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25.01.2022 Putting one 101-year-old foot in front of the other, long-retired World War II Sergeant Bert Le-Merton has pledged to walk 96km to support contemporary veterans. I am going to do my best. Put it that way, he said. Clocking up one-to-two kilometres each day, aided by a wheeled walking frame, Bert has already walked more than 15km. ... Bert said he hopes to finish walking the Kokoda Track’s distance by late March, coinciding with SoldierOn’s annual fundraising event, MarchOn. I've got no intention of getting to Kokoda. I figure I am doing it by going around the block maybe an extra time or two, he said. No stranger to hard work, Bert left school at 16 for a job in radio assembly, then in a button and buckle factory, before starting service life at 21. The government had decided there should be a group of trained personnel available if necessary for the defence of Australia and I was one of them, Bert said. He marched into Rutherford Camp as a member of the 35th CMF battalion and went on to serve in Egypt, Lybia, Palestine, New Guinea and Borneo. Bert described his experience as one of the Rats of Tobruk, a name given as an insult by the Germans and taken by Australians as a compliment referring to their tenacity on limited rations. Our first actual contact with the German military was on the April 4, 1941, Bert said. Everyone out there should be helping to make the life of former personnel a bit better. We were there covering the flanks and were the first Australian infantry battalion to meet the German infantry. We continued in a flanking patrol aspect all the way back to Tobruk on April 10. His was the last Australian battalion left in Tobruk by October 23, 1941. Our convoy came under attack from the Germans. We stayed on until the final breakout and left on December 16, 1941. Bert attributes his longevity and health to walking most days of the week, except when it’s raining. I keep walking around the block, keep using the brain to do the crosswords in the paper, read and take an interest in life and don't sit in front of the tele and rotting away, he said. Despite being a Rat of Tobruk, he advised young veterans to maintain a life outside Army. Don't forget your service but live your life and become a civy again because that is what you are. You may have injuries but live with them as best as you can, Bert said. His motivation for walking the 96km is to support young veterans. I feel that Soldier On is doing a magnificent job, he said. Everyone out there should be helping to make the life of former personnel a bit better. FYI Bert's records are here; https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRe//ViewImage.aspx Photo: Bert Le-Merton is walking 96km to support contemporary veterans.

25.01.2022 Looking for a top idea to make your mess dinner memorable? Tick ...

25.01.2022 Judy, a purebred pointer, was the mascot of several ships in the Pacific, and was captured by the Japanese in 1942 and taken to a prison camp. There she met Air...craftsman Frank Williams, who shared his small portion of rice with her. Judy raised morale in the POW camp, and also barked when poisonous snakes, crocodiles or even tigers approached the prisoners. When the prisoners were shipped back to Singapore, she was smuggled out in a rice sack, never whimpering or betraying her presence to the guards. The next day, that ship was torpedoed. Williams pushed Judy out of a porthole in an attempt to save her life, even though there was a 15-foot drop to the sea. He made his own escape from the ship, but was then recaptured and sent to a new POW camp. He didn't know if Judy had survived, but soon he began hearing stories about a dog helping drowning men reach pieces of debris after the shipwreck. And when Williams arrived at the new camp, he said: "I couldn’t believe my eyes! As I walked through the gate, a scraggly dog hit me square between the shoulders and knocked me over. I’d never been so glad to see the old girl!" They spent a year together at that camp in Sumatra. "Judy saved my life in so many ways," said Williams. "But the greatest of all was giving me a reason to live. All I had to do was look into those weary, bloodshot eyes and ask myself: 'What would happen to her if I died?' I had to keep going." Once hostilities ceased, Judy was then smuggled aboard a troopship heading back to Liverpool. In England, she was awarded the Dickin Medal (the "Victoria Cross" for animals) in May 1946. Her citation reads: "For magnificent courage and endurance in Japanese prison camps, which helped to maintain morale among her fellow prisoners, and also for saving many lives through her intelligence and watchfulness". At the same time, Frank Williams was awarded the PDSA's White Cross of St. Giles for his devotion to Judy. Frank and Judy spent a year after the war visiting the relatives of English POWs who had not survived, and Frank said that Judy "always provided a comforting presence to the families." When Judy finally died at the age of 13, Frank spent two months building a granite and marble memorial in her memory, which included a plaque describing her life story.

