EDITOR:
SQNLDR Peter Meehan SR
SOC DGRES - AF
Photo: 82WG – Line-up of re-painted F-111 aircraft awaiting relocation to Museums.

News Breakers – Air Force Reserve – June 2013
WOFF Wade Godbee WOE Reserve, No 1SQN
Since the withdrawal of F-111 strike aircraft from Operational Service,
1SQN and 6SQN Technical and Supplier Reservists on one hand:
• Are providing effective operational services for Super Hornet
‘Rhino’ multi-role fighters.
Unique ‘Left Hand Right
Hand’ Capability
•
And, on the other hand, the Reserve team is managing critical
F-111 disposal activities.
In 2010, when the F-111 Pratt & Whitney TF-30 turbo-fans expelled their last gasp, the ejection safety pins were barely in place when the 82WG Reserve techo-team began a sequence of events to dispose of the classic war-horse in support of the Disposal and Aerial Targets Office (DATO).
Archiving of all F-111 technical documentation was followed by removal of classified equipment; Including re-useable items, wings, tails, stabilisers and engines from aircraft targeted for destruction, preparation of designated aircraft for re-paint and display, complete re-wiring and refurbishment of the F-111 simulator to enable it to be a ‘power-on’ display for the RAAF Museum, as well as refurbishment of several cockpit crew modules, to mention just a few.
During 2011 and 2012, Reserve disposal work for DATO was undertaken on week-nights, week-days and on scheduled monthly working week-ends; in some cases additional to tasking being undertaken by a PAF disposal team. During this time, a total of six F-111s were set-up for display and a large number prepared for burial.
1
Remembered for Heroics and Popularity
Reservists Central to Coalition Strategies
6
8
Reserve Refinement
Update 10
Letter from Lebanon 12
Employers: Reservists
Are Major Players 15
Mailbag 17
Caption the Picture 18
Civilian Skills Embedded in ADF Operations 20
RAAF Museum 21
22 Breakers' Briefs
10 Pound Pom - who dared to dream 26
Photo: Mr Greg Gannon - DATO
Reservists assisting with the loading of F-111 A8-129 at RAAF Amberley, QLD for transport to the Queensland Air Museum, Caloundra.
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News Breakers – Air Force Reserve – June 2013
WOFF Wade Godbee, WOE Reserve 1SQN said, ‘At the end of 2012, DATO called upon my team to ramp up our disposal activities, as there were an additional seven F-
111’s on top of the first six aircraft allocation scheduled for loan to museums and minimal PAF staff to facilitate this. A concerted effort was required to have these additional aircraft prepared, relocated and re-built during
2013 – all crucial to the successful completion of the relocation project’.
WOFF Godbee added, ‘Using Reservists to do the relocation and rebuild phase is a great success story, having been accomplished with minimal manpower, reduced time taken and significant cost savings to DMO.
The rebuild of an F-111 from the time the aircraft arrives at a museum to being set up for display and handover, takes up to four days’.
As the F-111 non-flying chapter draws to a close, passionate Reserve technicians have been privileged to provide service to the ‘Pig’ through its operational life, across the disposal phase and finally through to preservation and display in museums.
Photo: Mr Greg Gannon - DATO
Reservists WOFF Wade Godbee, SGT Paul Denley and FSGT
Wayne Dupuy preparing F-111 A8-109’s tail fin for fitment of the rudder at Historical Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS) Albion
Park NSW.
In 2012, WOFF Godbee nominated FSGT
Scott Presneill, Active Reserve and SGT
Paul Denley, Active Reserve for Australia
Day medallions which they received in
January, 2013.
The SNCOs have been integral to the ongoing success of the 82WG
Reserve team for many years, epitomising what RAAF Active Reserve capability is all about.
The future focus of RAAF Amberley
Technical and Supplier Reservists is with
Super Hornet multi-role fighters and the roles and service Reservists provide to
1SQN, 6SQN and 82WG.
WOFF Godbee said, ‘Since 2011, we have all been posted in positions under the Super
Hornet Reserve Air Force Operational
Directive (AFOD). Most of the Reservists
Photo: Mr Greg Gannon - DATO
Reservists FSGT Murray Heath, SGT Paul Denley and LAC Darryl
Prestidge with DATO staff fitting the port wing to A8-148 at Fighterworld,
RAAF Williamtown, NSW during May 2013. have been posted to roles such as Unit
Training Co-ordinator, Tool Store and the
Maintenance Control Section to name a few.
This determination was based on the block training structure for Technicians and the inability for most Reservists with fulltime civilian employment being unable to take up to 13 consecutive weeks off work to do all relevant systems’ courses'.
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News Breakers – Air Force Reserve – June 2013
Two AVTECHs have also been posted to 82WG in a spares assessing role. The AVTECHs and two
Equipment Reservists from 6SQN have been working at the Australian Super Hornet (ASH) Warehouse.
During the set-up phase for 1SQN and 6SQN transition to Super Hornets, key tasks of receipt inspections, stocktaking and overall management of ASH support and test equipment received from the United States, was undertaken by FSGT Ian McIntyre, Active Reserve,
6SQN AVTECH.
WOFF Godbee acknowledged, ‘While undertaking work within all these positions was a step in the right direction
– we could do more!'
'Hands-on aircraft maintenance capability is high on the agenda; therefore we identified key maintenance tasks that could be undertaken on Super Hornets that did not require completion of full trade courses’.
‘I then drafted a business case which centred on
Reservists undertaking specific special servicing on
Super Hornets for ATECH and AVTECH trades. To that end, using Reservists provides fully trained PAF technicians with freedom to concentrate on in-depth troubleshooting and rectification tasks. The practice also keeps Reservists up to date with maintenance procedures and new technologies’.
‘The business case was presented to Senior Engineering
Officer (SENGO) and WOE 1SQN for review/evaluation and was whole heartedly accepted by 1SQN management – in fact the list of identified tasks we provided was almost doubled by 1SQN’.
'It was identified that as a minimum, Reservists had to complete the F/A-18F Aircraft Ground Safety and
Familiarisation Course before any work could commence on the aircraft. FSGT and WOFF level also undertook the
F/A-18F Management Familiarisation Course, to assist in supplementation of the PAF workforce at the
Maintenance Manager level. These courses have since been completed'.
WOFF Godbee added, ‘Previous trade certification levels
(ie) tradesman, supervisor and independent inspector which we held on F-111 aircraft was fully accepted by
SENGO 1SQN, who in turn granted authorisations for a defined scope of Super Hornet work – this was a key outcome which gave Reservists autonomous capability'.
Photo: HARS
Reservists WOFF Wade Godbee 1SQN, FSGT Wayne Dupuy
278SQN, SGT Paul Denley 1SQN and SGT Greg Bower
6SQN, with DATO staff (PAF and APS) in front of A8-109 after re-build at HARS Albion Park, NSW during April, 2013.
