Photo: CPL Oliver Carter

during a commemorative
Windows of service at RAAF Base
opportunity as a Richmond in March this
Loadmaster year.
 Page 11
Photo: CPL Oliver Carter

FRED’s EULOGY
TOP WCGDR Marty Quirke, CO

JOB
30SQN, presented FLTLT Fred
Cassidy’s eulogy at the funeral
service. Here are extracts:
FLTLT Fred Cassidy obituary – Page 2 Battle of Britain’s 77th – Pages 4-5
“My enduring memory of him
will be at our squadron 75th

AIR F RCE
anniversary dinner, earlier this
year, at Sale. Fred was in glori-
ous form, regaling everyone. He
was the last to leave and even
then, I had to kick him out. But
Director just before then, there he sat;
quietly talking, surrounded by
David Edlington
four of my squadron members,
Editor still wanting to communicate the
history, still needing to ensure
Lawrence Dutrieux: (02) 6266 7612 the significance of the squad-
Reporters ron’s role was understood. And
WO2 Andrew Hetherington they were listening intently and
CPL Bill Solomou hanging on his every word.
CPL Max Bree “That night was said to have
CPL Mark Doran put another year on his life …
CPL Sebastian Beurich well, not quite old mate.”
“Finally, I would like to con-
clude with some of Fred’s own
CONTACT US words, which I think sums up
raafnews@defencenews.gov.au this truly great Australian.”
The Editor, Air Force News, “The message I would like to
R8-LG-047, PO Box 7909,
Department of Defence, ACT 2600 FLTLT Fred Cassidy (retd) obituary give people is believe in your-
self, don’t try to be anything else

‘A truly great
www.defence.gov.au/news/raafnews but pleasant or decent and do
the best you can and roll with
Fax: (02) 6265 6690 the punches. That’s the way I’ve
tried to treat life.
“Just don’t try to be anything
ADVERTISING and more than you are, it will come
SUBSCRIPTIONS to you, things happen, they hap-

Australian’
Marketing Manager
Tim Asher: ( 07) 3332 7651 or
0459 842 551
Assistant Marketing Manager
Pam Clarke: (02) 6265 2427
advertising@defencenews.gov.au
subscriptions1@defencenews.gov.au
CPL Bill Solomou
DISCLAIMER AIR FORCE lost a distinguished
Air Force News is published fortnightly by the
member of its family on September 5
with the passing of FLTLT Frederick
Directorate of Defence News. It is printed under
contract by Horton Media Australia Ltd. The
Cassidy (retd) at 94.
Hundreds of mourners paid their
material published is selected for its interest. The
views expressed in published articles are not last respects to Fred at his funeral on
necessarily those of Defence or Air Force News. September 13 when a C-27J Spartan
Every advertisement is subject to Directorate of tipped its wings in a symbolic fare-
Defence News approval and the Directorate of well to one of our own.
Fred was born on January 1923
Defence News may, at its discretion, refuse to
accept an advertisement. The Directorate accepts in Carlton, NSW. He enlisted in the
no responsibility or liability in relation to any loss RAAF as an 18-year-old – in fact his
due to the failure of an advertisement to appear father, enlisted on the same day, but
or if it appears in a form not in accordance with with the Army.
the instructions received by the Directorate of
Fred trained as a wireless opera-
Defence News. Defence does not endorse the
tor, navigator, air gunman and a
products or services published in advertisements.
specialist navigator on a Beaufighter
posted to No. 30 Squadron.
He completed two tours with No.
30 and one with 93 Squadron, before
discharging from the Air Force in
December 1945.
Fred was one of the last surviving
RAAF aircrew to participate in the
Battle of the Bismarck Sea.
In March 1943, 100 Allied air-
AirForce.gov.au
craft coordinated a mass strike on a
Japanese troop convoy sailing in the
Bismarck Sea, an engagement that
facebook.com/
effectively secured the New Guinea
RoyalAustralianAirForce land campaign for the Allies and
sealed off any remaining threat to the
Australian mainland.
youtube.com/AirForceHQ In the past, Fred had said one of
his greatest experiences was the bat-
twitter.com/@Aus_AirForce tle of the Bismarck Sea.
“We sank, together with the
Americans, 10 transport ships and
twitter.com/DeptDefence six destroyers. These were supplying
the Japanese military after they had
been turned back at Kokoda,” Fred
said.
“They were determined to get
back to Port Moresby, and when we
sank that convoy, the Japanese didn’t
have the equipment or men to con-
tinue their assault on Port Moresby.”
Fred said the operation was not
routine: “It wasn’t going to be easy.
We had never strafed, I personally
don’t think 30SQN had. We’d never
consistently or deliberately attacked
the Japanese navy; we certainly
attacked their installations and their
shipping.”
The Battle of the Bismarck Sea
was one of the greatest turning
points in the war, from there on the
Japanese were on the back foot.
Fred conducted most of his train-
ing at Point Cook and he always
loved flying.
He established a great bond with
his pilot crew-mate Moss Morgan
that lasted more than 50 years.
Fred and his best mate Moss
named their aircraft ‘Wendy-Joy’
after their wives.
Fred and Moss had a pre-flight
ritual that would make any airman
laugh today.
“Before we took off on an opera-
tion we used to go and have a leak on
the tail wheel, both of us,” he said.
“They used to call us Thunder
and Lightning, because he was dark
and I was sort of gingery in colour.”
His marriage to Wendy would
last for more than 70 years, but she
passed away in 2015.
After the war, Fred returned to
start his life with Wendy and estab-
lish his family. He returned to the tax
department and studied accountancy,
later becoming an inspector.
He went into private industry as a
marketing director and owned a pub
for a while with his brother.
Fred’s legacy resides on Lake
Burley Griffin in Canberra, where he
worked for many years to establish
the National Library.
Fred had a love for community
and was very active in a range of
organisations. But his greatest pas-
sion in this sense was for the 30SQN
(Beaufighter) Association, of which
he was president for 17 years.
He worked tirelessly to ensure
the WWII history of this unit was
maintained and promoted and in par-
ticular, he sought to ensure the sig-
nificance of the victory in the Battle
of the Bismarck Sea achieved its
rightful place alongside the Kokoda
campaign, Milne Bay, the Coral Sea
and Guadalcanal in considering the
overall Battle for Australia.
He was a thorn in the side of
many a Director of the Australian
War Memorial in his attempts to
have a Beaufighter placed on display
in the museum. But most of all, he
just loved being around his 30SQN
mates and their families. He organ-
ised events and social outings and
was always there to assist anyone.
For these efforts, he was awarded
an OAM in 2007.
He was the loved father of Susan
and Simon (deceased). Caring broth-
er of Alan (deceased) and Betty.
pen whether you like it or not,
but my message to everybody
is do your best and don’t try to
turn the world over for you own
purposes. Hard to express but
I would just like to think we all
could hug each other and get on
with things.”
A SPECIAL
FRIEND
PATRON of the 30 Squadron
Association, AVM Bob Rogers,
who could not attend the ser-
vice, reflects of Fred’s life:
“Fred was much more than
the President of 30 Squadron
Association; to me he was a
long-time family friend and
acquaintance. My father and
Fred were born in the same
street in Bexley and were
friends as young boys.”
“It was serendipity that
brought us together in 1993,
when we all went to Port
Moresby and Madang for the
50th anniversary of the Battle of
the Bismarck Sea.
“That trip forged our long
friendship and also enlightened
me to the other Fred Cassidy, a
man who gave so much of his
life to looking after the interests
of others.”
AVM Rogers said Fred
was always in the vanguard to
ensure the memorials of those
who served in 30SQN would not
be forgotten.
“We should all be proud, as
in the final words of the well-
known verse: Our Country is
mourning, for an airman died
today.”