25.01.2022 Hercules transport aircraft have shared the tarmac at RAAF Base Richmond with motorcycles, cars, and a boat for the first Show and Shine event at No. 37 Squadron. On August 21, technicians at the squadron showcased their vehicles in front of the No. 37 Sqn hangar. With a C-130J Hercules as the backdrop, the event had plenty of tarmac space to ensure social distancing, while allowing squadron members to show off their vehicles.... Commanding Officer No. 37 Sqn Wing Commander Ben Christie said the event was a simple means of boosting morale during challenging times. We ask a lot from our workforce, especially when it comes to spending extended periods of time away from home and supporting Hercules missions around the globe, Wg Cmdr Christie said. When members deploy, they’re not only leaving their loved ones and friends behind, but their hobbies and passions that help them unwind and enjoy themselves. Wg Cmdr Christie said there was an opportunity in their schedule to support the event. In the current environment, opportunities to congregate and show off your hard work is rare, so we were pleased to make this happen in a socially distanced manner, he said. Seeing someone’s restored Falcon parked across the tarmac from one of our Hercules brought a smile to a lot of faces. The idea for the event came from Corporal Steven Wilson, a maintenance coordinator at No. 37 Sqn. Cpl Wilson said it started when the squadron had a ride-to-work Friday. There was often a chance for us to get together and have a look at each other’s bikes, and some people at the squadron with cars said they wanted to get involved too, Cpl Wilson said. We had a test run for a Show and Shine in the car park, and then we wrote to the Commanding Officer asking if we could do it on the flightline. Photo: Corporal David Said: Motorcycles belonging to No. 37 Sqn personnel on the RAAF Base Richmond flightline during the Show and Shine event.

24.01.2022 HMAS Hobart has become the first Hobart-class guided missile destroyer to conduct a live fire at Exercise Rim of the Pacific, making it the most sophisticated and lethal warship ever operated by the RAN. Alongside ships from the United States and Canada, Hobart successfully fired an SM-2 against an unmanned target as part of the exercise scenario. Commanding Officer Hobart Commander Ryan Gaskin said the missile firing proved the ship was ready to fight and win at sea as par...t of a joint force. Rimpac provides Navy with a unique training opportunity to strengthen international maritime partnerships, enhance interoperability and improve our readiness for a wide range of potential operations, Commander Gaskin said. This year has also proven the ability to operate in company with partner nations at sea during a global health crisis through the employment of strict COVID-19 safe measures on board. HMA Ships Hobart, Stuart, Arunta and Sirius, which are on a Regional Presence Deployment through South-East Asia and the Pacific, are taking part in Rimpac. Commander Gaskin said credible, ready-maritime partners helped to preserve peace and prevent conflict in the region. The Indo-Pacific has experienced economic prosperity largely because of the security and stability that exists at sea, he said. We train to ensure the ability to deter disruptions to global supply chains and threats to lines of communication and commerce. Hobart carries a range of weapons systems, including an Mk41 Vertical Launch System containing SM-2 missiles and Evolved Sea Sparrow missiles, an Mk 45 5-inch main gun, Phalanx Close-In Weapons System, two 25mm Typhoon guns, and MU90 and Mk54 light-weight torpedoes for subsurface defence. Ten nations, 22 surface ships, one submarine, multiple aircraft, and about 5300 personnel are participating at Rimpac. This year’s exercise includes forces from Australia, Brunei, Canada, France, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, and the United States. Participating forces will exercise a wide range of capabilities from multinational anti-submarine warfare, maritime intercept operations, and live-fire training events, among other cooperative training opportunities. Photo: Leading Seaman Ernesto Sanchez: An SM-2 missile is launched from HMAS Hobart off the coast of Hawaii during Exercise Rim of the Pacific.

24.01.2022 Show your support for the vast majority of SOCOMD members upholding the ANZAC tradition ... To add a frame to your profile picture: Go to www.facebook.com/profilepicframes and search for SOCOMD. Select a frame from the menu or search for the frame you want to use.... Click Use as Profile Picture to save. See more

24.01.2022 Navy’s newest guided missile destroyer HMAS Sydney has sailed in company with sister ship HMAS Brisbane to conduct training and testing of the Aegis Combat System. Commanding Officer of Sydney Commander Edward Seymour said it was the first time the ship sailed in company with another guided missile destroyer and the first time joining another vessel at sea equipped with the cooperative engagement capability. This activity is a great opportunity to use some of the more comple...x systems that we have to provide crew training and preparedness, Commander Seymour said. Sailing in company with Brisbane has also allowed the ship to exercise bridge and navigation teams, watchkeeping and communications. Sydney has been progressing through the DDG Force Generation cycle, which includes conducting Aegis waterfront training with the support of a team of specialists from Lockheed Martin in the United States. The waterfront training let’s us train ourselves to generate the ship’s combat systems training team and integrate this as part of the whole ship training regime, Commander Seymour said. We have achieved this with valuable assistance from the team from the United States who bring expertise and experience on the Aegis Combat system. Principal Warfare Officer in Sydney’s combat information centre Lieutenant Daniel James said the training contributed greatly to test and validate the system and train its maintainers and operators. This is one of the few occasions that Australian ships have been able to employ this capability other than with US Navy platforms, Lieutenant James said. Following the Aegis Waterfront Training, Sydney will begin unit ready work-ups in preparation for final live weapons and systems tests in the United States next year. Photo: Leading Seaman Nadav Harel: HMA Ships Sydney and Brisbane depart Fleet Base East to conduct Aegis systems training off Sydney heads.