Photo: WOFF Godbee 1SQN
(L-R): Reservists CPL Darrin Collihole, FSGT Scott Presneill and CPL Lee Wagner performing an Earthing Point check on a F/A-18F Super Hornet.
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News Breakers – Air Force Reserve – June 2013
‘Our first Super Hornet working week-end was held in
June 2012. Since then, Reservists have proven to be a
1SQN maintenance asset. Tasks completed at weekends, provides enhanced flexibility in getting aircraft back on-line quicker to meet SQN flying schedules’.
WOFF Godbee added, ‘While most of my team have not undertaken full F/A-18F trade courses, SGT Paul Denley,
Active Reserve and a Boeing employee on the Super
Hornet, is an exception. He is a fully trained Super
Hornet ATECH and the first Reservist to be authorised a s a full Independent Inspector; an installed engine runn er and engine runner assessor. SGT Denley has more
Super Hornet qualifications and experience than a number of the PAF 1SQN ATECHs. He has proven the worth of having Reservists in an operational SQN, having been deployed with 1SQN on several exercises’.
The Reserve technical footprint is increasing with some former PAF Super Hornet trained technicians recently joining the Reserve. As this expertise level grows, so will our scope of maintenance capability.
As the last of the F-111’s are relocated over the next few months, Super Hornet maintenance work is expected to expand. To date, Technical and Supplier Reservists have been assisting 1SQN. However, 6SQN has witnessed t he benefits of Reserve maintenance capabilities. As a consequence, 6SQN is keen for Reservists to integrate as soon as possible. Hopefully, the integration will be accomplished during 2013.
Editor Footnote
Photo: WOFF Godbee 1SQN
Reservists CPL Sunny Jacob and SGT Glen Gibson,
AVTECHs, removing a panel from the top of an F/A-18F aircraft.
The benefits of utilising Reservists for more than 2 yrs on disposals have been beneficial to the success of the F-
111 disposal project. As other ADF platforms retire from operational service, Air Force may consider Reserve capability as part of disposal planning.
WOFF Godbee’s Reserve team has also shown that transferring from an old platform that has been their life for many years onto a modern aircraft such as the Super
Hornet is possible.
Juggling full time civilian employment, Reserve service and family life can often be a difficult balancing act, but this has not distracted the 82WG
Reserve team from achieving their goals. All this would not be possible without the support and understanding of families who sacrifice valuable family time.
Photo: WOFF Godbee 1SQN
Reservist CPL Paul Cooke, ATECH removing engine access doors from an F/A-18F.
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News Breakers – Air Force Reserve – June 2013
SQNLDR Ron Ledingham, Vice President RAAF Association (Vic).
WOFF ‘Snow’ (John Desmond) Coughlan, Conspicuous Gallantry Medal
Flying (CGM Flying), passed away 11 April, 2013. He was granted a full service funeral by Chief of Air Force (CAF), in recognition of his special service and gallantry.
AIRCDRE Bob Rodgers, Director General Personnel - Air Force provided a detailed history of WOFF Coughlan’s 29yrs RAAF service, which included his awarding of the CGM (Flying); the first to be awarded since WWII.
‘CPL ‘Snow’ Coughlan became the first RAAF member to be awarded the CGM
(Flying); the highest flying gallantry award for non-commissioned ranks (other than the Victoria Cross), since WWII’.
‘While a crewman with 9SQN in Vietnam, CPL Coughlan went to the assistance of personnel from a US gunship helicopter which crashed into dense jungle inside enemy-held territory; just eight k/m from the Australian Task Force base at Nui Dat’.
Photo: Airmanaircrew.com
‘While the downed aircraft was burning fiercely, its ammunition and rockets exploding dangerously, CPL Coughlan volunteered to be winched to rescue the
CPL John ‘Snow’ Coughlan RAAF
9SQN Aircrew Gunner Vietnam badly injured crew. He successfully accomplished the rescue, though frequently
1967-68. forced to take cover from shrapnel. Three months later, he performed a similar feat in aid of another downed US helicopter’.
AIRCDRE Rodgers concluded, ‘Awarded the CGM (Flying) in 1968, he was only the 10th member of the RAAF to receive the Medal since it was instituted in 1942’.
The RSL conducted the main traditional service which was led by Jim Muir and
Barry Goldsbury. Legacy also provided a eulogy as ‘Snow’ had been an active member of the Legacy group.
Other speakers included Bob Redman, President 9SQN Association and Nick
LeRay-Meyer, RAAF Association (Vic), Vice President and Vietnam Veteran and former CO of 9SQN, who delivered an address on behalf of 9SQN Patron, ACM
Alan ‘Angus’ Houston (Ret'd).
WOFF ‘Snow’ Coughlan was accorded an RAAF uniformed Guard of Honour. His casket was carried from the Chapel by RAAF WOFFs and SNCOs from RAAF
Williams, led by FSGT Robert Harding, who carried WOFF Coughlan’s medals.
The funeral service concluded with a presentation of an Australian Flag to family members.
A most respectful and deserving funeral service to remember the special deeds and person in ‘Snow’ Coughlan; an individual who was not only gallant in conflict, but was noble and giving in his many voluntary community activities following his retirement from the RAAF.
Photo: RAAF File
Circa: 1968 portrait painting of then SGT ‘Snow’ (John
Desmond) Coughlan CGM
(Flying), after serving with 9SQN during the Vietnam War.
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News Breakers – Air Force Reserve – June 2013
Footnote:
The funeral service of WOFF ‘Snow’ (John Desmond) Coughlan
CGM (Flying), who enlisted with the RAAF in 1960 and discharged in 1989, was held at the Victoria Police Academy
Chapel, Glen Waverley, Melbourne on 22 April, 2013. The service was administered and overseen by Chaplain Carla
Evans. FLTLT (Padre) Boettcher also attended and conducted part of the service which attracted approximately 300 people.
Vietnam Veterans, both RAAF and Army, including past work colleagues’ of ‘Snow’, as well as members of the RAAF
Association Vietnam Veterans’ Branch, joined with other past serving members along with friends and family members.
The RAAF Association was represented by a large number of
Branch members which included John McCrystal, President (Vic);
Nick LeRay-Meyer and SQNLDR Ron Ledingham, Vice
Presidents (Vic); Richard Orr, Bob Brackin and Alan White, Board
Members.
Photo: RAAF Association (Vic)
FSGT Robert Harding led WOFF Coughlan’s casket from the Victoria Police Chapel, Glen Waverley,
Victoria. Pall Bearers were RAAF WOFFs and SNCOs from RAAF Williams, Point Cook and Laverton bases.
Photo: RAAF Association (Vic)
WOFF ‘Snow’ Coughlan CGM (F lying), was accorded an
R AAF uniformed Guard of Honour.
C onspicuous Gallantry Medal (Flying)
The CGM (Flying) was instituted in 1942 b y King George VI as an additional gallantry award. The Medal was awarded to non-commissioned officers and men of the Air Forc e
'for acts of conspicuous gallantry while flying in active operations against the enemy'. It is the Air Force equivalent to the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal with a white ribbon with narrow dark blue edges used mainly for the Army and Navy.