Living the Air Force Values: RESPECT – EXCELLENCE – AGILITY – DEDICATION – INTEGRITY – TEAMWORK
 AIR F RCE October 5, 2017
FLTLT Julia Ravell and
CAPT Ralph Huynh
EXPEDITIONERS at Australia’s
Davis Station in Antarctica are
enjoying fresh fruit and vegetables
and mail from home after a suc-
cessful air-to-air refuelling high
above the Southern Ocean.
In an Air Force first, a No. 36
Squadron C-17A Globemaster was
refuelled over the sub-Antarctic by
a No. 33 Squadron KC-30A Multi-
Role Tanker Transport, enabling
the C-17 to make the 10,000 kilo-
metre round-trip non-stop.
The flight on September 19 was
also the first supply delivery direct-
ly to Vestfold Hills near Davis
Station, saving Davis staff consid-
erable time and effort in retrieving
its nine-tonne load.
C-17 pilot FLT LT Ju st i n
McFadden said the flight and sup-
ply drop both went smoothly.
“We refuelled about three
hours into the flight at an alti-
tude of 22,000 feet and a speed
of 500 kilometres per hour. This
allowed us to continue the remain-
ing four hours to Davis for the air-
drop and return to Hobart,” FLTLT
McFadden said.
“Nearing the drop zone, we
Australian Antarctic Division personnel mark out the drop zone on the sea ice in front of
Davis Station.
descended to 5000 feet and slowed
to about 270 kilometres per hour,
before deploying 15 pallets of
cargo in padded containers, each
weighing about 700kg,” he said.
The airdrop included fresh
food, medical supplies and mail for
the 17 expeditioners who had spent
the past six months wintering at the
station.
“We hope in the future that this
capability will allow us to pre-
position equipment and supplies
for station and science projects
before the shipping season starts,
so it’s all ready to go when the
first summer expeditioners arrive,”
Australian Antarctic Division
future concepts manager Matt
Filipowski said.
Commanding Officer 9th Force
Support Battalion (9FSB) LTCOL
Andy Harrison-Wyatt said the mis-
sion exemplified the diverse range
of weather and environments that
could be supported by aerial deliv-
ery.
“This is a reinforcement of
the strategic importance of aerial
delivery as a capability,” LTCOL
Harrison-Wyatt said.
“We look forward to work-
ing closely with the Australian
Antarctic Division (AAD) in the
future.”
News 3
A C-17A Globemaster III airdrops
supplies to Australia’s Davis research
station in Antarctica.
Photos: Barry Becker, Australian Antarctic Division
Davis drop
delivers
With no air dispatcher on the
ground to receive and recover the
supplies, members of 9FSB’s 176
Air Dispatch Squadron not only
ensured loads survived but also that
aerial delivery equipment was well
managed after the drop.
9FSB’s ongoing support for
scientific research in Antarctica
included a delivery of 8000 litres
of aviation fuel last summer.
176SQN air dispatcher LCPL
Mikayla Wray said the mission was
a valuable test for her ground crew.
“It is not every day that the air
dispatchers of 176 AD SQN are
given the opportunity to demon-
strate their skills in support of an
operational air drop mission of this
type,” LCPL Wray said.
“Operation Southern Discovery
allowed us to demonstrate our
capability to deliver supplies suc-
cessfully into the Australian
Antarctic Territory. Davis Station chef Kerryn Oates can’t wait to unpack a box of fresh lemons.
“It was a valuable training
evolution that exposed our crew
to innovative ideas when rigging
loads that are outside the realm of
normal day-to day training.”
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 4 News AIR F RCE October 5, 2017

We must,
LACW Elena Lipcan, of Australia’s
Federation Guard, at the Cenotaph
in Hobart during the Battle of
Britain commemoration.

we will,
remember
them

FLGOFF Belinda Scott
THE heroics of our WWII airmen
Battle of Britain Planning Committee chairman AVM Peter Scully (retd) were honoured by representatives
speaks at the Commemoration of the 77th anniversary of the Battle of of the ADF, RAAF Association
Britain at Queens Domain, Hobart. and No. 29 Squadron, who com-
memorated the 77th anniversary of
the Battle of Britain on September
16-17 in Hobart.
IN At a National Commemoration
VE D
“It’s important for us to continue
to recognise the critical role airmen
played during the Second World
War, particularly during the air bat-
tles to defend Great Britain in 1940.
They fought with gallantry and dis-
tinction.
“The Commonwealth countries
produced some of the best fighter
pilots including Tasmanian FLTLT
performed their high-level flying
display at the conclusion of the
service. Onlookers also enjoyed a
Harvard Trainer warbird fly-past
and display over the Derwent River.
On September 16, the Anglican
Dean of Hobart, Reverend Richard
Humphrey, conducted the Battle of
Britain Remembrance Service at St
David’s Cathedral, Hobart. Guests

DHOAS
S T E FE and Wreath Laying Ceremony Stuart Crosby Walch.” included Tasmanian Governor
M N on September 17, DCAF AVM The commemoration, held at the Prof Kate Warner, DCAF AVM
E N CE
T F Gavin Turnbull paid tribute to Hobart Cenotaph, attracted record Turnbull, COS-AFHQ AIRCDRE
S P OR
EC C the Australians who participated numbers with nearly 300 Hobart Kathryn Dunn, WOFF-AF Robert
IA E in the courageous effort to defeat locals present to remember the fall- Swanwick, ADF members and for-

VS. RA
LI
ST Germany.
S “The Battle of Britain is a sig-
nificant part of Air Force’s histo-
ry. In the summer and autumn of
1940, the Royal Air Force fought
a prolonged battle in the defence
en and honour those who served.
Air Force cadets welcomed
special guests and dignitaries,
the Air Force Band provided cer-
emonial hymns and the catafalque
party from Australia’s Federation
eign defence force dignitaries.
Air Force cadets marched in the
colours while the Air Force Band
played an Air Force hymn during
the service. The anniversary recog-
nitions continued into the evening

Which Benefit is best for

of Britain against an experienced Guard presented arms at the Hobart with a dining-in night.
and numerically superior German Cenotaph as the Last Post played. During the Battle of Britain, one

your circumstances?
Luftwaffe,” AVM Turnbull said.
“The battle was the first major
campaign to be fought entirely by
Speak with a Financial air forces, and was in response to
Planner that Specialises in the largest and most sustained aerial
bombing campaign to that date.
Defence Benefits.
At the commencement of the
service, a three-ship Hawk 127 (one
79SQN and two 76SQN) formation
flew over the cenotaph at Queens
Domain.
The Roulettes aerobatic team
fifth of Fighter Command’s air-
crew came from overseas with 16
nations represented in its squadrons.
Of the 450 Australians serving with
the RAF at the time, 35 flew with
Fighter Command during the battle.

DCAF AVM
Gavin Turnbull
addresses
a gathering
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 AIR F RCE October 5, 2017 News 5

Battle of Britain: a
key turning point
In 1940, the Royal Air Force and the German Luftwaffe fought the
world’s first decisive air campaign. This battle would change the
course of WWII and with it the course of history, Peter Devitt writes

A bugler plays the Last Post during the commemoration
of the 77th anniversary of the Battle of Britain at the
Hobart Cenotaph. Photos: CPL Veronica O’Hara
B
Y mid-June 1940, Poland,
Norway, Holland, Belgium and
France had been conquered
by Hitler’s Germany, leaving
only Britain and her Empire undefeated.
As prime minister Winston Churchill
refused to contemplate surrender, the
German leader ordered the preparation
of a cross-Channel invasion: Operation
Sealion. However, Sealion could not
be launched until the Luftwaffe had
first won air superiority over southern
England.
Hermann Goering, the Luftwaffe’s
commander, was confident of victory
and could call on 3200 aircraft organ-
ised in three huge air fleets based in
France, the Low Countries and Norway.
In contrast, RAF Fighter Command, led
by ACM Sir Hugh Dowding, possessed
only 700 fighters, including 600 high-
performance Hurricanes and Spitfires.
Fortunately, ACM Dowding had created
an advanced air defence system, incor-
porating a chain of radar stations and
an efficient communications network,
which allowed him to conserve his out-
numbered squadrons. This system divid-
ed Britain into four regional ‘Groups’,
and AVM Keith Park’s 11 Group,
defending London and the south-east,
would bear the brunt of the fighting.
The battle began in early July with
German attacks on Channel convoys
and ports. Having probed the defences,
Hitler on August 1 ordered the rapid
defeat of the RAF prior to the launch
of Sealion, now set for September 15.
The Luftwaffe sought to overwhelm
Fighter Command in the air and on the
ground; and from August 13, or Eagle
Day, 11 Group’s airfields in the south-
east were the main target. The RAF
responded well, destroying 75 enemy
aircraft on August 15 alone, but the
onslaught continued. Between August
24 and September 6, Park’s airfields
and communications network were
severely damaged and 300 Hurricanes
and Spitfires were lost. Worryingly,
230 pilots had been killed or wounded
and there were insufficient trained
replacements. With the pilots of 11
Group exhausted, aircraft reserves low
and Fighter Command apparently on
the verge of defeat, the Germans then
changed tactics.
Impatient to see the RAF beaten,
and angered by British raids on Berlin,
Hitler ordered attacks on London. On
September 7, 300 German bombers,
escorted by 600 fighters, raided the
capital causing serious damage and
leaving 400 civilian dead. Further pun-
ishing attacks followed, but with the
change of target, pressure was taken
off 11 Group’s airfields, allowing the
RAF to regroup and recover. The raids
on London were also easier to track and
the defending squadrons, now includ-
ing those of 12 Group to the north, had
more time to intercept. On September
15, the Luftwaffe launched two mas-
sive raids on London, but both were
fiercely repulsed by the RAF pilots
who shot down 60 aircraft. It was clear
the Luftwaffe would not defeat Fighter
Command in time for an invasion that
year, and two days later Hitler post-
poned Sealion indefinitely.
The German raids on Britain con-
tinued, and the night Blitz, lasting into
May 1941, would cause widespread
destruction and over 40,000 deaths.
Nevertheless, the Battle of Britain had
been won by the RAF in the fighting
over London in September 1940. Fighter
Command’s decisive victory represented
the first check to Hitler’s ambitions for
world domination. It also ensured that
Britain would survive as a rallying point
and strategic base from which the inva-
sion and eventual liberation of Europe
could be launched.
Before the Battle, the Luftwaffe had
enjoyed great success supporting the
German Army, but it was not capable
of fighting a strategic campaign against
Britain. The German Air Force was
also poorly led, and hampered through-
out by confused objectives and faulty
intelligence. ACM Dowding’s Fighter
Command was, in comparison, effi-
ciently organised, well-equipped and
operationally flexible, and his brave and
highly motivated pilots had justified
faith in his leadership. The RAF’s vic-
tory over the Luftwaffe was perhaps not
as narrow as it may once have appeared.
This an extract from a First Day Cover insert
commissioned by the UK’s Royal Mail to com-
memorate the 75th anniversary of the Battle of
Britain. The extract is reproduced for History
and Heritage Branch – Air Force with permis-
sion from its author, Peter Devitt, Assistant
Curator Royal Air Force Museum, and the
Royal Mail.