24.01.2022 1st Australian Task Force at Nui Dat in Phuoc Tuy Province, South Vietnam, between 24 May 1966 and 16 October 1971. It kind of gives you a sense of what it was ...like living and working at the Nui Dat base and in and around the Phuoc Tuy Province. Once Phuoc Tuy in South Vietnam had been selected as the provincial site for the 1st Australian Task Force (1ATF), a location for its base had to be chosen. There were three possibilities: Ba Ria, Phuoc Tuy’s capital; the port of Vung Tau; and an area in the province’s central region known as Nui Dat, Vietnamese for ‘small hill’. Nui Dat (‘small hill’) was an ideal location for the new Australian Task Force base. It was on a main highway, Route 2, approximately 30 kilometres from the port of Vung Tau which was the new Australian logistic support base. Nui Dat was some distance from Phuoc Tuy’s provincial capital, Ba Ria, and was sufficiently isolated to enable the Australians to manage their own operations. However, the area around Nui Dat had been a well-known Viet Cong stronghold and many of the residents in nearby villages had family members in the Viet Cong. Removed from population centres but close to Viet Cong base areas, Nui Dat was considered ideal for the type of counter-insurgency warfare that Australians waged in Phuoc Tuy. Its location in the centre of the province meant that Nui Dat was in the middle of Viet Cong territory. Therefore, security was of prime importance. The villages nearest Nui Dat Long Tan and Long Phuoc were both considered Viet Cong strongholds and the Australian task force’s first commander, Brigadier O.D. Jackson, with the agreement of the Province Chief, had the people and livestock of the two villages forcibly resettled. The removal of the local people from the vicinity meant that the chances of the Viet Cong gathering information about the base and the movement of Australian troops were significantly reduced. However, attempts to win the support of Phuoc Tuy’s people were compromised by the decision to remove people from their homes without compensation. The base was established by members of the United States 173rd Airborne, the 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (1RAR) and the newly arrived 5th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (5RAR) on 24 May 1966. This effort was called 'Operation Hardihood'. More details here - http://bit.ly/1TXKQUO The first soldiers to occupy it lived in tents and worked to establish defences. Every soldier at Nui Dat had a fighting pit. Elevated bunkers, manned 24 hours a day, were constructed around the base’s perimeter which was further defended by wire obstacles and belts of anti-personnel mines. Vegetation was cleared from a 500-metre wide area outside the wire to provide fields of fire and a clear view of approaching Viet Cong. At its peak the base at Nui Dat was home to some 5,000 Australian, New Zealand, and American personnel, but for much of the time most of them were deployed on operations outside the base. Most Australian units and individual soldiers served in Vietnam for a 12-month tour of duty but most combat soldiers saw little of Nui Dat. The Australian style of counter-insurgency operations kept troops away from the base for long periods and many men only returned for a few days between ‘ops’. After ten years of war every Australian infantry battalion except 8RAR and 9RAR had served two tours of duty in Vietnam. The Australian withdrawal effectively commenced in November 1970. As a consequence of the overall US strategy of Vietnamization and with the Australian government keen to reduce its own commitment to the war, 8 RAR was not replaced at the end of its tour of duty. 1 ATF was again reduced to just two infantry battalions, albeit with significant armour, artillery and aviation support remaining. One of the New Zealand infantry companiesW Companywas also withdrawn at this time. Australian combat forces were further reduced during 1971 as part of a phased withdrawal. The Battle of Nui Le on 21 September proved to be the last major battle fought by Australian and New Zealand forces in the war, and resulted in five Australians being killed and 30 wounded. Meanwhile, the New Zealand SAS troop was withdrawn in February and the artillery battery in May. Finally, on 16 October Australian forces handed over control of the base at Nui Dat to South Vietnamese forces, while 4 RAR, the last Australian infantry battalion in South Vietnam, sailed for Australia on board HMAS Sydney on 9 December 1971. V Company and the New Zealand medical team were also withdrawn at this time. Meanwhile, D Company, 4 RAR with an assault pioneer and mortar section and a detachment of APCs remained in Vung Tau protect the task force headquarters and 1 ALSG until the final withdrawal of stores and equipment could be completed, finally returning to Australia on 12 March 1972. Between June 1966 and December 1971, 1 ATF recorded at least 3,370 Viet Cong killed, the majority in Phuoc Tuy, while an unknown number were wounded. Total Australian casualties during the Vietnam War were 521 killed and 3,025 wounded, the bulk of which were sustained by 1 ATF. New Zealand casualties during the war were 37 killed and 187 wounded.

