The official newspaper of the Royal Australian Navy Volume 56, No. 11, June 20, 2013
SERVING AUSTRALIA WITH PRIDE
NAVY NEWS
TO THE
RESCUE
HMAS Newcastle assists injured
merchant sailors PAGE 3
NAVY HONOURS Personnel acknowledged in Queen’s
Birthday Honours List Pages 12-13
HELPING HAND:
HMAS Newcastle receives injured sailors from MT Perla.
Photo: POEW Ben White
2 NEWS
www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS June 20, 2013Director
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SERVING AUSTRALIA WITH PRIDE
NEWS
LEUT Ryan Zerbe
HMAS Tobruk has arrived in Papua New Guinea for a seven-week deployment.
Tobruk departed Fleet Base East on June 3 with a large joint contingent of ADF and US person- nel on board headed for Pacific Partnership 2013.
One hundred military medi- cal and engineering personnel are embarked in Tobruk. They will visit the townships of Wewak and Vanimo to administer medical, dental, veteri- nary and engineering aid.
Tobruk’s Army detachment loaded about 100 tonnes of medi- cal and engineering cargo for the mission.
C O To b r u k C M D R L e i f Maxfield assumed command of the ship during a brief stopover in Townsville as Tobruk made her way to Papua New Guinea.
Outgoing CO CMDR Tim
Watson said the moment was bit- tersweet as he saw the ship and her crew off.
“I’m very proud of what Tobruk has accomplished these past months,” he said.
“I hope the crew are as proud of themselves as I am of them.”
CMDR Maxfield said he was inheriting a capable ship and hard- working crew.
“It’s a great privilege to assume command of Tobruk – a ship with an outstanding history of achieve- ment and service and which is close to the heart of many people who have served in her in the past 32 years,” he said.
“Tobruk’s ship’s company is well prepared, highly motivated and enthusiastically looking forward to working with our close friends in Papua New Guinea.”
He said the deployment was an opportunity to use Tobruk’s strengths as a heavy lift ship to deliver significant aid.
“This sort of mission delivers enormous benefit to some of our closest regional neighbours, and completing this kind of deployment with Japan, New Zealand and the US adds confidence to our ability to respond to disasters in the Pacific region,” he said.
“Tobruk was built for this type of task and it is not her first deploy- ment as a part of Pacific Partnership.
I’m very glad to see her and her crew hard at work getting the job done with our embarked personnel.”
While in Wewak and Vanimo, ADF medical personnel will work with their counterparts from the US to provide medical and dental aid, conduct clinics and health fairs and work with local medical practitioners.
As part of the contingent, an engineering group from the Australian Army’s 6th Engineering Support Regiment will work with members of the US Navy’s Amphibious Construction Battalion to conduct maintenance, repairs and
refurbishment during the deploy- ment to schools used by nearly 5000 children.
Volunteers from Tobruk’s crew will also refurbish sports facilities and public buildings for the two remote townships, which have a combined population of about 40,000 people.
The deployment is ABML-P Hayley Limbert’s first sea posting and she is enjoying the experience.
"We’re pretty busy but I’m enjoying meeting all of the new faces we have on board for the trip,”
she said.
Along with Tobruk’s deploy- ment to Papua New Guinea, Japanese ship JDS Yamagiri will provide personnel and a helicopter, the USS Pearl Harbor will deploy to Samoa, Tonga and the Marshall Islands and HMZNS Canterbury will provide aid to Kiribati and Solomon Islands during Pacific Partnership.
Off to visit friends
LEUT Ryan Zerbe
FEEDING a ship’s company is no small task, but for the chefs of HMAS Tobruk the job has become a lot bigger.
On top of the 180 members of Tobruk’s crew, the team is also feeding an additional 107 embarked personnel during Pacific Partnership.
LSML-C Liam Ibbetson said the extra work was testing the team’s skills but the job was get- ting done to a high standard.
“On any given day we have to prepare meals that meet the dietary and nutritional needs of everyone on board and we’ll be keeping this pace up for the whole seven weeks we’re deployed,” he said.
He said the extra personnel had also been lending a hand.
“We have an extra five chefs on board for this deployment and some of our American guests have
Hearty work for all on board
been helping out serving food in the embarked forces mess, which helps us out a lot,” LS Ibbetson said.