Inspector-General of the
Australian Defence Force
CALL FOR INFORMATION ABOUT RUMOURS OF POSSIBLE
BREACHES OF THE LAWS OF ARMED CONFLICT IN AFGHANISTAN
The Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force (IGADF) is
conducting an Inquiry into rumours of possible breaches of the Laws of
Armed Conflict by members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF)
in Afghanistan, between 2005 and 2016.
The Inquiry would like anyone who has information regarding possible
breaches of the Laws of Armed Conflict by Australian forces in
Afghanistan, or rumours of them, to contact the Inquiry.
Phone: 1800 993 019
Email: IGADF.1716@defence.gov.au
Post: IGADF Inquiry 1716, BP25-4, Brindabella Park,
PO Box 7924, CANBERRA BC ACT 2610
The Inquiry is being conducted in private. Arrangements can be made
for the identity of persons providing information to be protected and kept
confidential and for information to be received in-person.
The IGADF is a statutory office holder, and the Inquiry is independent of
the ADF chain of command.
If this notice has raised concerns for you or someone you know, you can
Foreign defence force dignitaries present for the 77th anniversary of the Battle of Britain contact the Defence Family Helpline on 1800 624 608.
commemoration: the Air Attache for the United States Embassy, LTCOL Gary Miller; the Defence Public submissions will close at 5pm, Friday, 3 November 2017.
Attache to Australia and New Zealand at the Embassy for Germany, CMDR (German Navy) Markus
Rehbein; the Defence Attache for Australia and New Zealand for the Netherlands, LTCOL (Air Force)
Elmar Hermans; the Defence Counsel for Australia and New Zealand, High Commission of Canada,
COL Ron Ubbens; the Defence Adviser for New Zealand, New Zealand Air Force, GPCAPT Carol
DPS: JUN028-17
Abraham; the Naval and Air Adviser of the British High Commission, WGCDR Jon Hough; and the
Defence Military, Naval and Air Attache for the Armed Forces of Poland, COL Leszek Stomka.
 6 News AIR F RCE October 5, 2017

Legatee Kirsty Morrison balances on a log river crossing with the help of Junior Legatee Benjamin Scott and his mentor, WGCDR David Shepherd, hike in the early morning
local porters during the Legacy Kokoda Challenge 17. through the hills of the Kokoda Trail.

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 AIR F RCE
Trail tests
young hearts
and minds
Junior Legatees push themselves to the limit on the Kokoda
Trail with help of ADF mentors, LEUT Sarah West reports
E
IGHT days after stepping
off from the village of
Kokoda, a group of Junior
Legatees and their ADF
mentors crossed the finish line at
Owers’ Corner, exhausted, having
trekked 96km through the mountain-
ous jungle regions of the Papua New
Guinea highlands.
The trek along the iconic
Kokoda Trail was part of the
Legacy Australia initiative ‘Legacy
Australia Kokoda Challenge’, which
paired serving members with young
Australians from Defence families
from their region who had lost a
parent.
The serving member mentored
the Junior Legatee to help prepare
them mentally and physically and
then trekked the trail with them.
Since March, the 23 Legatees
and their 17 Army, Navy and Air
Force mentors have trained together
on mountains around Australia.
At the end of August, they con-
centrated in Brisbane and travelled
to Papua New Guinea, where on
September 9 – as a team – they con-
quered Kokoda.
Air Force Mentor, FLTLT
Lieutenant Dee Cherry, said being
on the Kokoda Trail made the histo-
ry of the World War Two campaign
come alive and taught her things
about herself she’ll carry with her
through her life.
“It’s one thing to research
something and read about it back in
Australia, but it’s another thing to
come to the place where they would
have done their actions – you can
visualise it better,” FLTLT Cherry
said.
“We have instances in our lives
where we doubt ourselves and our
abilities. So, to reflect back on this
and realise ‘I trekked Kokoda, it was
difficult, it was probably one of the
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October 5, 2017
most physically difficult things that
I have ever done, but I was able to
get through that’ – that’s something
that will get me through in tough
times.”
Junior Legatee Emmelyne
Jackson said the local porters and
guides were invaluable on the trek.
“They looked after us and made
sure that we were okay,” Emmelyne
said.
“If we were struggling they
understood and stopped to make
sure we were alright, to make sure
we got to the other end,”
Junior Legatee Danielle Smith
said it was really meaningful to do
Kokoda with the ADF mentors.
“The Junior Legatees got along
with them so well, we kind of have
that connection with the forces, so
it was good to have them watch-
ing over us – just like our parents
would have done if they were here,”
Danielle said.
Defence Contingent Commander
MAJ Phil Whitehead said it meant
a lot to the group of ADF members
to support the Legacy youth on their
Kokoda journey.
“Every one of the soldiers, sail-
ors, airmen and officers involved in
the Legacy Kokoda Challenge feel
incredibly privileged to have accom-
panied these special young people
on such an important and reflective
journey through one of the most
iconic battlefields in Australian mili-
tary history,” MAJ Whitehead said.
“Equally, we feel proud of the
achievement of the group and the
teamwork they demonstrated to
complete the gruelling trek, which
is a significant milestone in all of
our lives.”
“Most importantly, the time we
spent with the Legacy Youth was
meaningful and we acknowledge the
important work of Legacy in helping
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News 7
Above: Participants of the Legacy Kokoda Challenge 17 at Naduri in Papua
New Guinea. Below: Legatee Emmelyne Jackson is guided over a water
crossing on the track. 
Photos: CPL Steve Duncan
the families of fallen Defence mem-
bers thrive despite adversity.”
The Legacy Kokoda Challenge
coincided with Legacy Week in
Australia, which highlights the
important work Legacy does to sup-
port Defence families following the
death of a spouse or a parent, during
or after their ADF service.
Legacy Australia Chairman Tony
Ralph said it was significant that the
Junior Legatees were able to com-
plete the challenging and emotional
journey with their ADF mentors.
“Veterans mentoring Legacy
youth reflects the true spirit of
Legacy,” Mr Ralph said.
“By bringing these young adults
and serving veterans together during
Legacy Week we are fostering the
qualities of leadership, resilience,
courage, initiative, respect and
teamwork.”
“Whether on deployment, peace-
keeping, peace enforcing or disaster
relief, the bottom line is when a
member of the ADF goes to work,
there is always a real risk they may
not return.
“And if they do, it may not be in
the same state as when they left.”
“Our ADF mentors have wit-
nessed what Legacy is prepared to
do if the worst were to happen dur-
ing their ADF service.”
In the year marking the 75th
anniversary of the WWII Kokoda
Airtax.
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of local porters and guides, over-
came the mud, sweat and tears of Simple tax for ADF members.
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They honoured the legacy of Lodge your income tax on your mobile
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 8 News
A ‘wheelie’ good cause
WO2 Andrew Hetherington
CANBERRA Defence motorcy-
clists converged on Russell Offices
on September 22 to show off their
marvellous, metallic bikes to raise
awareness and money for prostate
cancer research and to promote the
2017 Long Ride around Tasmania.
More than 70 riders entered their
bikes in the Show and Shine event,
which included representatives from
the three services and the Defence
APS, and excellent support from a
number of Canberra businesses.
The activity raised more than
$3000, but more importantly, it
got many people out of the offices
to enjoy the bikes and raise their
awareness of prostate cancer.
WGCDR Paul Connor, national
coordinator for Defence participants
in the Long Ride, said more than
150 Defence personnel were expect-
ed to participate in the annual fund-
raiser and health-awareness event
held from October 13-20.
“Personnel will be riding down
to Melbourne to board the Spirit of
Tasmania ferry from as far away
as Darwin, Western Australia and
Queensland,” WGCDR Connor said.
“The ride in Tasmania will move
around the island in an anti-clock-
wise loop totalling around 1000km,
but with many opportunities for side
trips to engage with local communi-
ties.”
Defence typically raises about
$150,000 each year as part of
the ride for the Prostate Cancer
Foundation of Australia.
“After the ride finishes on
October 19, a lot of us will be
attending the Moto Grand Prix at
Philip Island on October 21-22, as it
has designated the PCFA as the offi-
cial charity,” WGCDR Connor said.
“We have a larger raffle than
usual this year and about 50 Defence
riders will attend the race, shaking
cans, selling raffle tickets and raising
the awareness of prostate cancer and
men’s health.
“By being associated with the
event it will dramatically increase
our reach for raising awareness, and
hopefully enable a larger amount of
funds to be raised this year for the
charity. This will hopefully continue
for a couple of years into the future.”
CDF ACM Mark Binskin, who
judged the winning bikes at the
Show and Shine event, encouraged
Defence personnel to get involved
either on a bike or to donate money
to the PCFA charity.
“The Long Ride supports the
Prostate Cancer Foundation of
Australia, which is about reduc-
ing the impact of the disease on our
community,” ACM Binskin said.
“Prostate cancer affects a lot of
people. If you think about it, there
are 8000 men in Defence today who
will be affected by the cancer in
their life time.
“It is a significant number of
AIR F RCE October 5, 2017
people and that’s why Defence needs
to do its share to educate and raise National coordinator for Defence
the awareness of the disease and participants in the Long Ride, WGCDR
Paul Connor, expects 150 Defence
funds to help the charity.”
personnel to enter this year’s event.
WGCDR Connor will be one of  Photo: WO2 Andrew Hetherington
Air Force’s representatives riding
anti-clockwise around Tasmania.
He will be riding his KTM 1190
Adventure bike with an 1195cc
engine pumping out 110kW of
power and 125Nm of torque.
“My first long ride was last year
to Margaret River on my KTM
and I’ll ride it again this year to
Tasmania,” WGCDR Connor said.
“It’s the type of bike which can
do everything, it’s really comfort-
able, on the ride last year across the
Nullarbor Plain I had it loaded with
luggage and when I wanted to go off
onto a side road it would do it.”
WGCDR Connor will not be the
only rider on his bike during the
ride.
“My wife Lynelle will be flying
down to Launceston and I’ll pick
her up, take her on the lap of the
island, drop her back at the airport
and she’ll fly back to Canberra,” he
said.
“She loves riding on the back of
the bike and we are really looking
forward to the experience.”
To make a donation to the PCFA charity
visit http://pcfafundraising.org.au/event/
thelongride2017
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 AIR F RCE October 5, 2017
SGT Lucas Moro, a Loadmaster
with 37SQN, on the ramp of a
C-130J Hercules during formation
practice on the New South Wales
coast near Sydney.
Photo: CPL Oliver Carter
With a view to a thrill
F
EW workplaces have a view quite like the one
enjoyed by SGT Lucas Moro.
A Loadmaster with No. 37 Squadron, SGT
Moro starts his working day shortly before sun-
rise at RAAF Base Richmond’s flightline.
His “office” is the cargo compartment of a C-130J
Hercules – a 100m3 space that Defence has used to carry
everything from a polar bear to humanitarian supplies for
airdrop.
Today, the mission is airdrop practice to a drop zone
in Sydney’s western suburbs, a task which begins with
a manual reconfiguring of the Hercules’ cargo compart-
ment.
“There’s a lot of work involved with being a
Loadmaster; like showing up three hours before a task to
rig the aircraft for an airdrop; or you might be working
in 100 per cent humidity in Papua New Guinea, loading
vehicles to fly up to the highlands,” SGT Moro said.
The load today – prepared by Army’s 176 Air
Dispatch Squadron – is a combination of light equipment
boxes and Container Delivery System that can deliver
anything between 7kg and a tonne.
“It’s good training for us – we can deliver anything
up to loads like an inflatable boat or a bulldozer,” SGT
Moro said.
Generations of Hercules crews have practised this
role for nearly 60 years, although SGT Moro is a rela-
tive newcomer after making the switch to become a
Loadmaster in 2015.
He initially joined the Air Force in 2007, and has
already witnessed aviation history by working on the
F-111 swing-wing strike jet prior to its retirement in
2010.
It was while working on the F/A-18F Super Hornet
that SGT Moro felt the need to explore his next Air
Force career.
“I’d had very limited exposure to Loadmasters – I’d
seen them while travelling on C-17As and C-130s, but
had little understanding about the work that they did,”
SGT Moro said.
“I soon felt like I needed a career change, and a new
challenge.
“I wanted to stay working on aircraft, so Loadmaster
seemed like a good option.”
He spoke to Loadmasters at RAAF Base Amberley,
and undertook a week-long familiarisation in the role at
RAAF Base Richmond.
After being selected for training in 2015, he was
required to undergo promotion courses as well as
Combat Survival Training and lessons in Aviation
Medicine.
He completed the six-month Loadmaster Initial
Qualification course in late 2015, and was posted to
37SQN.
“We graduate with a Category D qualification, so
Feature 11
LIFE IN
THE RAAF
we’re not qualified to carry passengers and cargo with-
out another qualified Loadmaster,” SGT Moro said.
“New Loadmasters have a journal in which we In our series profiling our people,
record on-the-job training and on-the-job experience,
and will work towards a Category D (without restric- Eamon Hamilton meets a
tion) qualification.”
They then continue to develop their experience and Loadmaster who believes the
progress through to Category C and further, as well as
other qualifications such as Loadmaster Instructor or
role is packed with potential
Checker.
Although his career is still young, SGT Moro said
he’d enjoyed his experiences so far.
“I deployed to the Middle East in early 2017, and
had an opportunity to fly to Iraq, Afghanistan, and the
Sinai Desert,” SGT Moro said.
“Going to the Middle East rates as one of the high-
lights of this job so far – even if you’re just moving
cargo around, you’re supporting bases in theatre.
“We’re bringing people back for their leave or return
to Australia, and if you’re carrying someone whose
spent six months in Iraq, then they’re definitely looking
forward to going home.”
The Hercules affords Loadmasters an excellent
view, which makes them an essential look-out during
missions to frontline airfields.
That “view” of their environment is growing, with
the Hercules fleet being fitted with modern communi-
cations and awareness systems.
The upgrades will give Loadmasters greater aware-
ness of a modern battlespace, especially as they con-
duct new roles such as ground refuelling helicopters,
and airdropping GPS-guided cargo.
“I’m interested to see how far we go with the
Hercules, and what technology we bring to the air-
craft,” SGT Moro said.
“As the Hercules evolves, I think the Loadmasters Do you love the thrill of Aircraft?
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 12 Centrepiece AIR F RCE October 5, 2017 13
Unity helps form lasting bonds SQNLDR Ron Rankin (second from right)