23.01.2022 Army Reservist Sapper Ethan Cotton didn’t hesitate when he was called on two operations this year. An engineer from the 10th/27th Battalion Royal South Australian Regiment, No. 3 Field Squadron, he has been involved in Operation COVID-19 Assist and Operation Bushfire Assist. Sapper Cotton joined the ADF inspired by his grandfather who fought in World War II as a Kitty Hawk pilot. ... The South-Australian local said 2020 had been a challenging year but the most rewarding in his seven-year reservist career. "The sense of reward you get when helping the community is powerful," Sapper Cotton said. Getting to know the people behind the all-blue uniform [police] and sharing professional experiences has been interesting during the shifts on checkpoints. Sapper Cotton said he had also received significant support and encouragement from his civilian employer, Australian Submarine Corporation (ASC). Both his careers have developed skills complementary to one another, even though ASC's focus is specific to the maritime environment. "The company policy encourages reservists to stay actively engaged and professionally trained, Sapper Cotton said. Having the opportunity to put training into practise and help the community is an absolute career highlight. Photo: Leading Aircraftwoman Jacqueline Forrester: Sapper Ethan Cotton on Operation COVID-19 Assist.

23.01.2022 Kiwis and Aussies and maybe a tear up with Queensland Pops ...

22.01.2022 Just made these. Life’s too short to be serious ... and if you'd like to get in on the fun and games by grabbing one or two of your own; they're here http://ow.ly/b0wZ30rflNE

22.01.2022 We interrupt this program. If you could help share this, that’d be awesome. Thank you .... see it here; https://bit.ly/3uWFUud

21.01.2022 Two long-serving WOFFs have been celebrated by Combat Support Group with the awarding of their federation stars at RAAF Base Amberley on August 10. With a combined 29 postings, seven deployments and 12 medals, Warrant Officer’s Stuart Thomas and Perry Thomas, not related, have received the fifth clasp to the Defence Force Service Medal in recognition of 40 years of service. WOFF Stuart Thomas said it was an honour to receive his federation star.... It’s a great honour that I didn’t expect to achieve when starting out in my Air Force career, especially with a medical review at the 11-year mark when I came close to ending my career at that time, WOFF Stuart Thomas said. WOFF Stuart Thomas joined the Air Force in 1980 as a clerk supply trainee, eventually deploying four times as part of Operations Slipper, Catalyst and Sumatra Assist, and working his way through 15 postings including two in the United States. For WOFF Perry Thomas, after joining Air Force in 1979 as an armament fitter, he deployed three times for Operations Slipper, Catalyst and Accordion, which included remustering twice along the way as an avionics technician and armament technician. The secret to being around so long is to be adaptable, resilient and to understand and agree with the RAAF values, WOFF Perry Thomas said. WOFF Stuart Thomas agreed and said embracing inevitable change was part of that. Do the best you can with every task or challenge and embrace change, WOFF Stuart Thomas said. When you are provided the opportunity to have some influence on the changes faced, take that opportunity. Photo: Corporal Jesse Kane: Warrant Officers Stuart Thomas, left, and Perry Thomas with their Fifth Clasp to the Defence Force Service Medal, Federation Star and certificate of recognition for 40 years' service.

21.01.2022 Coming home after a long deployment is special for all personnel, but for Lance Corporal Jordan Westcott from Gawler, South Australia, this homecoming will be extra special. Lance Corporal Westcott is the Force Support Element-12’s metalsmith on Operation Accordion in the Middle East. He is heading home next week for the birth of his first child. ... Being here hasn’t been too hard on my wife and I and she has been going okay but I'm pretty excited to get home to be there in time for the birth, Lance Corporal Westcott said. Lance Corporal Westcott said he enjoyed the full spectrum of his role. I do all the manufacturing of requested jobs by our people around the Middle East," he said. At the moment I am working on a shelving rack to help the warehouse store kevlar body armour plates. I have to make eight of them so they can store and catalogue them easier. I designed the shelves from scratch and then manufactured what they need from start to finish. It needs to be able to hold a fair bit of weight, at least 300kg worth, so a lot goes into drafting those plans. Lance Corporal Westcott said helping people was the best thing about his job. Being able to design and deliver something that makes someone’s job easier and getting to do my job from start to finish is great, he said. People around here need stuff right away so we just get given a task and I can crack straight into it. Operation Accordion is the ADF’s overarching support mission to Operations Highroad, Okra, Manitou and other activities in the Middle East. Photo: Corporal Tristan Kennedy: LCPL Jordan Westcott is a metalsmith deployed on Operation Accordion.