“We’ve had a lot of good feedback from the embarked
Americans and the Australian Army and Air Force members who have never been to sea and experi- enced Navy cooking.
“It’s a good feeling and builds a happy atmosphere for our team.”
MEAL TIME: SMN Michelle Valento, of the US Navy, looks forward to lunch in HMAS Tobruk's embarked forces mess.
Photo: LAC David Cotton NEW FRIENDS: Above, AB Samantha
Hargreaves and SMN Phoebe Evans stand with CPL Andrew Johnson, of the US Army, as HMAS Tobruk departs Sydney. Right, ABBM Kyh Mye cleans a Steyr rifle. Photos: LAC David Cotton
AT SEA: Above, ABCSOMW Jason Smith prepares to wash the vehicle deck. Right, outgoing CO Tobruk CMDR Tim Watson hands over the ship’s engine keys and command to CMDR Leif Maxfield.
READY TO GO:
ABET Sean Hester raises the Australian flag on Tobruk before departing Fleet Base East.
ON THE JOB:
Right, ABML-P Hayley Limbert in the ship's office in HMAS Tobruk.
Below, ABATA Anthony Peters and flight deck party members await the arrival of an MRH-90.
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NEWS
June 20, 2013 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS
CDF condemns unacceptable conduct
Newcastle flies to the rescue
HMAS Newcastle has provided medical treatment and evacuated two badly burned Filipino merchant seamen from a stricken oil tanker in the Somali Basin.
The seamen, from the Liberian registered merchant tanker Perla, were severely burned during a machinery fire that left the tanker powerless, adrift and vulnerable to pirate attack on June 7.
Newcastle’s embarked Seahawk winched a three-person medical team to Perla to treat and recover the seriously injured men shortly after dawn on June 8.
CO Newcastle CMDR Paul O’Grady said sea conditions pre- vented immediate transfer of the casualties.
“After steaming 100 nau- tical miles at best speed to reach the Perla, the sea state prevented us from rendering immediate assis- tance,” CMDR O’Grady said.
“By radio, our medical officer, LEUT Natalie Boulton, established the casualties were stable enough to remain on board until conditions improved. Being in a known pirate area we took up a security position for Perla.”
Medical team member ABML-S John Baguio, a Filipino speaker, reassured the casualties.
“I was humbled that I could help merchant seamen from my old coun- try as a member of my new coun- try’s Navy,” AB Baguio said.
“Before leaving the Philippines, I had trained to be a merchant seaman myself, so this whole situation was surreal. It was a fantastic opportu-
POIS Paul Berry
THE Young Endeavour Youth Scheme has marked 25 years of youth develop- ment voyages aboard the national sail training ship Young Endeavour.
Defence Science and Personnel Minister Warren Snowdon hosted a breakfast at Parliament House to cel- ebrate the milestone on June 6.
CN VADM Ray Griggs and COMAUSFLT RADM Tim Barrett joined 15 Youth Scheme alumni and invited guests at the event.
Mr Snowdon said 25 years of contin- uous service was a great accomplishment worthy of celebration.
“Since 1988 more than 11,000 young Australians have joined 472 challenging training voyages in Young Endeavour, and a further 10,000 guests from organi- sations supporting youth with special needs have joined a community day sail,” Mr Snowdon said.
“During each voyage, youth who join Young Endeavour live and work with a diverse range of people, adapting to a challenging and unfamiliar environment as they learn to sail a square-rigged tall ship.
“In doing so they develop a broad range of personal skills and attributes – becoming more effective team members, leaders and communicators.”
Representing the alumni, Arjun Bisen said his experience on board Young Endeavour gave him confidence and greater self-awareness, teamwork and leadership skills.
“There’s nothing like swinging from a mast, 20 metres in the air in the midst of a storm at 3am to give you a new per- spective on things,” Mr Bisen said.
“I remember coming down from that and realising I had overcome two of the biggest barriers to achievement: self doubt and fear. No challenge has felt quite as intimidating since.
“I look back at those 10 days as a real turning point in my life. It was a spark that triggered a chain of positive events.”
Mr Snowdon thanked the scheme and Navy for 25 years of service.