The Medal was discontinued in 1993. The ribbon is of light blu e with a narrow dark blue stripe at each edge. The award entitles the holder to use the post-nominal CGM. The last award to an Australian was in 1968 to then CPL John Desmond Coughlan of RAAF
9SQN, bringing to 11 the total awarded, all of whom were members of the RAAF. Only one award of the CGM (for Navy), has been made to an Australian.
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News Breakers – Air Force Reserve – June 2013
WGCDR Chris Pozzi, Active Reserve, Deputy Director Aerospace Interoperability.
Next time you’re involved in deployed operations or exercises, remember the reason that you’re able to get essential services and support from coalition partners is primarily due to the coordination efforts of the Air and Space Interoperability Council
(ASIC). In Australia and the USA, Reservists fill key management roles.
The ASIC mandate is to ensure that there are no materials or technical obstacles to cooperation between partner countries’ air forces. ASIC also promotes the efficient use of resources. This is accomplished by sharing resources during operations and by loaning equipment between nations.
Through ASIC, the RAAF is able to borrow equipment for the purposes of test and evaluation, such as the guidance control section for the AIM 9L Sidewinder air-to-air missile. And, the Tactile Situation Awareness
System1, borrowed from the United States.
Recent ASIC initiatives have included the sharing of information to conduct safe and efficient integration of
Uninhabited Aerial Systems into coalition battle-spaces and the development of shared processes to open, operate and sustain an expeditionary airfield.
A couple of key ongoing ASIC projects include the development of a standardised process for reporting aerial detections of possible Improvised Explosive Device (IED) sightings to enable Land Forces to better assess and exploit the air-derived IED detection data. And, the standardisation of aeromedical evacuation equipment to permit standing airworthiness certification of equipment.
In Australia, Director General Capability and Plans-Air Force (DGCP-AF), Air Force HQ, holds the appointment of
National Director and is, therefore, responsible to Chief of Air Force (CAF) for implementation of the ASIC program within Australia.
Central multi-lateral oversight of the ASIC program is the responsibility of the Washington, DC based ASIC
Management Committee (MC), membership of which includes an O-5 level air force officer from each air force responsible to the National Directors.
Australia's full-time representation on the MC is WGCDR David Bishop, Active Reserve, Staff Officer
Interoperability Management Committee (SOIMC), on the staff of Air Attaché Washington.
RAAF Active Reservists with ASIC strategic development:
SQNLDR Ron Ledingham: In the day to day running of ASIC, he obtains specialist input from various Defence agencies such as DGTA, AOSG, AFHQ to comment on ASIC Publications, including collecting outstanding elements of tasks and reports for distribution to members participating on ASIC business. SQNLDR Ledingham also provides specialist knowledge based on his previous PAF career and civilian employment as an Engineer.
SQNLDR Terry McLennan: Provides specialist input into both Force Protection and Agile Combat
Support Working Groups. As an Airfield Engineer, he has provided technical engineering expertise, as well as provision of knowledge gained through his civilian employment. SQNLDR McLennan’s work also benefits other elements of the ADF, including the areas of expedient runway survey and certification for C-130 and C-17 aircraft, as well as blast design for protective structures.
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News Breakers – Air Force Reserve – June 2013
SQNLDR Colin Muir: A specialist engineer within the Agile Combat Support Working Group. SQNLDR Muir’s knowledge of ADF aviation technical regulation and airworthiness systems was of significant assistance in the development of an ASIC Airworthiness Working Group to develop ways to recognise elements of the five countries
Air Forces’ Technical Airworthiness Systems.
WGCDR Chris Osborn: Works within the Force Protection Working Group. His advice as a specialist officer has enabled progression of a number of projects aimed at providing real force protection capability and policy to the
RAAF and air bases. WGCDR Osborn’s work includes managing project work related to ground sensor integration.
GPCAPT Nader Abou-Seif: Recognised Chair for the Aerospace Medicine Working Group for a number of years.
This has allowed the Working Group to retain a significant amount of knowledge without the usual turnover due to postings for full time ASIC Washington D.C. based personnel. GPCAPT Abou-Seif has been instrumental in both publication and procedural matters enabling the group to provide contributions to aviation medicine capability, both in peace time and real world operations. This has included aspects of tactical aeromedical evacuation, standards for aircrew, as well as recognition of foreign military medical skill-sets.
WGCDR Steve Millington and FLTLT Allan Janke: Now in the PAF, both previously worked as Reservists in
DGTA progressing ASIC standards that require engineering rigour with Air Worthiness compliance considerations.
Even within other ASIC signatory nations, Reservists fill many of the key support positions and have proved to be valuable and cost effective in maintaining this international five-nation forum.
In Australia the ASIC National Program Manager is WGCDR Chris Pozzi who can be contacted via e-mail: chris.pozzi@defence.gov.au
. Link to public website: www.airstandards.org
Footnote:
Originally formed in 1948 as the Air Standardisation Coordinating Committee (ASCC), the Air and Space
Interoperability Council (ASIC) is an international organisation which provides a framework for the air forces of
Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom and United States to work collaboratively to enhance coalition expeditionary air and space interoperability.
Photo: WGCDR Chris Pozzi
The International ASIC
Steering committee and
National Directors with
Australia as the host nation for the five-nation annual meeting conducted at RAAF Glenbrook,
Blue Mountains, NSW in May,
2013.
(L-R Rear): WGCDR Chris Pozzi (RAAF); SQNLDR Robert Nash (RNZAF);
SQNLDR Ron Ledingham (RAAF); WGCDR Nigel Cooper (RNZAF); SQNLDR
Jon Edmondson (RAF); WGCDR David Bishop (RAAF); MAJ Hayward Keats
(RCAF); WGCDR Chris Thorpe (RAF).
(L-R Front): Mr Robert Murphy (ASIC ADMIN); GPCAPT Kevin McElroy
(RNZAF); BRIGEN Martin Galvin (RCAF); AIRCDRE Warren McDonald
(RAAF); AIRCDRE Guy van den Berg (RAF); COL Chris Stockton (USAF);
LTCOL Dan Burden (RCAF); MAJ Renardo Levine (USAF).
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News Breakers – Air Force Reserve – June 2013
In February, 2013 a Joint Communiqué from Deputy Chief Air Force
(DCAF) and Air Commander Australia (ACAUST) outlined the first phase of initiatives flowing from the Reserve Refinement (RR) activity.
Many of the changes foreshadowed in the February Communique now have been actioned and are in place to come into effect on 1 July, 2013. These changes have been widely disseminated by formal channels, service newspapers and direct communications to all serving reservists. Work is continuing on other RR topics.
Terminology
Use of the Band 1 to Band 4 descriptors will cease. The revised structure for the Operational Reserve includes the: a. High Readiness Reserve (HRR) both High Readiness Active
Reserve (HRAR) and High Readiness Specialist Reserve (HRSR); b. Operational Employment Group (OEG); c. Supplementary Employment Group (SEG).