20.01.2022 We’ve mounted so many Philippines Military Merit Medals lately they’ve earned themselves a nickname around here. Fidget spinners ...

19.01.2022 In a milestone for Air Force, the first group of pilots to conduct pilot training in the PC-21 aircraft received their ‘wings’ from Reviewing Officer Commodore (retd) Brett Dowsing, in a No. 2 Flying Training School graduation ceremony held at RAAF Base Pearce. With members of three different pilots courses graduating, trainees included the Royal Singapore Air Force No. 130 Squadron, No. 257 pilots course and one member from No. 259 pilots course. In a celebration of the grad...uation, 2FTS Instructor Flight Lieutenant Anthony Rooke impressed the attendees and trainees with a solo aerobatic display in the PC-21 aircraft. Commodore Dowsing addressed the course, acknowledging their achievements as well as the support the graduates had received to be able to achieve their goals. You have every reason to be extremely proud of your new-found status in both a personal sense but, just as importantly, in a collective sense recognising your families, your instructors, your colleagues and all the support staff during this challenging course and being able to achieve this milestone, Commodore Dowsing said. Enjoy the wonderful experiences that are part of being an ADF pilot. The associated fun, even under hardship environments, will provide you with among your fondest memories over your lifetime I guarantee it. A Welcome to Country and ‘smoking’ of the pilots’ brevets and graduates was undertaken for the first time by two Noongar Elders, John McGuire and Barry Winmar. Mr McGuire acknowledged the significance of the parade ground to both pilot graduates and the traditional owners, and blessed the graduates in order to banish evil spirits for their flying careers. The graduation marks the beginning of a career of lifelong learning for the Air Force’s newest pilots. They will now move across the country for their aircraft conversion course and build on their skills learned at 2FTS. Photo: Chris Kershaw: Graduates of No. 258 Advanced Pilots Course from No. 2 Flying Training School at RAAF Base Pearce.

19.01.2022 No. 79 Squadron has completed two weeks of introductory fighter training at RAAF Base Learmonth for Exercise Western Phoenix. With support from No. 2 Expeditionary Health Squadron and No. 25 Squadron, trainees furthered their development in formation, navigation and low-flying skills over the Exmouth region and the Hamersley Range in Western Australia. Detachment Commander Flight Lieutenant Kim Shearman said the exercise was successful for trainees and staff.... It was a fantastic opportunity for the Hawk trainees to extend their training by conducting deployed operations out of RAAF Learmonth, Flight Lieutenant Shearman said. The airspace and terrain in the region allowed the unit to conduct advanced formation and navigation training without the additional constraints of the busy airspace surrounding RAAF Base Pearce. The squadron was fortunate that the exercise was undertaken because COVID-19 phase four restrictions were reduced. Photo: Two RAAF Hawk 127 lead-in fighters from No. 79 Squadron during Exercise Western Phoenix.

18.01.2022 It was 1940 and World War II was in full swing. Realising it didn't have adequate resources to maintain the Royal Air Force (RAF) in the impending air war in Europe, the British government put forward a plan to jointly establish a pool of trained aircrew including pilots who could then serve with the RAF. Under the scheme, Australia agreed to provide 36 per cent of the total number of proposed aircrew 28,000 aircrew over three years. Across Australia, seven RAAF schools w...Continue reading

18.01.2022 This weekend the The Royal Regiment of Scotland will celebrate the 15th anniversary of its formation in 2006. During that time, its battalions have served with ...distinction across the globe, upholding the best traditions of their predecessors. Read more https://www.army.mod.uk/news-and-events//rrs-15th-birthday/

17.01.2022 Back in stock - just in time for postings and march outs and the silly season ... The Pain In the Bum Medal: Wait for it, wait for it! At last! A medal struck to recognise all those who have made a major contribution to the ills of society at large or quite frankly, a pain in the bum or as some more crudely put it, a pain in the arse! Someone (anyone) with a sense of humour who specialises in major FUBAR, WOFTAM or SNAFU campaigning on any level whatsoever. Looking for tha...t ideal gift for the silly season? A birthday? An end of course/year presentation? Maybe a farewell gift for a workmate (or a boss)? Something for those who seem to have everything? Well here it is! The PITA Medal, is a conversation piece that’ll last for years to come! 38mm in diameter, bright gold plated with both a highly polished and etched finish, it comes swing mounted with its own brown (what else?) riband. The reverse of the medal is polished gold; ideal for that well-intentioned engraved inscription. These have been purchased for all sorts of presentations; from retirement send-offs, farewelling your favourite boss, annual ‘fun awards’ nights, presentations for the stand-out miscreant on training courses there’s a raft of uses for these! And let’s face it; life’s too short to be serious all the time! https://www.heritagemedals.com.au/sh/pain-in-the-bum-medal/

16.01.2022 How’s your year so far?

13.01.2022 The end of an era; hundreds of coins to recognise the efforts of comms information systems controllers through the years ...