KEEPING
on the 38th Parallel June 23, 1950 – two
days after this picture was taken, North
Korean forces invaded the south.
SGT Dave Morley
SQNLDR Dane
FORGING friendships with personnel from Robinson in South
Australia and other nations was the most Sudan on Operation
memorable aspect of a deployment to South Aslan.
Sudan on Operation Aslan, according to one
Air Force officer.

THE PEACE
SO2 Cadets at ADFA SQNLDR Dane
Robinson deployed as the 2IC of the J1 Cell,
with the rank of FLTLT, to Force Headquarters
UNMISS for seven months from November
2012 to May 2013.
He said the J1 team consisted of staff
officers from Mongolia, Norway, Romania,
Rwanda, India, Nepal, South Korea, China,
Kenya, Cambodia and Australia.
“We were responsible for the personal
administration of the military members of
the mission, about 7000 personnel, compris-
ing soldiers and staff officers,” SQNLDR
Robinson said.
“I still keep in touch with many of these
people and have visited them while on holi-
days overseas.”
SQNLDR Robinson said one thing he
learnt from his deployment was patience.
“The UN is a massive machine with layers
of bureaucracy,” he said.
SQNLDR Robinson attended the
Governor-General GEN Sir Peter Cosgrove’s
(retd) reception for peacekeepers following
the unveiling of a new memorial in Canberra
on September 14.
He said the design of the memorial was
striking and would become the focal point for
ceremonies and other peacekeeping remem-
brance activities.
“It’s important to have this memorial
to commemorate the significant Australian
peacekeeping contribution, not just for mili-
tary personnel, but for the police and civilians
who have served on these missions as well,”
SQNLDR Robinson said.

Patience the best virtue


See video footage at:
http://video.defence.
gov.au/play/5362#

Following the unveiling of a new memorial in Canberra on September 14, we look at how Air
Force personnel have played an integral role in UN peacekeeping operations for the past 70
years. RAAF historian Martin James reveals how we have been there from the very start