Necessary changes have been made to PMKeyS. (Check in on-line Self
Service PMKeyS).
Postings
For members engaged on short term projects or tasks SEG pool positions have been established at Headquarters Air Command (HQAC) and the
Force Element Groups (FEG’s). SEG pool positions are in the process of being established in Non-Service Groups. Previous Band 4 members have been, or will be, posted (after consultation) to one of the following: an OEG position; to a SEG ‘pool’ positions in a work sponsor organisation; or to a
‘City’ SEG ‘pool’ position.
Current arrangements for SEG GPCAPT and Star ranked officers will remain.
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News Breakers – Air Force Reserve – June 2013
Mandatory Annual Service Requirements
The mandatory annual service requirements for FY13/14 onwards will be: a. HRR – Active Reserve (AR) 50 Reserve Service Day (RSD) and
Specialist Reserve (SR) 7 RSD; b. OEG - 20 RSD (AR option to serve 32 RSD and SR option to serve
20 RSD); c. SEG – 1 RSD.
Individual Readiness Requirements (IRR)
There are no changes to the IRR for the HRR. For the OEG and SEG the
IRR is limited to extant health assessment arrangements currently applying to the AR and SR (five yearly assessments and specialist health assessments as applicable) except for those musterings/specialisations requiring specific aspects of IRR.
Commanders retain the discretion to set required IRR for certain positions,
For more information
Enquiries about the Reserve Refinement including reference documents, progress updates, FAQ’s, go to the DGRES-AF website – Reserve
Refinement pages.
For Reserve Refinement questions or comments go to: airforce.reserverefinement@defence.gov.au
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News Breakers – Air Force Reserve – June 2013
SQNLDR Chris Hayden, Active Reserve on OP PALADIN in the
Middle East writes…
‘I consider myself to be extremely lucky to have been selected for
Reserve duty on Operation Paladin during 2012-13. To date, it has been one of my most memorable deployments. I never really left the Air Force when I resigned in 2002. The moment I separated from the Permanent Air Force, I joined the Reserve. I love the professionalism – the task – the fun – the extraordinary experiences’.
Background …
‘I’ve already deployed once to Iraq in 2006. I’ve been the Senior
Training Officer, the Operations Flight Commander at No 21 (City o f
Melbourne) SQN and have participated in numerous ADF act ivities from the conduct of training through to acting CO of 21SQN, located at Point Cook the birthplace of the RAAF’.
Prelude …
‘Firstly, it started when Combat Support Group (CSG) asked for support of Ground Defence (GRDEF) related operations. CSG highlighted that continued support was required with the Air Force’s high rate of effort regarding ADF Operations’.
Best Tip: Believe in your capability worth as a Reservist …
‘I have always lived by the rule that if you are a Reservist, you’re committed, where possible to support any operation as required. Don’t take the money, or make the commitment, if you are not prepared to backfill, deploy on exercises or operations’.
‘I had nominated for the OP Paladin 12 month period 2013-2014. Flexibility is one of the main requirements of ADF operations, especially Reserves, so I consulted two advisors; my girls 15yrs and 17yrs. Teenage flexibility isn’t always easy unless there’s a hook. Telling them they would join me in
Europe for a holiday in September sealed the deal’.
Photo: SQNLDR Chris Hayden
‘Patrols are productive in building local relationships. On arrival in Jerusalem we trained as Observers. Our primary role: Observe and report violations from the signatory countries, or other parties’.
‘Next step. Advise my employer, the Australian Federal Police. There was a mixed response as they had planned to use me for secure movement of
Refugees. And, to attend a 16-week sworn course – this was always going to cause a problem – the deal was made however, through flexibility’.
‘I cannot stress enough that you must always keep open dialogue with your employer, you must also remind them of the benefits of employing Reserves and the practiced skills we bring to civilian organisations’.
Photo: SQNLDR Chris Hayden
‘Anzac Day at Jerusalem War
Cemetery included a walk in the
Old City. Australian Soldiers have served in the Middle East since
WW1’.
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News Breakers – Air Force Reserve – June 2013
‘Next step. Learn the task and expectations of the role, do the pretraining and do the pre-deployment administration, find out what has changed, roll with the changes as getting angry just burns good energy’. (See the latest on Reserve Refinement: Page 10 – Editor) .
‘Remember, we must all be flexible’.
‘Expectations of the deployment: a UN Military Observers course, the three-week Combat First Aid course, a great course and the Force
Preparation Course at 39th Personnel Support Battalion (39 PSB), which was highly valuable aimed around UN operations’.
Deployment to Jerusalem …
‘So finally. In December 2012, we were concentrated in Sydney for the deployment to Jerusalem as members of the United Nations Truce
Supervision Organisation (UNTSO)’.
‘We arrived in Jerusalem to be trained and melded as Observers. Our primary role: Observe and report violations from the signatory countries, or other parties’.
‘We were then given our allocated areas and deployed five days later, some to Tiberius, some Syria and my group of three Australians to
Observer Group Lebanon, (OGL)’.
Photo: SQNLDR Chris Hayden
Meeting of local village folk: ‘I took my Russian assessing officer (centre), on one of our 46 village patrols. He enjoyed the trip as on one occasion, we happened upon the Deputy
Mayor. It was another opportunity to be a part of building confidence amongst locals’.
‘On arrival Lebanon, to be told we are junior’s, we would have been the world’s oldest juniors. However, maximum age for this mission is 54yrs, so we were committed to complete similar deployment training once again’.
‘Remember, you must be flexible’.
‘The training is of a high standard. It culminates with your Training
Observer Group Lebanon (TOGL), this is basically a full-day of activities delivering both an operational brief and a ground brief, while also demonstrating knowledge of your whole area, (310 square kilometers), the roads, the villages, customs, politics, history, religions and also the **‘Blueline’. My team, Zulu, has a
‘Blueline’ line of withdrawal 1990 of 34 kilometers. You must also be able to conduct a safety and security brief, first aid and role-play scenarios'.
** The Blueline is the area of separation that all parties have agreed to respect for the Truce; it is not a border, but an area of separation. There will not be a border, until all concerned countries recognise each other, as technically, they are still at War. The Blueline is the line of withdrawal from the Israeli occupation up until 1990.
Photo: SQNLDR Chris Hayden
SQNLDR Chris Hayden, Active Reserve at the entrance of the Jerusalem War Cemetery.
On one occasion, I took my assessing officer on our village patrol. We gambled with a local villager spending USD$3. My Russian assessor enjoyed the trip as we happened upon the Deputy Mayor of one of our 46 villages. It was an enjoyable culmination to the training. The last task for the TOGL is the writing of a daily report on observations and comments; vital for situational awareness and for other UN agencies and host/contributing nations’.