11.01.2022 Ahoy maties ... more coins of the realm ...

08.01.2022 Townsville RAAF member Flight Sergeant Jason Bond has been presented with the annual Mayor of Townsville Award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to RAAF Base Townsville and the North Queensland community. At a special ceremony held on August 21, Flt Sgt Bond was praised for stepping into a senior role, which ensured Townsville could continue its contribution to Defence missions in Australia and overseas. Flight Sergeant Bond said he was humbled to be recognised f...or the award. "When movements are faced with challenges, we lean on each other to get the job done, Flt Sgt Bond said. I'm appreciative that my chain of command has recognised my dedication and the flexibility my family has provided. My family’s understanding allowed me to provide capability to achieve mission status. Managing a section of 40 people, Flt Sgt Bond was responsible for providing sustained airbase support for air and ground movements for RAAF Base Townsville and in support of domestic and international operations through the mobile air load team. He led the movements team through the introduction and integration of new vehicles and facilities within the aviation fuels workspace, while ensuring a continuous movements capability for Defence requirements. But I truly believe if you choose a mustering you enjoy and are passionate about, your career will be fulfilling and successful. Commanding Officer No. 27 Squadron Wing Commander Mathew Green said Flt Sgt Bond was a worthy recipient. Flt Sgt Bond demonstrated superb professional mastery in the carriage of these duties, delivering air-terminal support, expeditionary capabilities and workforce management beyond requirements, Wg Cmdr Green said. His tireless efforts, often putting the team and Defence’s needs above his own, enhanced the Air Force and RAAF Base Townsville’s reputation throughout our region. Joining Air Force in 2007 and after spending 11 years in the Army as a signaller, Flt Sgt Bond has deployed multiple times and received a number of commendations for his exemplary dedication to duty. I have deployed over the wire multiple times to execute my role, providing an immediate effect to sustain operations on the front line, he said. But I truly believe if you choose a mustering you enjoy and are passionate about, your career will be fulfilling and successful. Air Force embraces its values, provides careers and training that gives us every opportunity to succeed, and rewards dedication. Photo: FSGT Jason Bond at the award ceremony with Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill.

07.01.2022 Growing up in south-west Sydney, swimming and diving, a normal upbringing for a bloke who became a police officer, but for Troy White there was another career beckoning. Chaplain White not only studied law while serving the NSW community as a police officer, then police prosecutor, but undertook theology studies as well changing his career to a pastoral one. "In 2012 I met an ADF chaplain in Newcastle and that inspired me to join the Royal Australian Air Force," Chaplain Whit...e said. "As a police officer I worked in general duties, plain clothes, some undercover work and then after studying law I progressed to a police prosecutor role. "My theology studies led me to the profession of pastor and I decided to combine my passion of supporting people, my faith, and being able, as I did in the police, work in a chain-of-command structure that led me to join Air Force." ADF chaplains are a diverse team who provide wide ranging services to ADF members while giving pastoral support to all faiths. Chaplains deploy on operations and exercises providing pastoral care to members while also advising commanders and supervisors on morale and welfare of troops and communities interacting with deployed personnel. "A chaplain’s willingness to enter war zones and to accompany ADF members on humanitarian and disaster relief tasks, providing a sense of protection and peace, is an important aspect of our work," Chaplain White said. "Defence life has the potential to be tough on families and I work hard to keep my boots on the ground, maintain a heart of care and compassion and to be present with open ears for our amazing ADF people. With people a strong focus of the Air Force centenary, throughout 2020 and 2021 exceptional members who have contributed to the Air Force will be featured on www.airforce.gov.au/100 and Chaplain White is a fine example of the thousands of people who make up our Air Force. Planning is underway for the commemoration of the Royal Australian Air Force’s formation in March 1921 and further information may be obtained at www.airforce.gov.au/100 Photo: Corporal Dan Pinhorn: Air Force Chaplain Troy White provides support, spiritual and pastoral care for the members of RAAF Base Richmond.