SGT Dave Morley
FRIENDSHIPS formed and cemented
through unique shared experiences and
challenges was the standout feature of
one peacekeeper’s two deployments to
Timor Leste.
Deputy Director Strategic Issues
Management - Air Force WGCDR Lara
Gunn said these friendships and bonds
had stood the test of time.
“We have seen and supported each
other while at our best, worst and most
challenged,” she said.
WGCDR Gunn deployed to Timor
Leste for eight months in 2000 on
Operation Warden, which transitioned
Deputy Director Strategic Issues
Management - Air Force WGCDR
Lara Gunn completed two deploy-
ments to Timor Leste.
into Operation Tanager (INTERFET to could be overcome by being polite,
UNTAET) while she was there. patient and persistent.”
As a FLGOFF, WGCDR Gunn was WGCDR Gunn deployed to Timor-
pharmacist-in-charge of the UN Military Leste again in 2003 for three months on
Hospital Pharmacy in Dili and OIC Operation Citadel, this time as a FLTLT.
of the Logistics FLT, which included As OIC Health Logistics Unit, sta-
supervision of laundry, catering, morgue, tioned at Moleana, she was responsible
armoury, RAEME and supply functions.
for the supply of medical stores to all
She said the deployment came with
some significant and trying cultural and health elements around Timor-Leste, and
language challenges. supplying the Role 2 hospital co-located
“The deployment was to a triservice with the RAR at Moleana.
and tri-nation facility – Australian Army, WGCDR Gunn took time on
Navy, Air Force and Singaporean and September 14 to attend the Governor-
Egyptian health teams working togeth- General’s reception and link up with
er,” she said. friends from her Timor Leste deploy-
“But I learned that most challenges ments.
T
HE concept of international
peacekeeping missions is a
relatively recent concept which
developed as part of the United
Nations in 1947. Today, peacekeeping
missions are an accepted part of inter-
national efforts to minimise the risk and
consequences of armed conflict. From
the first mission, Australia has been
part of the international history of UN
Peacekeeping operations. Air Force has
been part of this story from the outset,
having deployed SQNLDR Louis Spence
to Jakarta as part of the UN’s very first
peacekeeping mission in September
1947.
The first peacekeeping mission was
the United Nations – Good Offices
Commission (UNGOP) in Indonesia,
established to monitor the ceasefire
between Dutch colonial forces and the
Indonesian independence movement.
Australia’s involvement resulted from
an Indonesian request for Australia to be
one of three nations to sit on the “three
nations good officers commission”
formed to help establish and then over-
see a ceasefire between the two warring
parties.
The world’s first peacekeepers in Jakarta, Indonesia, September 1947, right to left: BRIG L. G. H. Dyke, ARA; While most of the high level dis-
SQNLDR L. Spence, RAAF; and MAJ D. L. Campbell, ARA. Not in frame is the fourth member of the team, CMDR cussions took place within the United
H. S. Chesterman, RAN. Nations, Australia sent four military
observers to monitor the progress of the
ceasefire on the ground, and it was these
four officers, BRIG L. Dyke, CMDR
H. Chesterman, MAJ D. Campbell and
SQNLDR L. Spence, who became the
world’s first peacekeepers.
The second deployment of an Air
Force member to a peacekeeping mis-
sion was to have one of the most dra-
matic consequences in the history of
UN missions. In early June 1950 two
Australian officers, MAJ Stuart Peach
and SQNLDR Ron Rankin were sent
to South Korea as part of the UN
Commission on Korea (UNCOK). Their
mission was to report on the posture and
preparedness of the South Korean Army.
By June 24, the two officers had lodged
their report, but on the following day on
June 25, North Korea invaded the south.
MAJ Peach and SQNLDR Rankin’s
report was used in the UN to prove that
the conflict was started by the North,
therefore precipitating the UN action
which became what is now known as the
Korean War.
In a case of sad irony, SQNLDR
Spence, who had been part of the
ground-breaking 1947 mission, was
killed in action after leading No. 77
Squadron against North Korean ground
forces.
A feature of peacekeeping operations
is that they are inevitably conducted in
developing areas or regions ruined by
conflict. Consequently the mission can
become one of humanitarian aid as much
as it is about peacekeeping. In October
1962 seven Air Force technicians
deployed to West New Guinea as part of
No. 16 Army Light Aircraft Squadron.
Their task was to keep the two observa-
tion helicopters operational during the
ceasefire monitoring mission. The arrival
of the Australian contingent was timely.
A cholera outbreak had already claimed
about 260 lives and the helicopters were
badly needed to help distribute medical
staff and supplies.
In the years that have followed, Air
Force has provided personnel and air-
craft to peacekeeping missions in some
of the world’s most troubled areas. Both
Nos 5 and 9 Squadron have provided
personnel and helicopters to missions to
monitor ceasefires between Egypt and
Israel during the 1970-80s. Similarly,
Caribou aircraft and personnel of No.
38 Squadron deployed to the Kashmir
region in 1975-79 to assist with monitor-
ing the ceasefire lines between Indian
and Pakistani forces in the contested bor-
der areas.
By far the largest commitment to
peacekeeping operations by Air Force
was to East Timor in late 1999. In the
aftermath of an independence vote,
pro-Indonesian militias began a vio-
lent series of attacks which quickly got
out of hand. As part of an Australian-
led peace enforcement mission known
as International Force East Timor
(INTERFET) Air Force committed
combat support units, airfield defence
guards, medical and base sustainment
elements and No. 35 Squadron Caribous.
Once stability and order was restored,
INTERFET transitioned into a peace-
keeping mission, becoming the United
Nation’s Transitional Administration
in East Timor (UNTAET) in February
2000.
Since 1947 Australia has participat-
ed in more than 50 peace enforcement
and peacekeeping missions. Air Force
has been part of this history from the
very beginning, providing airlift into and
out of theatre, personnel, flying units,
observers and sustainment elements.
Importantly, it is the presence of all
peacekeepers who provide the best pos-
sibility of stability and security to war-
torn communities around the globe.
14 Feature AIR F RCE October 5, 2017

‘
Imagery Analyst LAC
Simon Chewter and
Electronic Engineer
FLTLT James Mead
work on information
assurance at 462SQN at
Being a part
the Edinburgh Defence of 462SQN
Precinct, South Australia.
Photo: CPL Craig Barrett has been a
life-changing
experience.
– LAC Tobias O’Neill
Forensic Analyst

Ahead of the curve

Seventy-five years on and 462SQN remains

Buying Property a vital cog in our air power machine,

SQNLDR Bruce Chalmers writes

in Brisbane or
N
O. 462 Squadron may be on exploit to perform intelligence gather-

Sunshine Coast?
the smallish side, but 75 years ing, reconnaissance, or even disrupt and
following its formation, it destroy our mission.
continues to play a big role as Through information assurance,
a critical component of Air Force’s abil- 462SQN provides a broad range of capa-
ity to project air power. bilities designed to ensure the integrity,
Today, 462SQN is at the cutting availability and confidentiality of our
edge of technology as it protects and
progressively more critical communica-
As Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast’s truly
defends Air Force’s cyberspace terrain
through counter-intelligence, advanced tion and information systems.
Part of the Air Warfare Centre,
independent1 property buyer’s agent, we
cyber security and defensive cyberspace
operations. 462SQN makes a critical contribution to
readying Air Force for fifth-generation
focus solely on buying great real estate on
“It’s an honour to help continue
the legacy forged by former members operations, through integration of criti-
cal communication and information sys-
behalf of our clients. So we have only one
of 462SQN in WWII,” LAC Tobias
O’Neill, a squadron Forensic Analyst, tems and execution of cyberspace opera-

interest – yours.
said.
“Being a part of 462SQN has been a
life-changing experience.
“I have learned a lot in my time here
Buying property may be the biggest
and have developed many advanced
cyber skills that I would not have gained
financial decision of your life.
anywhere else.
“The unit is very fast paced with
training, procedures, technology and
structure constantly being updated to
Contact us and we will make
adapt to new cyber threats and situa-
tions.”
sure you get it right!
Formed in Egypt on September 8,
1942, 462SQN was originally equipped
with Halifax bombers. Having been
derived from the RAF’s No. 10 and 76
1
We neither receive nor accept any third party financial Squadrons, very few Australians were to
incentives, kickbacks or rebates. serve in it.
462SQN operated against Rommel’s
forces in North Africa throughout 1943
and 1944.
As late as August 1943, only a quar-
1300 888 153 ter of the squadron’s 600 personnel were
RAAF members.
As WWII progressed modern tech-
info@east153.com nology such as specialised radio equip-
ment was used by the squadron to dis-
rupt the highly organised German air
w w w. e a s t 1 5 3 . co m
defence system.
Today, the ADF’s reliance on infor-
mation communication technology pro-
duces a new domain of opportunities
and vulnerabilities that an adversary can
tions helps protect Air Force’s ability to
complete its mission.
As it was in WWII, the most sophis-
ticated technology puts the squadron at
the forefront of readying and supporting
the warfighter.
Back in WWII, it was modified
Halifaxes that carried special radar jam-
ming equipment designed to interfere
with both the night fighter and ground-
based radar. Using today’s terminolo-
gy, we might refer to these measures as
applying defensive cyber capabilities.
CO 462SQN WGCDR Michael
Reidy said it was “wonderful that
there remains clear parallels between
the 462SQN of WWII and today’s
462SQN”.
“Both squadrons faced or face the
challenge of developing cutting-edge
technology operations to prosecute the
Air Force mission,” he said.
“These parallels allow a firm rela-
tionship to be built between the genera-
tions and in the most humble way, hon-
our the memory of our veterans.”
Celebrating their 75th year hasn’t
diminished the squadron’s drive to
remain at the forefront of the technology
curve and remain an invaluable contribu-
tor to air power.
 AIR F RCE October 5, 2017 Feature 15

Coming of age

Globemaster pilot training is finally coming home to

roost in Australia for 36SQN

T
HE LAST piece of the No.
36 Squadron C-17A aircrew
training picture has come
home to Australia.
The Pilot Check-Out (PCO)
course – a string of six flights which
takes a C-17A co-pilot to the verge
of becoming a captain – was con-
ducted locally for the first time
between July and September.
Training Flight Commander
36SQN SQNLDR Lukasz Wijacha
said the course’s re-location to
RAAF Base Amberley marked an
important milestone for Air Force’s
C-17A pilot training program.
“Since we took delivery of the
aircraft in 2006, elements of C-17A
pilot training have taken place in the
United States,” SQNLDR Wijacha
“For example, the PCO course
involves a lot of tactical flying,”
SQNLDR Wijacha said.
“This happened at various
bases in the United States such as
McChord, Travis and Altus, which
36SQN was happy to leverage off
while our training system matured.
“This required runways that
were narrow, short and strong
enough to cope with a 265-tonne
aircraft practising tactical arrivals
and departures.”
Co nd ucting the co urse in
the United States, however, also
required 36SQN C-17As to tran-
sit across the Pacific Ocean and be
away for several weeks, taking fly-
ing hours and money away from
operational tasks.
“Additionally, recent KC-30A
operational refuelling clearances
have allowed air-to-air refuelling
with the KC-30A to be a capability
that’s assessed in the course.”
While the localised PCO course
builds on USAF courseware, it also
builds on Australia’s 10 years of
operating the C-17A.
“Training C-17A captains solely
in Australia is the culmination of
years of continuously enhancing
our training programs,” SQNLDR Top: Air Force pilots conduct low-level flying training on a C-17A
Wijacha said. Globemaster near Coffs Harbour. Above: 36SQN pilot FLTLT Dirk
“Running the PCO in Australia Taylor discusses a flight plan with FLGOFF Conor O’Neill during a
without omitting any component of pre-flight brief.  Photos: LAC Jesse Kane
the course gives us much more flex-
ibility in the training program.”
Among the first to graduate from
the local PCO course was FLGOFF

BUYING, SELLING
said. “The unit is always striving for Conor O’Neill, who said he was
Completion of the C-17A cock- efficiencies that will add capability proud to be among the first “home-
pit simulator at Amberley in 2010 and improve our training process,” grown” C-17A captains.

allowed 36SQN to train brand new
C-17A pilots.
However, PCO training requires
co-pilots to be tested in a range of
disciplines that require selected
facilities and other aircraft, includ-
ing air-to-air refuellers and narrow
runways.
 