“Young people reap enormous ben- efit from the Young Endeavour Youth Development Program and, in turn, the Australian people also benefit as partici- pants go on to make valuable contribu- tions to their family, their employer, their community and their country,” Mr Snowdon said.
“I congratulate the Young Endeavour Youth Scheme and the members of Navy who crew the ship and deliver this inter- nationally recognised program. It is a wonderful example of the contribution our people make in the Australian com- munity.”
nity and I was glad I could help out in my small way.
“It made me feel very proud of being in the RAN.”
Once aboard the vessel, the spe- cially trained Navy medics assessed two men as seriously injured with second and third degree burns to their face, head, shoulder and hands.
A third man had a second degree burn to his arm and was given first aid.
The two serious casualties were transferred to Newcastle for treat- ment and stabilisation.
The men were given medical
care overnight until the arrival of ESPS Numancia, which arranged the evacuation of the injured men to a hospital at Port Victoria in the Seychelles.
Newcastle is conducting mari- time security operations in the region as part of the Combined Maritime Forces.
Newcastle’s mission is to pro- mote a secure maritime environment for the benefit of legitimate mari- ners and this rescue operation is an example of multinational collabora- tion between French, Spanish and Australian naval assets.
Celebrating the success of youth
HAPPY OCCASION: Defence Science and Personnel Minister Warren Snowdon speaks with Young Endeavour alumni at an event at Parliament
House in Canberra. Photo: POIS Paul Berry
SGT Dave Morley
THREE ADF members have been suspended from duty pending the outcome of investigations into the misuse of the Defence computer network.
In an announcement on June 13, CA LTGEN David Morrison said it was alleged the men exchanged emails and other material that degraded others and referred to illicit drugs.
The suspension of a number of other ADF members who appear to be closely involved in these activi- ties is also being considered.
CDF GEN David Hurley said he
was disturbed by the nature of the evidence collected and angered by the actions of those associated with these activities.
“Their behaviour does not accord with the ADF’s values and I fully support the CA’s decisions to date,”
he said.
“Our actions in publicly discuss- ing these allegations and announc- ing the decision to suspend these members should send a clear mes- sage to all Defence personnel; there is no place for illegal, offensive or discriminatory behaviour in the ADF.”
GEN Hurley said the behaviour of the individuals concerned reflect- ed poorly on all ADF members.
“As members of the ADF we have a duty to protect our col- leagues,” he said.
“Every person in the ADF deserves the right to serve without any kind of physical, mental or sexual abuse and I will defend their right to do so in a fair, just and inclusive workplace.”
Defence Minister Stephen Smith said he supported the strong and decisive action taken by LTGEN Morrison in this matter.
“The CA briefed me when he became aware of these despicable allegations and I had absolute con- fidence in his proposed handling of the matter,” he said.
HELP AT HAND: HMAS Newcastle’s Seahawk ‘Gremlin’
lowers onto MT Perla to provide assistance to the injured crew members.
TEAM EFFORT: PO Paul Mayer and ABML-S John Baguio were part of the medical team involved with the rescue. Photos: POEW Ben White
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4 NEWS
www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS June 20, 2013Sailors meet Indian Navy
VISIT: POMTE Peter Boyles describes Newcastle’s fuelling and replenishment operations to an Indian engineering officer (left).
Inset, the Indian Navy’s Southern Naval Commander in Chief VADM Satish Soni presents CO Newcastle CMDR Paul O’Grady with a commemorative plaque.
SBLT Rachel Jones and LEUT Suresh Kumar
KOCHI in India was the final port of call before HMAS Newcastle started operations in the MEAO.
The visit from May 22-24 provided valuable engagement with the Indian Navy and insights into its training and operations.
Newcastle was greeted along- side by an Indian Navy band and wasted no time meeting local coun- terparts, including CO CMDR Paul O’Grady making an official call on the Commander in Chief of the Indian Navy’s Southern Naval Command, VADM Satish Soni.
A large group of Newcastle offic- ers and sailors toured the Southern Training Command’s Anti-Submarine Warfare School while Indian officers toured Newcastle.
POMTE Peter Boyles hosted the Indian officers in Newcastle’s machin- ery control room where he described many of the functions to his guests.
“I was surprised by how many sim- ilarities we had with our host country,”
he said.
Other popular activities included visiting the local markets, touring the local historical attractions and sam- pling the large range of local cuisine.