07.01.2022 Former Virgin pilot and reservist with the 5th Engineering Regiment, Corporal Daniel Le Bron, from Ardross in Perth’s south, is seeing another side of airport operations. He has been working on Operation COVID-19 Assist since April first as part of the contact tracing team supporting NSW Health and subsequently at Sydney International Airport supporting NSW Police and Australian Border Force. I flew Virgin’s ATR, its regional turbo prop aircraft, Corporal Le Bron said. ... I was recently notified my aircraft was not going to be kept I was gutted. Corporal Le Bron said he knew other people were doing it tougher. After I found out I was going to lose my job, I met a fellow who was applying for an exemption to the quarantine to see his mother who had had a stroke, he said. He’d been told the request probably wouldn’t be granted in time to see her before she passed away. Corporal Le Bron is one of 360 reservists from Army, Navy and Air Force working as part of Task Group 629.1, supporting the effort to stop the spread of COVID-19. ADF personnel have been assisting with contact tracing of positive cases, staffing checkpoints on the NSW and Victoria border and providing quarantine assistance at Sydney International Airport for returning international travellers, and one Sydney hotel for ADF personnel returning from overseas. Commander of the NSW task group Brigadier Mick Garraway said reservists made a significant contribution. Some have put their civilian life on hold for a significant period of time, Brigadier Garraway said. Many have been on duty since the bushfires and have demonstrated a fantastic capability. Corporal Le Bron said he was enjoying doing something meaningful. Working with other people has helped me from a mental health point of view It’s been great, Corporal Le Bron said. Photo: Leading Seaman Jarrod Mulvihill: CPL Daniel Le Bron at Sydney Airport on Operation COVID-19 Assist.

07.01.2022 The once-bare walls of Hanger 1 at RAAF Base Darwin air movements section (AMS) have been transformed into a work of art by personnel of No. 13 Squadron. The impetus for the idea came from Leading Aircraftwoman Jessica Knight, who discussed her design plan with her AMS colleagues and listened to their ideas. The result is a creative mural showcasing the team’s objective of promoting military ethos and explores the rich history of No. 13Sqn. ... Our design recognises the history and importance of 13Sqn during wartime operations, LAcw Knight said. As air movers our mission is to safely prepare, load and offload cargo and troops onto various heavy lift aircraft from across the nation and the world, so the silhouette of the C-17 descending through Darwin’s wet-season clouds is the centrepiece of the mural. Another major influence on the design was the flora and fauna of Darwin’s unique natural environment. We still hope to add some of the Northern Territory’s native animals into the main design. We’ll paint some black cockatoos and bushstone curlews, that are known for roaming around Darwin, into the dark grey area of the mural, LAcw Knight said. And then in the light grey section at the base of the design we’ll add some barramundi, turtles and a crocodile, using techniques derived from the local Indigenous art. Many of the almost 30 personnel employed within 13Sqn AMS at RAAF Base Darwin were involved. LAcw Kirsty Laurent played a pivotal role in helping to paint the mural. The fact that our team painted the mural together and that it also displays the Airman’s Code, just adds to the special feeling it provides about what it means to all of us to be serving members of the Royal Australian Air Force, LAcw Laurent said. Everyone that has seen it has made a positive comment. I like the fact that it brings a unique aspect to RAAF Base Darwin’s AMS section. Commanding Officer of 13Sqn Wing Commander Andrew Anthony couldn’t be more proud of his air movers. The nature of air operations at RAAF Darwin requires the air movements team to work irregular hours every day of the week, and they are often heavily tasked, WgCdr Anthony said. Their willingness to ‘go the extra mile’ to support aircraft movements while maintaining pride in their workplace exemplifies Air Force values and 13Sqn’s motto - Resilient and Ready. The mural by 13Sqn air movements section personnel encapsulates the dedication and enthusiasm this team display in every aspect of their work. Photo: Sergeant Ben Dempster: Leading Aircraftwoman Jessica Knight stands in front of the mural at RAAF Base Darwin air movements section.

05.01.2022 Army and Air Force fire-fighting students are the newest graduates to complete their training at RAAF Security and Fire School. However, the road to graduation was not without some unexpected hurdles. Because of a delay in refurbishment of the school’s fire ground, training grounds were unsuitable for final assessments.... Airservices Australia came to the rescue by hosting the final assessment phase of the course at their Coolangatta airport facility. Without this offer of support, ADF fire fighters would not have been able to achieve critical practical assessment components of their training. Course Coordinator Sergeant James Woodberry said the training prepared students in the most realistic way. Training at Coolangatta gave them exposure to fuel-controlled fires, which is the closest we can get to simulate a real aircraft fire, Sergeant Woodberry said. The school’s chief instructor Squadron Leader Kevin Auld said both organisations identified opportunities for development and are keen to foster this working relationship in the future. Airservices have provided not only a way for us to ensure training continued within COVID-19 constraints, but also an outstanding opportunity to benchmark our training, ensuring we provide the best possible ADF fire fighters, Squadron Leader Auld said. Photo: RAAF Security and Fire School striker attacks an aircraft wheel fire with its monitor at Airservices Australia’s facilities.