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“In conjunction with his exec- tical flying required by the C-17A,”
utive team, CO 36SQN WGCDR FLGOFF O’Neill said.
Peter Thompson identified improve- “It’s hard on my family when
ments that enabled us to use Moree
and Bundaberg regional airports for
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from home so they’ll appreci-
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 16 Feature AIR F RCE October 5, 2017

A ribbon
cutting at Our keen eye
in north-west
Harold E.
Holt station
in March
this year
celebrated the
C-band space
surveillance
radar system
reaching Final
Operational
Capability. SQNLDR Jaimee Maika explains the growing importance of the
Harold E. Holt station, which has just marked its 50th anniversary

A
CEREMONY marking
the 50th anniversary of
the opening of the Naval
Communication Station
Harold E. Holt in Western Australia
was a nod to the past and a view to the
future.
ADF members and US Defense
personnel as well as dignitaries, locals
and base employees, gathered at the
remote North-West Cape base to take
part in the event on September 16
The communication station was
established near the town of Exmouth
in 1967 to provide very low frequency
communications to the US submarine
fleet operating over vast distances in
the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
The 50-year anniversary was an
opportunity to reflect on the long his-
tory of cooperation between the US
and Australia, and the significant con-
tribution made by the station in sup-
port of naval operations.
In an address, CAPT Stephen
Dryden, the Director General Navy
USN CAPT James Jenks, Chief of Staff at Navy Region Hawaii, and Information Warfare, said: “While I
Director General Navy Information Warfare CAPT Stephen Dryden, reflect on today, one thing stands true,
RAN, at the Harold E. Holt station’s anniversary. Photo: Natasha Tate and that is that while we can build
bricks and mortar, that we can build
radio farms, that we can build subma-
rines and aircraft, what we are also
building is relationships.”
“What Harold E. Holt has done
over its 50-year tenure has not only
established, but considerably strength-
ened those relationships.”
It was also an opportunity to reflect
on the additional role the station now
plays in space surveillance: a C-Band
space surveillance radar reached final
operating capability in late 2016,
which will be complemented by a
highly sophisticated optical space sur-
veillance telescope in the near future.
Both of these sensors represent sig-
nificant Australian investment in gain-
ing greater situational awareness of
space. They will enhance Defence’s
awareness of threats, both deliberate
and unintentional, to the space-based
systems upon which Defence and,
more broadly, Australian society relies.
CAF AIRMSHL Leo Davies said
reliable access to space was critical
to the operational effectiveness of the
ADF.
“This reliance will only continue to
increase as space capabilities are key
enablers for the ADF’s future aspira-
tions,” AIRMSHL Davies said.
The C-band radar is jointly oper-
ated by Australia and the US, and is
a dedicated sensor in the US Space
Surveillance Network which spans
the globe. From its position on the
North‑West Cape, the radar is well
placed to provide southern hemisphere
coverage of objects in low-earth orbit.
No. 1 Remote Sensor Unit at
RAAF Base Edinburgh has been suc-
cessfully operating the C-Band radar
under the command of the Australian
Space Operations Centre and in
response to tasking from the US Joint
Space Operations Centre.
The Space Surveillance Telescope
is designed to detect and track faint
objects in space (about 36,000km alti-
tude) and will be an important sensor
in the US Space Surveillance Network.
Currently located in New Mexico,
the telescope will be relocated to the
Harold E. Holt station, with construc-
tion of the facilities to house the tel-
escope under way.

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The purpose of the PRV is to clarify all of the particular needs of your removal, such as access
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unpack election.
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Move Plan App gives you easy access to the details of your relocation itinerary that you’ll need to
know as you progress through your move.
The App can be downloaded from the Google Play Store and Apple iTunes App store by searching for
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 AIR F RCE October 5, 2017 Feature 17

A paw-some tribute
Plaque honours four-legged heroes at
Butterworth. WOFF Lisa Sheridan reports

D
I D y o u k n ow t h a t o u r
Air Force had more than
2 5 0 M i l i t a r y Wo r k i n g
Dogs (MWD) deployed to
Butterworth, Malaysia, for over two
decades?
Established in 1971, the RAAF
Police Dog Section at Butterworth pro-
vided protection of Australian assets,
property and personnel until 1996;
and in Tengah, Singapore, from 1972-
1982.
During a recent command visit
to No. 19 Squadron at Air Force’s
Airbase Operations Squadron at
RMAF Butterworth, Commander CSG
AIRCDRE Ken Robinson unveiled a
plaque commemorating the service
and sacrifice of these dogs.
AIRCDRE Robinson officially
unveiled the plaque at the “Boatie” on
September 7, accompanied by current
members of the SECFOR Detachment
Butterworth, FLTLT Johnathon
Higgins and SGT David Grant, and
CSG FEG WOFF Lisa Sheridan. CO
19SQN WGCDR Paul Webb was also
present to witness this significant
occasion.
AIRCDRE Robinson said the
reputation of Air Force MWDs was
acknowledged globally.
“Many dogs bred at Amberley are
exported internationally and sought
after by Army’s SASR, AFP and
USAF, due in large part to achieve-
ments in Butterworth, East Timor and
Afghanistan,” AIRCDRE Robinson
said.
The RAAF Police dogs were ini-
tially escorted to Butterworth in 1971
on a military flight by then RAAF
Security Guards. The main breed of
police dogs used by the RAAF during
this period was the German shepherd.
Dogs and handlers were carefully
matched, as they are today, to ensure
they could work well together and be a
highly capable team.
Once matched, handlers and their
dogs worked together to maintain a
high standard of fitness to provide
an aggression and detection capabil-
ity, and were responsible for provid-
ing security of Defence assets, crime
prevention patrols, intruder detection,
emergency response and personnel
protection.
Unfortunately, none of the 250
dogs sent to Butterworth and Tengah
could be returned to Australia due to
stringent import conditions imposed
by Australian quarantine regula-
tions. The risks of the dogs returning FLTLT Johnathon Higgins, AIRCDRE Ken
with infection and diseases that were Robinson, WOFF Lisa Sheridan and SGT
not prevalent in Australia but could David Grant at the unveiling of the MWD
potentially wipe out the entire fleet of commemorative plaque at Butterworth,
MWDs was too high, and would have Malaysia. Right: Words for the plaque were
been detrimental to future MWD capa- penned by CPL Mark Donaldson VC, a former
bility and breeding programs. dog handler. Photo: CPL Luke Garner

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 18 Personnel AIR F RCE October 5, 2017

Hitting the
50 mark
FLTLT Jessica Aldred
Blood Challenge advocate
MAKING time to donate plasma is important to PLTOFF Antony Wainwright
Darwin-based Joint Battlespace Airspace Controller at the Red Cross Blood
(JBAC) PLTOFF Antony Wainwright. Service Donor Centre in
For this year’s Blood Challenge, PLTOFF Darwin, before to making a
Wainwright was committed to achieving his personal plasma donation.
goal of 50 donations. Photo: SGT Andrew Eddie
In 2017, the ADF is focused on a total of 7000
donations for the Blood Challenge, which runs from
September 1 to December 8.
For PLTOFF Wainwright, the reason to begin
donating plasma was very personal but he continues to
donate to help others.
“One of the primary uses for plasma is for people
with leukaemia, and my mother passed away from leu-
kaemia when I was nine,” PLTOFF Wainwright said.
“I continue to donate plasma as it’s a small sacrifice
to make in order to save the lives of others.
“This year, my goal has been to reach my 50th dona-
tion, which I achieved last week. It’s a simple way to
help others and you get a free biscuit.”
PLTOFF Wainwright has recently qualified as a
JBAC and continued to donate throughout his training
at the School of Air Traffic Control (SATC).
Now that he has posted to his position with No. 452
Squadron in Darwin, he plans to keep up his routine.
“At SATC, flexible hours on Friday provided me
with an opportunity to donate while on course. As I
commence my career as a JBAC, I hope to create a
donation routine around shifts as regularly as possible.”

Visit www.donateblood.com.au/red25 to see when and where

to donate for this year’s Blood Challenge.