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News Breakers – Air Force Reserve – June 2013
‘All patrols must have two different nationalities for impartiality and one language assistant, (language and cultural advisor and trainer for the juniors). Our primary mobility is an un-armoured 4x4 that weights over four tonnes. Village patrols are a great experience. We meet local people and hold discussions which can be random, or they may be more formal (eg), with a local Muktar or Mayor’.
‘We commemorated ANZAC day at Jerusalem War Cemetery, then walked the Old City. Australian Soldiers have been involved in the
Middle East since WW1. I will also go to Beersheba for Beersheba Day on 31 October, to remember our Light Horseman, who provided one of the greatest displays of courage, leadership and commitment by
Australians in war’.
‘I’ve recently been made team leader of Team Zulu, a real honour to lead a mixture of men and women from numerous countries: Italians,
Finish, Danish, Swedish, Russian, and our Tasman Allies – in one New
Zealander. This team line up will change over the next six months; that’s a refreshing challenge of the task as it becomes our turn to train the newcomers’.
Photo: SQNLDR Chris Hayden
SQNLDR Chris Hayden, Active Reserve on duty with the United Nations Truce Supervision
Organisation: ‘It was a moving experience to connect with Australian war history while visiting the Jerusalem War Cemetery.
My Leisure time …
'During time off, I teach and assist as a boxing coach in Tyre. Apparently I’m on YouTube and the local
Gym’s Facebook; I think at first it started as bit of a novelty'.
'I’ll be working ‘mitts’ to assist Shadi the local boxing champion and clouting locals when they get lazy or drop their guard. We have great rapport with most of the host nations as many have families in Australia; it’s not unusual to be greeted with ‘g’day mate’ , and ‘do you know my cousin in Sydney’ ? This almost results in an invitation to coffee and family dinners – I’ve even supplied a dual Lebanese Australian with vegemite for his daughter as she became addicted during crèche time in Australia; much to the amusement of her family’.
'All Australians in OGL have been given leadership positions. This is a mark of respect to the level of acceptance on the mission, as UNMO’s and being Australian. One major complaint from locals is that we speak too fast; we are known as native speakers, (English speaking mission). My mate Wu, the Chinese
UNMO, once stated, ‘ Chris, now I understand 50% of what you say, it was really hard when I could only understand 25%’ . Wu became a good friend – he is now the proud owner of a Boomerang’.
‘I have developed a common bond with many of the UNMO’s in the past and with those I’m currently working
– another motorbike tour of Europe is planned to visit friends when my OGL duties conclude’.
In closing …
To deploy on this memorable task, I thank the AFP, my primary employer and some very special families that assisted me with cultural insights and moral support, one Jewish family and one Muslim family, both willing to share their insights and history of this region. This has deepened my belief that most people just want to live, raise families and live in peace – another of my beliefs is the ADF – supporting the peace!’
Cheers for now,
SQNLDR Chris Hayden, Active Reserve
UN Military Observer, Lebanon.
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News Breakers – Air Force Reserve – June 2013
WGCDR Simon Nickson, CO No 23SQN, Amberley
Air Base Executive Officer.
The QLD State Employer Support Awards conducted on 30 April in Brisbane were hosted by
Margaret Goody, Chairman of the QLD Defence
Reserves Support Council (DRSC), with Reservist
CPL Daniel Keighran Victoria Cross for Australia
(VC), as the Guest of Honour.
DRSC sponsors Employer Support Awards as a m eans of formal public recognition for employers who support tri-Service Reservists. The State Employer Support
Award is awarded in each of four industry categorie s to one employer who has been identified as providing continued and significant support to the Reservists in their employ.
Fifteen regional awards have been made to supportive employers over the last year. From these employers, four state awards were made in categories: small business; medium business; large business and public sector.
DRSC Guest of Honour
Photo: 23SQN Amberley
WGCDR Simon Nickson, CO No 23 (City of Brisbane) SQN and
Amberley Air Base Executive Officer; AC Shaun Mulvena, 23SQN
Active Reserve, Air Base Protection Flight; CPL Daniel Keighran
VC; Mrs Heather Loveday of Loveday Electrical and employer of
AC Mulvena; AIRCDRE Tim Innes, Commander Combat Support
Group and Senior Australian Defence Force Officer - Amberley.
Born in Nambour QLD, CPL Keighran was awarded the
VC for action while a member of the Enoggera-based
6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment serving in Afghanistan. He is now a
Reservist with 11th/28th Battalion, Royal Western Australia Regiment, employed by Frog’s Leg Gold Mine in Kalgoorlie, WA.
During his address to the gathering about the significance of Reservists and their employers, CPL Keighran VC said, ‘When I first returned to the Mine after receiving the VC; one of the boys made a comment along the lines of:
Well, if he can handle himself in combat, I’m certainly not going to tell him what to do in the Mine – I think he’ll be fine!’
‘I still laugh about that comment, but in many ways, I guess he’s right. There are skills and qualities that I learnt in the military, which apply every day in a civilian career. And, if I ever can’t resolve a problem, I think about what I’d do if I were in uniform; it helps me put things into perspective and come up with a solution for the way forward’.
Victoria Cross for Australia
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News Breakers – Air Force Reserve – June 2013
‘Some Reserve members, like me, also come up with nationally recognised qualifications such as heavy vehicle and watercraft licences, including training and assessment qualifications’.
‘Coming from an Army background has taught me to lead, or be led, to make decisions in high pressure and unpredictable situations, to focus when completing tasks with short timeframes and to use initiative to tackle any problem’.
CPL Keighran VC concluded, ‘Being a Reservist is something which is important to me – I appreciate the full support of my workplace employer – employers certainly shouldn’t fear military skills. All of our training allows us to deal with the same situations that are found in the civilian world, plus we live with Defence values – courage, initiative and teamwork’.
Footnote
The Victoria Cross for Australia is the highest military award in the Australian
Honours System.
QLD State Employer Support Award Winners
Mr Leo Conlon: Optimus 1 Insurance Brokers – PTE Terry Hampton,
Reserve.
Ms Heather Loveday: – AC Shaun Mulvena, Active Reserve.
Mr Phil Collins: Queensland Nickel P/L – Reserve member not for publication.
Mr Steven Ronson: Office of Fair Work Ombudsman – LTCOL Russel
Jacob, Reserve.
QLD DRSC Principal Guests
Mr Jack Smorgon, National Chairman DRSC; Bob Atkinson, Patron QLD
DRSC; Ms Margaret Goody, QLD Chairman DRSC with partner Richard
Croston; Mr Ian Stewart, Commissioner QLD Police; MAJGEN Stuart Smith,
Commander 1st Division, Enoggera; CDRE Peter Leavy, CDRE Warfare,
Fleet HQ Sydney; CDRE Richard Phillips, DGRES-Navy, Canberra;Mr
Michael Campbell, Acting Fair Work Ombudsman; Mr Ian Flawith, DRES and Employer Support, Canberra.
For more information, contact:
QLD DRSC: 1800 803 485 or (07) 3233 4289,
MAJ Flaherty: 0419 637 267 or
MAJ Fagan: 0419 145 163.