05.01.2022 Step off in style this year ...

05.01.2022 The first frigate to complete the Anzac Midlife Capability Assurance Program (AMCAP) upgrade, HMAS Arunta, has successfully fired surface-to-air missiles at Exercise Rim of the Pacific in Hawaii. Conducted alongside ships from Canada and the United States, Commanding Officer Arunta Commander Troy Duggan said the firing demonstrated the lethality of the upgraded Anzac-class frigate and its world-class Australian systems. This is the first time an AMCAP frigate has participa...ted in Rimpac, and demonstrates the capability of the new phased array radar suite as an integrated sensor for the combat system, Cmdr Duggan said. Completed in 2019, the upgrade provides the Anzac-class frigates the first CEAFAR2-L long-range phased-array air search radar. This world-leading radar technology has been designed in Australia to provide long-range situational awareness to the ship and allied units. Missile firings are conducted on the Pacific Missile Range Facility in Hawaii. The range used remote-controlled drones to simulate missile attack profiles against Arunta, and the ship engaged them with surface-to-air missiles. Cmdr Duggan said the ship’s company had trained extensively for the event. These sorts of complex warfighting exercises with multinational partners demonstrate that the Royal Australian Navy is able to operate seamlessly with other highly advanced navies in our region, he said. HMA Ships Hobart, Stuart, Arunta and Sirius, are taking part in exercise Rimpac in Hawaii. Ten nations, 22 surface ships, one submarine, multiple aircraft, and about 5300 personnel are participating in this iteration of the biggest international naval exercise. It includes forces from Australia, Brunei, Canada, France, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, and the United States. Participating forces are exercising a wide range of capabilities, including multinational anti-submarine warfare, maritime intercept operations, and live-fire training events. Photo: Leading Seaman Ernesto Sanchez: Able Seaman Electronic Technician Jayden Ross performs the role of a fire control officer in HMAS Arunta's operation’s room during the missile firing.

04.01.2022 No. 22 Squadron has commissioned artwork by Aboriginal artist and Wiradjuri woman, Trudy Sloan, depicting the squadron’s eagle motif. Prominently displayed in the squadron’s headquarters at RAAF Base Richmond, the artwork is a visual reminder of the contribution that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples make to serving their country, past and present, and their spiritual connection to country. The eagle is part of the squadron’s rich World War II history and the a...rtwork shows the eagle as the protector of the land, rivers and people. Commanding Officer No. 22 Squadron Wing Commander Trent Harris said the new artwork created a connection between the squadron and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It’s based on nose art from one of No. 22 Squadron aircraft in and the eagle motif was also displayed outside the squadron lines while they were deployed in Papua New Guinea, Wing Commander Harris said. It highlights the unique and differing perspective that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples bring to the Air Force. Ultimately this perspective, coupled with accompanying skill sets and knowledge, strengthens the unit’s capability. The artist was engaged through the community connections of the squadron’s Indigenous liaison officer, Flight Lieutenant Tjapukai Shaw. Flight Lieutenant Shaw said artwork was important for sharing stories in Indigenous cultures. For my people, artwork has been an important part of telling stories and teaching the lessons of our old people. To an Aboriginal artist, every piece tells a story and that’s no different for this piece, Flight Lieutenant Shaw said. One of my totems which link us to place and country is the wedge-tailed eagle. This artwork displays the similarities between Aboriginal culture and Air Force culture, because in a squadron we display our unit patch on our arm, which like a totem helps us to identify with a place. Photo: Corporal Dan Pinhorn: Wing Commander Trent Harris, left, and Flight Lieutenant Tjapukai Shaw display the new Aboriginal artwork commissioned for No. 22 Squadron Headquarters.

03.01.2022 Heads up. The National Emergency Medal is now available to emergency workers, including volunteers, who directly responded to the 2019/20 Bushfires. Based on the recommendation of the National Emergency Medal Committee, the eligibility covers 108 Local Government Areas. There are many hardworking eligible Australians that deserve this recognition for their brave efforts last summer. For more information on the eligibility criteria and how to apply, please click here; https://www.gg.gov.au/australian-h/national-emergency-medal

03.01.2022 You can paw over these little beauties ...