The highlight of the visit was an official reception hosted on Newcastle’s flight deck, attended by the Chief of Staff Southern Naval
Command, RADM Ashok Kumar. The evening culminated in a ceremonial sunset, led by ASLT Mitchell Vines as Guard Commander.
“It was my first time as Guard Commander,” he said. “I found myself apprehensive as to how it would pan out; however, while marching off I felt impressed with the professionalism displayed by the guard.”
Deputy Maritime Logistics Officer LEUT Meghann Walker ensured the night was a success as Newcastle’s supply personnel presented a variety of Australian foods to the Indian guests.
“It was a great night, with members from all departments pitching in; it was fortunate that the monsoon rains did not eventuate,” she said.
Newcastle departed Kochi on May
24 accompanied by the Indian offshore patrol vessel INS Sharda.
The day involved a range of evolu- tions including officer-of-the-watch manoeuvres, boarding of vessels by respective boarding parties and cross- decking of personnel.
Newcastle’s Deputy Weapons Engineering Officer LEUT Dallas Gray said the cross-decking let him experi-
ence a day at sea in the Indian Navy.
“The day began with a ship tour with the highlight being the engineering spaces,” LEUT Gray said.
“They operate very similar to us, including rank structure, deck mark- ings, piping and general routines.”
Newcastle also hosted two young Indian Navy officers, LEUT Kishore and LEUT Bhalerao.
SBLT Matthew Stobo
HMAS Newcastle conducted her first port visit in the Middle East, to Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates on May 31.
The 24-hour stopover included a visit from JTF633 Command Team, storing ship, receipt of some ‘snail mail’ and the opportunity for two siblings to reunite.
Deputy Commander JTF633 AIRCDRE Tony Needham addressed the ship’s company on the importance of a maritime presence in the MEAO and noted the continued commitment of the RAN, thanking Newcastle’s ship’s com- pany for the part they are playing.
It was a short, 24-hour taste of the UAE heat (36°C, 99.2 per cent humid- ity) for the ship’s company, with the visit devoted to supplying the crew with the required stores and victuals to continue their first patrol.
Eager to beat the heat the crew headed to their respective mess to see if they were lucky enough to receive a care package in the 356kg of mail which was
delivered. The mail was a hit throughout the ship, with some receiving numerous parcels from home.
Chocolate, magazines, newspapers and photos were warmly welcomed, with any connection to home and family being particularly treasured.
The visit also gave Newcastle sailor ABMT Carl Brennan a chance to catch up with his sister, ABML-P Natalie Brennan, currently based at Al Minhad Air Base in the United Arab Emirates.
The able seamen had not seen each other for 10 months, and they became the third pair of siblings to be reunited dur- ing the trip so far.
“When I saw my sister on the gang- way while waiting for the oil truck I couldn’t believe it,” AB Carl Brennan said afterwards.
“She surprised me with a massive hug, and then we got to catch up for maybe an hour before she had to leave.”
Newcastle sailed again the following morning to continue her first Op Slipper patrol.
Crew gets taste of heat in United Arab Emirates
GOOD TIMES: POMLP Brenda Cox brings some of the 350kg of mail to the ship’s office so she can distribute it. Photo: POEW Ben White
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NEWS
June 20, 2013 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS
LSHSO Mitchell Timmins, of the Hydrographic Survey Blue Crew, was among four Navy personnel who received a gold commendation from the Chief of Joint Operations in Darwin on June 6.
The citation commended LS Timmins’ for his outstanding efforts
“to keep his boat free from damage and the crew safe at all times”.
“His superior judgement and high degree of professionalism directly contributed to the safe transfer of sur- vivors,” it stated.
“His physical strength and mental fortitude ensured all personnel were embarked safely without prolonged exposure to dangerous conditions.”
LS Timmins said while it was hard going it was a team effort.
“I’m really proud of the crew and what we’ve achieved,” he said.
“It was a tough time, but every- body chipped in and we all just did what we needed to do.
“As hydrography service sailors
we generally don’t see a lot of action.
“These are the sorts of things you think back on at the end of a trip and realise you’ve achieved something.”
The Hydrographic Survey Blue crew also received a group citation for their role in the rescues.