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News Breakers – Air Force Reserve – June 2013
Send Air Force Reserve News Breakers comments to the Editor: peter.meehan1@defence.gov.au
Reserve News Breakers – this well put together and widely read on-line publication certainly assists with understanding the value of Reservists.
SQNLDR Tanya Kennedy
SO Integrated Workforce Mgr
395 ECSW
RAAF Townsville QLD
Just wondering are you happy for my social media team to push News Breakers out on social media; the same as what we do for Air Force news? If so we will action today. (WGCDR Richard Bluck,
Reserve Public Affairs and Industry Engagement - Air Force has provided clearance: Editor).
SQNLDR Niki Frost
Staff Officer
Community Engagements
My main interest in the Guinness World Records story (March, 2013 edition), is to highlight the resource that older people offer to the workforce with their knowledge and experience. The benefits of employing older people are many and varied. Employment also benefits the individual as we are more inclined to look after our physical health, including our mental health as that can naturally take care of itself due to using our ‘grey matter’ (that's the internal, not the external). The old adage applies: ‘use it, or lose it!’
SQNLDR Phil Frawley
Active Reserve QFI
76SQN RAAF Williamtown NSW
It was great to read about the Medal of The Order of Australia (MilDiv), recently awarded to WOFF Russ
Kennedy CSM, OAM. The calibre of people assembled in the DGRES branch is a great testament to the positive ‘can do’ and impactful culture established within the section.
Congratulations also to WGCDR Rudy Darvill OAM, Active Reserve 92WG, and GPCAPT Jennifer
Lumsden SOC, DGHR-AF for her CSC.
FLTLT David Bluck
Standby Reserve
KPMG Melbourne VIC
Air Force Reserve News Breakers back issues visit DGRES-AF or Defence Reserve Support Council
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News Breakers – Air Force Reserve – June 2013
Submit your suggested caption for this image:
The Tarinkot air load team prepare to remove a Kalmar container carrier f rom an RAAF C-17 Globemaster at Multi
National Base -Tarinkot.
Photo: CPL Janine Fabre, 1JPAU
Photo: CPL Janine Fabre, 1st Joint Public Affairs Unit
Winning entry will receive from News Breakers a moulded glass decanter with etched RAAF Crest.
The best caption entry will win a moulded glass decanter with etched RAAF Crest.
The decanter, of traditional design, could take pride of place amongst your entertainment favourites at home or office.
Enter via e-mail to News Breakers Editor peter.meehan1@defence.gov.au
before Friday, 30 August, 2013 .
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News Breakers – Air Force Reserve – June 2013
A USAF F-16 Fighting Falcon from the18th Aggressor SQN, Alaska and a RAAF F/A-18
Hornet from No. 2 Operational Conversion Unit conduct a training sortie in airspace near
RAAF Base Williamtown.
LAC David Coughtrie
Reserve Firefighter
381ECSS RAAF Williamtown, NSW.
You have won a moulded glass decanter
with etched RAAF Crest. The decanter is of traditional design
(as seen on previous page).
Photo: Air Force File
Contest is open to all current Defence personnel. Entries will be judged by the Deputy Director
General Reserves - Air Force.
Judge’s decision will be final. No correspondence will be entered into.
e
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News Breakers – Air Force Reserve – June 2013
CAPT Felicity Hamblin, Reservist, Army Public Affairs.
Deployed to the MEAO since August 2012, WGCDR Terry McLennan, Active
Reserve is Chief Engineer at HQ Joint Task Force 633. He is responsible for
ADF facilities and infrastructure across the Middle East, including maintenance of base facilities, minor new works, hard-standing areas and capital and infrastructure works across locations in the United Arab
Emirates, Iraq and Afghanistan.
WGCDR McLennan said, ‘I also have technical control over the engineers based under the Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT), in Tarinkot. They are reconstructing 14 km of road in Uruzgan Province, rebuilding the Radio and
Television Afghanistan building; the result of an insurgent attack, building ablutions in detention centres and developing a solid waste management site for the town of Tarinkot'.
In addition to his extensive project management list, WGCDR McLennan is overseeing the relocation of the Trade Training School into Tarinkot that is currently operated by PRT at Camp Holland, as well as working with the transition and redeployment team.
He added, ‘My main effort during recent months has been the deconstruction of
Australian infrastructure at Camp Holland, as part of the remediation of the Multi-
National Base’.
The MEAO deployment is the third for WGCDR McLennan. Previous deployments
2007/08, were with Reconstruction Task Forces 2 and 3 into Afghanistan. In both deployments, he was engineer responsible for Tarinkot airfield which had a gravel runway and required constant maintenance, unlike the present concrete runway.
Photo: CAPT Felicity Hamblin
WGCDR Terry McLennan Active
Reserve from Warwick, S-E QLD, is Chief Engineer in the MEAO and responsible for Retrograde
Deconstruction works at the
Multi-National Base at Tarinkot,
Afghanistan.
His defence experience in airfield infrastructure enabled WGCDR McLennan to join John Holland Pty Ltd in 2009, as a result of engineering projects with the introduction of C-17 Globemaster aircraft at RAAF Amberley.
Experience in construction since that period gave rise for additional ADF deployments. To that end, his wide ranging civilian skills have proved to be valuable in the operational zone. Undertaking deployments has been made easier with the support of his civilian employer.
WGCDR McLennan said, ‘Once I was aware of the opportunity to deploy, I spoke with the human resources manager at John Holland Pty Ltd. They were very supportive as the Company had previously signed with the Cadet, Reserve
Employer Support Division under Defence to be recognised as a supportive employer – terrific!'
Background …
WGCDR Terry McLennan, Active Reserve of Warwick, QLD joined the RAAF in 1997 as an airfield engineer while studying towards his undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering at the University of Southern Queensland. Leaving the
Permanent Air Force after a 12 year career, WGCDR McLennan joined the Air Force Reserve and John Holland Pty
Ltd in 2009, working as an onsite project engineer.
OP SLIPPER is Australia’s military contribution to the international campaign against terrorism, maritime-security in the MEAO and countering piracy in the Gulf of Aden.
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News Breakers – Air Force Reserve – June 2013
By SQNLDR Peter Meehan Editor, Specialist Reserve.
The RAAF Museum, internationally recognised as one of the world's finest aerospace Museums, is located at RAAF
Williams, Point Cook Base Victoria, birthplace of the
Australian Flying Corps and the Royal Australian Air Force.
Preservation of the nation’s military aviation heritage for flying and ground displays and restoration of the aircraft types that played v ital roles for Australia during war and peace is central to the RAAF
Museum’s charter of Collect and Preserve.
When visiting Melbourne, make sure the RAAF Museum is on your holiday or business agenda…
Free to the public flying displays are scheduled:
Tuesdays 1.00pm, Thursdays 1.00pm and Sundays at 1.00pm
(excluding Christmas and New Year period).