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 AIR F RCE October 5, 2017
Brainstorming the future
Aurora Daniels
DEFENCE is holding its first Force
Design conference to gather ideas
from around Australia and the globe
on designing the future force.
Decision-makers, practitioners,
innovators, military partners, and
researchers from Defence, industry,
academia, and government agencies
will join forces in Canberra from
October 10-11 to discuss how we
design and deliver a joint ADF that is
capable, potent and agile.
Head Force Design AVM Mel
Hupfeld said the division, established
last year under the changes from the
First Principals Review, was trans-
forming the way Defence undertook
force design, making the force struc-
ture review a business-as-usual pro-
cess.
“Force Design is one of the big
changes resulting from the FPR. It
will provide Defence with an enduring
capacity to review itself, to make sure
we have the right mix of capability to
do what we need to do today and in
the future,” AVM Hupfeld said.
“We need to answer questions such
as: What does the ADF need today,
tomorrow and well into the future?
How can we maximise innovation and
technology to give us an edge? How
do we continue to deliver an ADF fit
for purpose for today’s operations
while also designing an ADF that can
not only fight, but win, in future opera-
tions?”
Force Design Division is seeking
to create a collaborative environment
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F-35A Joint Strike Fighters A35-001 (closest) and A35-002 during the first trans-Pacific flight from Luke Air
Force Base, US to RAAF Base Amberley. 
with industry, academia, and other
stakeholders to promote creative think-
ing and to explore force options oppor-
tunities.
“It is about focusing on how to col-
laborate in order to assess, design and
prioritise capability and force structure
options, rather than specific solutions,”
he said.
AVM Hupfeld said prioritisation
139 342
was critical so the ADF could live
within the budget, but still achieve
the best fit in terms of capability and
resources available.
“It’s about frank and fearless
advice, the understanding of options,
benefits, trade-offs and implications,”
AVM Hupfeld said.
DCAF AVM Gavin Turnbull said
Air Force’s future success depended
Personnel 19
Photo: SGT Shane Gidall
on being a valued and effective part of
a much more joint ADF, and of ‘One
Defence’ more broadly.
“Air Force cannot realise its full
potential without the assistance of
the other Services and Groups, just
as Navy and Army cannot be fully
effective without Air Force’s support,”
DCAF said.
“Effective Force Design is critical able at: www.unsw.adfa.edu.au/conferences/
to ensuring that current and future Air
Force, Army and Navy capabilities are
balanced and interoperable to provide
the best ADF capability within the
resources allocated by the Australian
government.”
AVM Hupfeld said the Force
Design Division was inviting leaders
in the fields of innovation, research
and Defence to descend on Canberra
in October to provide their ideas on
areas such as collaboration, experi-
mentation, wargaming, innovation, and
options development to help defence
deliver a joint force by design.
“I’d like to enlist your collective
wisdom to help the ongoing profes-
sionalisation of our workforce and
evolve the world-class tools, tech-
niques and methodologies we need on
our journey so that every soldier, sailor
and airman and airwoman have access
to the best capability systems solutions
at the right time in the right location,”
AVM Hupfeld said.
The ADF has to be able to provide
a clear, coherent, relatable and con-
sistent capability narrative to both the
public and Government
“This narrative must begin inter-
nally, and be contested by the likes
of yourselves, before we begin our
engagement with other external stake-
holders, including central agencies,
industry and academia,” he said.
More information on the conference is avail-
 20 Personnel
Streamlined learning
SQNLDR Mark Williams displays an aircraft instrument panel on the projection screen to OFFCDT
Charlotte Walsh, PLTOFF Alex Hayman, and OFFCDT Jacob Cikorski.
A NEW Learning Management
System (LMS) will become the
centrepiece of Air Force’s Aviation
Academy.
The academy opens in January
2019 and will see the Air Training
Wing transition to a modern era of
aviation training.
The transition is part of Plan
Jericho Project 16 and the LMS will
help provide the most modern learn-
ing environment available.
OC Air Training Wing GPCAPT
Mark McCallum said the LMS
would modernise training.
“The LMS capability will allow
seamless integration of operational
scheduling with our learning envi-
ronment,” GPCAPT McCallum said.
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The key objectives of the acad-
emy and LMS will be to enable
modern approaches to learning man-
agement including the delivery of
digital courseware, around-the-clock
access for instructors and students,
and the introduction of contempo-
rary training philosophies.
Director of the Aviation
Academy Transition Office
WGCDR Dion Wright said a mod-
ern approach to learning manage-
ment had additional benefits.
“The LMS will provide the acad-
emy with the ability to standardise
and deliver training packages across
multiple schools,” WGCDR Wright
said.
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Group Chair, Commander AFTG,
AIRCDRE Geoffrey Harland said
LMS would enable the Aviation
Academy to manage a complex,
multi-faceted learning environment.
“The LMS capability will pro-
vide the Academy with a single
system where all operations are
scheduled, training is delivered and
tracked, and data is stored,” he said.
“This allows for system monitor-
ing, evaluation, reporting, and total
system accountability in line with
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AIR F RCE
Strong
opinions
welcome
FORMER CAF and Sir Richard
Wi l l i a m s F o u n d a t i o n C h a i r m a n
AIRMSHL (retd) Geoff Brown, is
encouraging people to contribute to the
Australian air power debate through a
blog called the Central Blue.
Run under the auspices of the
Williams Foundation, The Central Blue
has published almost 70 posts since it
was launched in September 2016.
AIRMSHL Brown said the posts had
covered a diverse range of topics, from
the implications of fifth-generation air
power to social and organisational chal-
lenges facing the Air Force today, as
well as book reviews and cross-posts
from other blogs.
“The Williams Foundation is about
enhancing understanding of air power
and the issues facing Australian air
power in particular,” AIRMSHL Brown
said.
“The posts published in the Central
Blue’s first year, and the comments on
those posts, are contributions to the
Australian air power debate that might
not have been heard without the Central
Blue.
“We’ve had contributions from nearly
30 people in that time.
“The most exciting thing for me is
over half of our contributors have been
serving Air Force personnel from a range
of occupations and ranging from ser-
geant to group captain in rank.
“Most pleasing for me was the inter-
view with CAF, published on August 20,
where he encouraged serving members
to get involved.”
AIRMSHL Brown said the contri-
butions by serving Air Force personnel
highlighted the value of the Central Blue
as an outlet for unofficial discussion on
air power topics.
“The Central Blue complements Air
Force’s official publications from the Air
Power Development Centre and allows
air power professionals to explore issues
in a manner that may well inform Air
Force’s official position later on.
“The blog is a great way for Williams
Foundation to complement our seminars
and lunches by reaching a broader audi-
ence with shorter, punchier articles.”
AIRMSHL Brown said the blog was
managed by a small group of editors –
October 5, 2017
‘
... It is critically
important that
current personnel
have a means of
contibuting to the
public debate.
– AIRMSHL Geoff Brown,
former CAF and Sir Richard
Williams Foundation Chairman
all serving Air Force personnel – under
the mentorship of distinguished aca-
demic, Dr Alan Stephens.
He said the editors, along with
a broader group of writing mentors,
helped contributors develop their think-
ing and posts, as well as ensuring posts
remain within Defence guidelines on
public comments.
“We know that public commentary
is a concern for Defence and current
Defence personnel can be reluctant to
make public comments for a variety of
reasons, including concerns about step-
ping outside their lane and hesitance to
put their ideas out there in case they’re
wrong,” AIRMSHL Brown said.
“We understand those concerns but
think it is critically important that cur-
rent personnel have a means of contrib-
uting to the public debate.”
“I’ve discussed this with CAF and
he agrees that fostering the Central Blue
contributions from serving personnel is
vitally important to building the kind
of empowered, adaptive workforce that
Air Force will need as a fifth-generation
force.”
“Air Force needs its airmen to read,
think, and write. What the Central Blue
provides is an accessible outlet for that
critical, but often overlooked, third
step.”
Find more information at http://centralblue.
williamsfoundation.org.au/, on Facebook and
via Twitter @thecentralblue. Queries can be
directed to centralblue@williamsfoundation.
org.au.
 AIR F RCE October 5, 2017
Mattress
matters
Feel cranky when you wake up? Maybe it is
what you sleep on, CPL Mark Doran writes
W
E spend at least a third of
our lives in bed, so one
thing we should spend
money on is the best
quality mattress we can afford.
If you are waking up tired, stiff
and sore, it may be time to replace the
old saggy or lumpy mattress causing
you back or neck pain.
A mattress is the most important
part of your bed and a good quality
mattress might be the key to having
the best possible night’s sleep.
Choosing the best mattress is
about finding the right balance of
comfort and support.
A good mattress should offer firm
support, have a cushioning layer and
allow you to roll over easily.
The Senior Medical Adviser of
the Directorate of Military Medicine,
Dr Victoria Ross, said getting enough
sleep was important for maintaining
good health and wellbeing.
“A comfortable mattress will cer-
tainly help,” Dr Ross said.
“As will ensuring the bedroom is
dark, quiet and at a comfortable tem-
perature.”
When shopping, it is best to go to
a reputable retailer who has a large
range of mattresses.
Lie on as many in your price range
as you can and rule out any uncom-
fortable ones.
When you decide which is the
most comfortable, lie on it for at least
20 minutes and remember you are
going to be sleeping on it every night
for the next 10 years or so.
When lying on your back in bed
your spine should maintain its natural
curve. You should be able to slide a
hand under your lower back, but not
easily as too big a gap means the mat-
tress is too hard.
When on your side, your spine
should remain straight. If the mattress
is too firm you’ll soon feel pressure
on your hips and shoulders. If it’s too
soft, you will sink into the mattress,
Health & Fitness 21
causing your back to ache.
If you share your bed, make
sure you and your partner lie on
the mattress together in your usual
sleeping positions.
Ensure you are well supported and
there are no gaps between you and the
mattress.
A mattress will last significantly
longer when looked after properly.
A latex or double sided inner spring
mattress should be alternately flipped
and rotated once a month.
By flipping the mattress one
month and rotating the next, you are
ensuring you sleep on all parts of the
mattress so it wears evenly.
If your mattress is single sided it
should be rotated once a month.
Dr Ross said mattresses and bed- A good quality mattress may be the key to having the best possible night’s sleep.  Photo: CPL Mark Doran
ding could also harbour dust mites.
“People with asthma or a dust mite
allergy should routinely wash their
bedding in hot water and vacuum
their mattress regularly,” she said.
Ideally a mattress should be
replaced every 10-12 years, or ear-
lier if it has been damaged or badly
worn.”
Common types of mattresses
include an inner spring where the
spring component is designed for sup-
port and a pillow top component is
designed for comfort.
Quality latex mattresses offer a
good alternative to the inner spring,
especially for those with allergies.
Speciality mattresses constructed
with varying support on each side can
be elevated at the foot and head end
and multi-zone inner spring mattress-
es offer different amounts of support
for different parts of the body.
Foam mattresses and futons should
be avoided and are only recommend-
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 22 Sport
Sights set
on sevens
TWO teams from the Australian
Defence Force Rugby Union
(ADFRU) will embark on a united
rugby sevens campaign in October
and November with a drive to
make a mark on the sevens stage.
A men’s and women’s team
will compete in the Noosa
International Sevens, at Dolphin
Park, from October 13-15.
OFFCDT Izzy Atkinson-Smith
and OFFCDT Skye McKissock are
looking forward to playing with
seasoned ADFRU veterans.
OFFCDT Atkinson-Smith said
when she joined the ADF, she did
not think about playing rugby.
“Serving my country, gain-
ing a degree with state-of-the art
training, and being able to play a
sport I love is a great opportunity,”
OFFCDT Atkinson-Smith said.
“It is so exciting to have a
chance to play with the girls at
Noosa,” she said.
Currently, Air Force members
vying for the men’s team selection
are: LAC Isaac Kneip 2SQN; LAC
Craig Stewart 23SQN; CPL Zac
Studders 31SQN; LAC Emerson
Burgess 3CRU; LAC Brady
Cochrane 13SQN; and LAC Liam
Krautz 2EHS
Noosa Sevens have advised
that some games and ADFRU
matches will be live streamed.
Follow Noosa Sevens, ARU and ADF
Rugby on Facebook.
AIR F RCE October 5, 2017
Driven to
succeed
in bowls
CPL Bill Solomou vals and joined the WA RSL Bowlers
where the competition is fierce,” she
IN just four short years, CPL Karen said.
“I think that playing against all those
Lane has come a long way from her first
different people has helped me lift my
game to become an ADF lawn bowls
game.”
champion.
Other Air Force personnel who
CPL Lane took out the “female play-
did well at this year’s event were
er of the series” at the ADF Lawn Bowls
SGT David Hipkins and FSGT Brent
(ADFLB) National Championships
Marshall, who both tied for the “most
held at the Windsor Bowling and Sports
valuable player” (RAAF), and SGT
Club, NSW, from September 17-22.
Emma Campbell who won the best-per-
CPL Lane said she started out play-
formed new bowler (under two years).
CPL Karen Lane competes ing at the Nightcliff Sports Club in
FSGT Marshall, who competed in
in the ADF Lawn Bowls Darwin, “as my ankles and knees
his first championships, said his week
National Championships wouldn’t let me play netball or touch
in Windsor. was a bag of mixed results, “but all
footy anymore”.
Photo: CPL David Gibbs games were played in good spirits and
“I was looking for something that
many new friends were made”.
my husband and I could do together.
“To share the trophy with Dave was
After a few bare-foot games, I was
very special, as he is a guy that the
hooked, so I joined up and started to get
whole squad has plenty of respect for
some coaching.”
on, and off, the greens.”
Currently posted at RAAF Base
FSGT Marshall was selected in the
Pearce, CPL Lane has attended the
ADFLB squad of 24 for the upcoming
ADFLB nationals four times.
season.
CPL Lane said the first time she had Nine Air Force personnel have
played in the competition she had only made the ADFLB team, they are:
been playing for a few months, “when a CPL Karen Lane; SQNLDR Ian Lane;
friend who had played for the Air Force FLTLT Christian Pace; CPL Zach
team told me I should give the inter- Gabrielsen; SQNLDR Ben Hall; WOFF
service nationals a try”. Shaun Keitel; WGCDR Bruce Murray;
“I laughed at him and said that I SGT Dave Hipkins; and FSGT Brent
couldn’t, as I wasn’t good enough, but Marshall.
he convinced me to give it a go. Thanks The ADF team will play together at
for that Jimmy Dwyer,” CPL Lane said. future events later this year and early
“This year I have been playing and next year.
practising more and I have been getting
great coaching from the members and Air Force members wishing to try ADF lawn
coaches at Valley and Wanneroo Clubs. bowls can contact SGT David Hipkins: david.
“I have also attended a lot of carni- hipkins@defence.gov.au
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 AIR F RCE October 5, 2017 Sp rt 23