CJOPs LTGEN Ash Power award- ed four individual gold commenda- tions and a further three group com- mendations in two ceremonies held at patrol boat base HMAS Coonawarra and on board hydrographic survey ship HMAS Leeuwin.
All commendations relate to mari- time search and rescue events between June and August 2012 when the vessels were assigned to Operation Resolute.
LTGEN Power said personnel per- formed exceptional feats to recover survivors from vessels in distress, often in extremely hazardous condi- tions.
“The Australian public rarely gets an indication of the great work
THE Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) will implement a new structure on July 1 to align more closely with Defence.
Following on from the DSTO Strategic Plan 2013-18, the new shape will better position the organisation to carry out its roles and implement the 10 strategic initiatives of the plan, according to the organisation’s leaders.
Under the new structure, DSTO’s research divisions will be consolidated into seven new divisions.
The new domain-aligned divi- sions will be Land, Aerospace, Maritime, National Security and Intelligence, Reconnaissance and Surveillance, and the Joint and Operations Analysis Division.
Two other divisions, Cyber and Electronic Warfare, and Weapons and Countermeasures, will have cross-cutting capabili- ties.
The three deputy chief Defence scientists will take on new roles to strengthen advice to government, ensure the organi- sation becomes more future- focused and enhances its impact through deeper and broader collaboration with industry and research organisations.
Requirements and program research leader Paul Johnson said the new structure would improve DSTO’s ability to meet Defence expectations, as well as making it easier for Defence cli- ents to find where they needed to go in DSTO.
“The benefit to the client will be a program that is more trans- parent and an organisation with clear single points of contact,”
Dr Johnson said.
The larger divisions that will result from introducing the new structure on July 1 will be more sustainable and the DSTO senior leadership team will be smaller and more focused on delivery to Defence customers.
Full technical implementation of the new plan is expected to be complete by October 31.
The DSTO Organisational Change site includes information about the changes to the struc- ture of DSTO.
Structural changes to consolidate the DSTO
Rescuers honoured
CJOPs commendations
Gold commendations:
• LSHSO Mitchell Timmins, Hy- drographic Survey Blue Crew
• LCDR Christopher Cooper, CO Assail Two
• LCDR Jonathon Tha, CO Attack Four
• LCDR Roberto Cucchi, CO Assail Six
Group commendations:
• Hydrographic Survey Blue Crew embarked in HMAS Leeuwin
• Assail Six embarked in HMAS Maitland
• Attack Four embarked in HMAS Larrakia
and the great seamanship displayed by the sailors deployed on Operation Resolute,” he said.
“Every day of the year, Navy is doing really good, really important stuff, often in very dangerous condi- tions.
“You’re out there savings lives and doing what the Australian Government asks you to do in a very professional
manner. So, I thank you very much, I’m very proud of the way you do your business.”
At any one time, up to 500 ADF personnel including Navy crews, Air Force AP-3C Orion crews and Army Regional Force Surveillance Unit personnel are assigned to Operation Resolute to detect and deter illegal activity in Australian waters.
TEAM EFFORT: Chief of Joint Operations LTGEN Ash Power presents the crew of Attack Four with a group commendation.
GOLDEN HANDSHAKE: LSHSO Mitchell Timmins receives his gold commendation from Chief of Joint Operations LTGEN Ash Power in front of the Hydrographic Survey Blue Crew for his outstanding work during Operation Resolute. Photos: LSIS Jo Dilorenzo
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6 NEWS
www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS June 20, 2013LSIS Helen Frank
THE countdown is on as June 24 marks 100 days until the International Fleet Review (IFR) in Sydney.
There is a core of 30 IFR planning staff working from Defence Plaza and Garden Island in Sydney but many subject matter experts are also contrib- uting, including the Master Attendant, Command Ceremonial and the Navy Director of Music.
All is in hand for the big event, according to Director IFR CAPT Nick Bramwell.
“Planning is certainly proceed- ing apace now and we are on track to deliver a world-class commemora- tive event in Sydney,” CAPT Bramwell said.
The IFR is being planned and exe- cuted in partnership with the NSW Government and the Sydney Council, as well as a number of other councils.
CAPT Bramwell said a large
number of civilian agencies was also involved.
“The IFR team is working with 34 different organisations, not including the foreign navies,” he said.
In the coming months, foreign ves- sels will begin to arrive.