Just 20 minutes drive from the Westgate Bridge along the Geelong
Freeway; the Museum is free to the public and open Tuesday to
Friday 10.00am to 3.00pm and Weekends and Public Holidays
10.00am to 5.00pm.
Sabre jet and Mustang fighter aircraft, both of the Korean War era and a Vampire jet, being of type that introduced the jet age to the
RAAF - each having stamped their authority during war and peace are on display.
The 'Strike Reconnaissance Hangar' features a 2010 retired RAAF
F-111G Strike aircraft, an F4E Phantom and a Canberra Bomber, including associated memorabilia.
In stark contrast, a 1910 British and Colonial Aeroplane Company
Bristol Box Kite replica aircraft, the type flown by the Australian
Flying Corps circa 1915, casts an inspiring shadow from a by-gone era of powered flight.
Visit the RAAF Museum website for more details.
Photo: DGRES-AF
RAAF 9SQN Iroquois helicopter A2-1020, appears
‘in-the-hover' as it did during the 18 August, 1966
Battle of Long Tan in Vietnam. 6RAR D Company soldiers were completely out numbered during a fierce and costly engagement in Long Tan rubber plantation. 9SQN personnel dropped ammunition supplies from Iroquois A2-1020 during a torrential storm in the heat of the Battle from tree top level.
17 Australians of D Company were killed at Long
Tan. More lives may have lost if the re-supply had failed. The other Iroquois which took part in the Long
Tan mission was A2-1022.
Photo: DGRES-AF
South-Pacific Operations WW II is a feature display at the RAAF Museum Point Cook. Mr David
Gardner, Director explains the ‘SGT Ted’ Kittyhawk flying outfit to visitors, as worn by 75 and 76SQN pilots. RAAF WWII 'War in the Pacific' artefacts also form part of the educational display.
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News Breakers – Air Force Reserve – June 2013
The Director General Reserves - Air Force (DGRES-AF) Branch, is seeking the services of an Air Force Reserve member to fill the position of Editor for the highly successful Reserve News Breakers on-line publication.
The successful applicant must be self motivated and able to source Air
Force Reserve stories, with imagery, that promotes the diversity of Reserve work-place activities, including human interest and civil skills stories that serve to enhance Air Force ‘one-team’ capability.
The Editor must demonstrate excellent writing skills, including the ability to manage the News Breakers’ production template and distribution of the quarterly News Breakers publication via e-mail on the Defence Restricted
Network (DRN).
For more information, please contact:
GPCAPT Carl Schiller
DDGRES-AF
BLG 474
RAAF Williams Laverton Base VIC 3027
E-Mail: carl.schiller@defence.gov.au
Phone: (03) 92563254
Mobile: 0412 814 212.
Photo: DGRES-AF
Retiring Editor: News Breakers
SQNLDR Peter Meehan, Active Reserve.
With numerous ADF operational deployments occurring, tri-Service uniform member numbers for Anzac Day turnouts have been marginally smaller in recent years. However, 2013 Anzac Day dawn services and Anzac marches have recorded record public attendances in capital city and rural centres around Australia. In Adelaide, Air Force
Specialist Reserve (SR) members marched with PAF members for the Anzac Day march on King William Street.
Photo: WGCDR Steve Mason
(L-R) GPCAPT Andrew Pearce, SR Medical Officer, Director
Air Force Health-Reserves (AFH-R) SA/WA/NT and civilian medical intensivist; GPCAPT Chris Verco, SR Medical Officer, a past Director AFH-R SA/WA/NT and civilian obstetrician;
WGCDR Steve Mason, SR Dental Officer, Deputy Director
AFH-R SA/WA/NT. WGCDR Mason, a civilian dentist, develops the yearly training program for SR medical members in the region.
22

News Breakers – Air Force Reserve – June 2013
Breakers' Briefs
Five Fighter Combat Instructors (FCIs) from No 2 Operational
Conversion Unit (2OCU) have been presented with a group Chief of Air Force (CAF) Commendation by Air Commander Australia,
AVM Mel Hupfeld.
The CAF Commendation reads:
'I commend the members of No 81WG FCI Course development team for their tireless and exemplary performance in redesigning and facilitating the No 31 FCI Course'.
'The FCI Course development team's commitment to professional mastery resulted in a redesigned FCI Course which addressed multi-force element group integration; new equipment acquisition; emerging threats and improved return on investment'.
Reserve FCIs SQNLDR Paul Simmons and SQNLDR Phillip
Eldridge, continue to contribute important skills for Air Force .
At the 2013 Plastic Surgery Congress in Melbourne, ADF
Reserve officers from the Australian Society of Plastic
Surgeons (ASPS), and their military Reserve counterparts from the New Zealand Association of Plastic Surgeons (NZAPS), came together in the spirit of ANZAC to host a Ceremony of
Remembrance on 25 April.
Convened by AVM Hugh Bartholomeusz OAM, Surgeon
General ADF Reserves, the Ceremony invited all Australians,
New Zealanders and international attendees to pay tribute to those who served our countries in times of war, conflict and peacekeeping.
Footnote:
The Anzac Ceremony also commemorated the men and women who made significant contributions to the skills of
Plastic Surgery during war time.
Photo: Air Force News
(L-R) SQNLDR Paul Simmons Active Reserve;
SQNLDR Steven Bradley, Air Commander
Australia, AVM Mel Hupfeld; SQNLDR Phil Eldridge
Active Reserve; SQNLDR Andrew Jackson and
SQNLDR Ray Simpson
Photo: Mal Heap – Heaps of Photos
Special guests included (L-R) MAJGEN Professor
Jeffrey Rosenfeld AM; AVM Hugh Bartholomeusz
OAM; BRIG W. Bryan Gamble MD, Deputy Director,
Tricare Management Activity (TMA); CAPT John
Parkes CSC, RANR; AIRCDRE Rowan Story AM,
RFD; LCDR Ravi Mahajani RANR and Chaplain.
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News Breakers – Air Force Reserve – June 2013
Breakers' Briefs
Personal Data Check is Critical …
Amongst all the other activities triggered by the end of one Financial Year and the start of the next, should be a check of your personal data held on PMKeyS.
Not a bad habit to adopt – it keeps us all connected!
Log onto PMKeyS Self-Service to check the accuracy of:
• your contact details - especially email and mobile phone;
• postal mailing address;
• formal qualifications and licences;
• civil skills data – including self-claimed skills;
• employment – current and recent history.
Update any corrections where you can, and access or discuss with your Orderly
Room/Administration Centre, which web forms are required for items of verification.
It’s now more than a year since the initial Civil Skills Data e-Survey was conducted. The gathered data has been progressively uploaded over this period. Now, is a good time to check that all personal data is correct. If you have any new qualifications or self-claimed skills, use the relevant web form update.
Remember to use the start of each Financial Year as a ‘prompt’ to check all personal data on PMKeyS – it’s a good habit to adopt!