Taking
it all in
their
LAC Wade Roberts
crosses the finish
line in the 200m
sprint at the York
University athletics

stride
track, as part of the
2017 Invictus Games
in Toronto, Canada.
Photo: LS Jayson Tufrey

CPL Mark Doran mentors for the 2018 Invictus Games

 Don’t miss our next issue EFFORTS by Australia’s athletes at
for more coverage of the this year’s Invictus Games have been
Invictus Games rewarded with medals, and at the
time of printing, the team’s tally was
already 35.
The 43 members of the Australian
team in Sydney and also for their com-
munities.”
The first official day of competi-
tion began with a star-studded opening
ceremony where HRH Prince Harry
and Canadian Prime Minister Justin
Trudeau joined an enthusiastic, packed

A really swell result

team took part in the games held in house at Toronto’s Air Canada Centre.
Toronto, Canada, from September The ceremony featured a parade
23-30. of nations, performances and moving
By the end of the penultimate day stories by veterans.
of the competition, Air Force member In welcoming attendees, Mr
CPL Bill Solomou President of the RAAF Surf Riders Ricky Pfeiffer (S&CSPO); 3rd LAC LACW Melissa Roberts had won three Trudeau thanked all the athletes for
Association, WGCDR Mark Evans, Josh Poate (26SQN). medals: Bronze in the discus, silver in their service, before reflecting on the
GROWING up and living near the sea, said the association accommodated for Men’s Open Longboard: 1st CPL the 1500m run, and silver in the indoor impact the games would have on spec-
and of course a love of surfing, has all skill levels and he encouraged new David Bennett (2SQN); 2nd SGT rowing (four-minute row). tators: “Thinking about what each of
seen LAC Daniel Mooney take out the members to join up. Jamie Levin (26SQN); 3rd LAC Chris LAC Wade Roberts competed us can do in our lives to make the kind
men’s short board honours at the Air “This was a really exciting event. Wilson (26SQN). in athletics and cycling and said he of difference you make in the world
Force Surfing Championships (AFSC). It generated high morale and esprit Men’s Masters: 1st WGCDR Mark achieved personal bests in every event. every day.”
The AFSC, in its 15th year, saw de corps among Air Force person- Evans (HQSRG); 2nd FSGT Euan “I can’t be happier, I had so much As more than 550 competitors from
27 Air Force members compete Grant (DFSI); 3rd SGT Jamie Levin fun competing,” he said. 17 nations entered the stadium, Prince
nel – male and female – from around
in challenging one-metre swells (26SQN). “Being able to watch members of Harry told the roaring crowd Toronto
Australia,” WGCDR Evans said. the Australian team grow over the past
at Lighthouse Beach, NSW, from Women’s Open: 1st CPL Skye was hosting the largest Invictus Games
September 4-8. The championships are the precur- nine months was fantastic. yet.
sor to selecting an Air Force team to Cooper (26SQN)
LAC Mooney said he started surf- Body Board: 1st LAC Rob Kohler “They’ve grown stronger and fitter “Some of you have cheated death
ing at the age of seven and now as a 28 compete in the inter-service surfing (10SQN); 2nd CPL Chad MacKenzie and the best thing is the quieter mem- and come back stronger than before,”
year old, he still loves it. competition set for March 18. bers came out of their shells and were Prince Harry said.
(AMCC)
“My son ‘Morna’ is named after Division winners: more involved in our group activities. “You are all winners. You are prov-
the beach I grew up surfing on, Morna Men’s Open Shortboard: 1st LAC “The team can now be excellent ing to the world anything is possible.”
Members keen to join can contact SGT
is the locals name for Birubi Beach at Dan Mooney (3CRU); 2nd WOFF Jamie Levin at Jamie.levin@defence.gov.au
Anna Bay, NSW,” LAC Mooney said.
“Both my older brothers surf so
following in their footsteps was always
going to happen and we still always
make time to get out together for a
session.”
Riding his favourite 5’9 ASI short
board with a thruster set up, (three
fins), he said Lighthouse Beach pro-
vided a good variety of waves, but
selection was the key.
“The lefts were running from the
outer bank holding up into the inside
shore and that was the money section
to secure decent points,” he said.
The round robin heat event allowed LACW Daniel Mooney competes in the
all competitors the chance to surf at Air Force Surfing Championships 2017
least three heats, before progressing at Lighthouse Beach, NSW. LACW Melissa Roberts, Sarah Watson and LCPL Gary Wilson proudly
Photo: CPL Nicci Freeman display their medals at York University athletics track.Photo: LS Jayson Tufrey
through to the final rounds.

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 SP RT October 5, 2017

TRUE
Air Force firefighter LACW Melissa Roberts
competes in the indoor rowing competition
at the Invictus Games in Toronto, Canada.
She won a bronze medal in the four-minute
event. Photo: LS Jayson Tufrey

SPIRIT

Our part in
the Invictus
Games
Page 23

Assisting serving and ex-serving

ADF members and their families
in times of injury, illness
and crisis.
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