New annual requirements for Reservists …
Audit Branch has required the Service Chiefs to implement revised processes whereby Reserve members must complete on an annual basis a Conflict of Interest
(COI) and Employment Policy Declaration Form.
VCDF has noted that perceived, or real COI issues apply to all members of the
ADF/ADO, not just Reservists. Some members may think that COI issues apply only to those involved in tendering, contracting and procurement from industry, or those holding financial delegations. However, COI could arise in any employment group.
Accordingly, all members of the Operational Reserve (including SEG/Band 4) will be required to comply with the new annual requirements specified in DGPERS-AF Directive
No1/2013 ‘Operational Reserve – Perceived or Real Conflict of Interest Policy’ dated 19
March, 2013.
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News Breakers – Air Force Reserve – June 2013
Breakers' Briefs
In summary, the expectations of Operational Reservists regarding COI now are: a. Conflict of Interest and Declaration Policy Declaration Form AE417 (new): submitted at start of each Financial Year, or change of posting, or new civil employment, or new civil interests; b. Reserve Service Day (RSD) Bid Form: A new Part B of this form now has mandatory check boxes that you are aware of the relevant Defence Instructions
(see below) and you have lodged a current Form AE417; c. Ethics and Fraud Awareness Training: This is the existing requirement to complete mandatory training in this subject. Current CAMPUS initiatives soon will enable reservists to access some of the mandatory training subjects via a non-
DRN internet connection, which should assist timely completion.
The DGPERS Directive should be read in conjunction with:
DI(G) PERS 25-4 – Notification of Post Separation Employment
DI(G) PERS 25-6 – Conflicts of Interest and Declarations of Interest
For many Reservists this COI process will be relatively straightforward, however others will need to be sensitive to real, potential and perceived COI issues not only for themselves but also their partners, friends or close associates, as explained in the
Defence Instructions.
Make sure you understand your obligations and circumstances before making the annual declaration via Webform AE417.
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News Breakers – Air Force Reserve – June 2013
SQNLDR Peter Meehan Specialist Reserve, Editor.
Paul Lineham Regional Manager Public Affairs, South QLD.
‘Back in January 1963, I arrived In Sydney on a two-year working holiday. Within a day, I was employed as a
Railway Porter at Sydney’s Central Station. I later bumped into a young bloke passing through Central who had enlisted into the RAAF as an apprentice’.
‘He was very excited about his prospects when telling me that he was on his way to RAAF Wagga to join the School of
Technical Training. After our brief exchanges and with a spring in his step, George Hatchman leapt aboard the ‘Wagga Flyer’ that rattled off to rural NSW’.
‘I had been in the Harbour City for only a few weeks, with full intention of returning to the UK to join the RAF and fulfil my dreams to become a fighter pilot. However, that brief encounter on busy Central Station with WOFF George Hatchman (Ret’d), coupled with Australia’s sunshine, I decided to stay and have a crack at joining the RAAF’.
In 1963, just weeks after meeting Hatchman, Aircraftsman
Recruit John Ward also caught the train to Wagga to begin his recruit and technical training as an aircraft electrical fitter – friendship between the one time railway worker and George
Hatchman was cemented – they remain good friends.
John Ward’s Air Force career would see him posted to RAAF
Richmond at No 2 Aircraft Depot, then to Butterworth to work on Sabre fighters during the Indonesian confrontation; later to
Ubon Thailand with 79SQN and Phan Rang South Vietnam with 2SQN working on Canberra Bombers.
Six days before his six-year enlistment expired, LAC John
Ward was placed on No 72 Pilots' Course and gained his
‘Wings’ in 1970. However, as No 2 Operational Conversion U nit
(2OCU), did not have a fighter course aligning with Ward's graduation, it would be 18 months before his dream to fly
Mirage interdiction fighters and the formidable F-111 Strike
Reconnaissance bombers would be realised: the months were taken up flying over oceans in Neptune maritime aircraft.
Photo: 77SQN Historical
FLTLT Ward circa 1974 - ‘Flying to Butterworth in a
Maritime Patrol Group Neptune, I told anyone who was prepared to listen about the finer points of the remarkable Mirage fighter. On arrival, I was called to the
CO’s office. He said that he’d had enough of me talking about Mirages…they’ve therefore seen it fit to post you there!’
Photo: WOFF George Hatchman (Ret’d), Historian
‘The Sabre Jet was another remarkable fighter that I was fortunate enough to work on during the
Indonesian confrontation. That experience and time with 2SQN Canberra bombers in Vietnam, lit-up my ambition to become a fighter pilot’.
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News Breakers – Air Force Reserve – June 2013
‘Just prior to my Mirage conversion, I married love-of-my-life
Annie which was opportune, as she became my sounding board for the various and lengthy check-lists one had to memorise off by heart. Following three years with 77SQN, I was placed on Instructors' Course with Rod Scotland, Jim
Rothwell and Alan ‘Angus’ Houston (later to become CAF then
CDF), at RAAF Sale – it was a most enjoyable posting – I absolutely loved it as I did instructing on the F-111’.
FLTLT Ward was sent to Singapore in 1976 to instruct pilots of the Republic of Singapore Air Force on BAC 167 Strikemaster aircraft. It was at Changi where he was reunited with his
Instructor Course mate Angus Houston who had arrived a few months earlier.
'My brief flirtation with fighters came to an end in 1978 when I was sent home to RAAF Amberley for conversion training on the magnificent F-111 at 6SQN. Postings between 1 and 6SQN followed. On promotion to SQNLDR, it was back to 1SQN as
Flight Commander, after which I was promoted to WGCDR and
CO of 6SQN'.
Photo: WOFF George Hatchman (Ret’d), Historian
GPCAPT John Ward's Compulsory Retirement Age
(CRA), has been extended for one further year which will take his time in uniform to 51 years. (R) WOFF Hatchman discharged in May, 2012 in his 50th year of service. The pair have achieved a significant combined 100 years of
RAAF service and enjoy a long friendship that has endured to this day.
Out-of-cockpit postings included instructing at Joint Warfare
Centre, Williamtown; HQ Strike Reconnaissance Group; HQ
Air Command and Integrated Air Defence System (IADS),
Royal Malaysian Air Force Base, Butterworth.
GPCAPT Ward’s final posting prior to joining the Reserve in 1998 was to
RAAF Tindal as OC, dealing with the Katherine floods for which he was awarded a CSC.
Photo: WOFF George Hatchman (Ret’d), Historian
(L-R) AIRCDRE Peter Growder (Ret’d), special guest who enjoyed more than 35 years with the F111 strike aircraft; GPCAPT Geoff Harland OC 82WG, RAAF Amberley; Mrs Annie Ward; GPCAPT John
Ward CSC, Active Reserve and tribute ceremony MC Paul Lineham, Regional Manager Public Affairs,
South QLD.
GPCAPT Ward said, ‘Growing up in a very austere post-war England, I always harboured a desire to join the Royal Air Force. On a working holiday in Sydney back in 1963, little did I realise then that it would be the Royal Australian Air Force’.
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