ESPS Cantabria is already here and will represent Spain throughout the review.
“I anticipate that other interna- tional warships will start arriving in Australian ports en route to Sydney
from mid to late September,” CAPT Bramwell said.
A number of the visiting navies will also participate in Exercise Triton Centenary 13 in the East Australian Exercise Area from September 23.
CAPT Bramwell witnessed the 75th Anniversary Fleet Review of the RAN in 1988 and said while the number of ships involved in the IFR would be similar, many more countries would take part.
“We will have a much wider cul- tural mix this year with 21 countries being represented,” CAPT Bramwell said“The combination of 24 visiting warships, 17 tall ships and the 19 Navy participants will certainly be a spectacular sight on our harbour.”
The next key planning milestone is the Exercise Triton Centenary final planning conference, which is being held at Fleet Headquarters on June 26.
Counting down the days
PRIDE OF PLACE: HMAS Sydney, pictured here in Sydney Harbour, will lead the formation of RAN ships in the IFR.
Photo: ABIS Jayson Tufrey
7
NEWS
June 20, 2013 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS
LEUT Lauren Rago
HMAS Sydney will take pride of place in the International Fleet Review (IFR) this October as she leads the commemorative group of RAN and visiting naval ships into Sydney Harbour to mark the centenary of the first RAN Fleet arrival on October 4.
A hundred years ago the light cruiser HMAS Sydney joined HMA Ships Australia, Encounter, Melbourne, Warrego, Parramatta and Yarra for the nation’s first Fleet entry into Sydney Harbour.
The column of warships was a majestic sight in 1913 and this year the Navy plans to delight thousands of Sydney spectators once again.
For the current frigate Sydney, the event will exemplify the pride, honour and character inherent throughout today’s Fleet.
C O S y d n ey C M D R K a r l Brinckmann said he and his crew were looking forward to taking part in the eight-day event.
“I feel very honoured, not just for myself but for the ship, to have such a significant role in the IFR,”
he said.
“I am looking forward to seeing
Sydney participate in such an iconic event.”
Navies from every continent have been invited to the IFR.
Ships from Brunei, Canada, China, Colombia, France, India, I n d o n e s i a , J a p a n , M a l a y s i a , Micronesia, New Zealand, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, Russia, Singapore, Spain, Thailand, Tonga, the UK and the US are expected to participate.
When asked what the challenges would be for such an epic evolution, CMDR Brinckmann said it would be working with so many different nations.
“Many of the nations we operate with regularly and some we don’t, with some we speak the same lan- guage and some we don’t, so it will be a challenge. But the international aspect is what makes the event so special and important,” he said.
“During the actual Fleet entry itself, manoeuvring in the harbour and getting it just right will be a priority for us, as the event is not just for the public of Sydney, but for the whole of Australia.
“This is a showcase event that allows us to strengthen relation- ships across and beyond Navy and to make Australians proud of their Navy.”
To start the celebrations, more than 15 tall ships will enter Sydney Harbour at 11am on October 3.
The warships will then enter between 6am and 6pm on October 4 with a 21-gun salute being fired at 10am as the commemorative group of RAN ships, led by Sydney, pass Bradley’s Head.
Governor-General Quentin Bryce will officially review the Fleet from HMAS Leeuwin on October 5.
The eight-day festival of events will also include ceremonial fly- pasts by visiting and ADF aircraft, a spectacular pyrotechnic and light show on the evening of October 5, ship open days, memorial services, military band recitals, formal recep- tions and the opening of the RAN Sea Power Conference and Pacific 2013 Maritime Trade Show and Exposition on October 7.
Getting ship-shape
SHIPS ON SHOW
The RAN ships scheduled to participate in the IFR are:
HMAS Sydney IV HMAS Darwin HMAS Parramatta IV HMAS Perth III HMAS Broome II HMAS Bundaberg II HMAS Farncomb HMAS Success II HMAS Tobruk II HMAS Choules HMAS Gascoyne HMAS Huon II HMAS Diamantina II HMAS Yarra IV HMAS Labuan II HMAS Tarakan II HMAS Leeuwin HMAS Benalla II HMAS Shepparton II
TALL ships around the world are getting spruced up for the IFR.
More than 20 tall ships will gather in Australia from July-October for the International Tall Ship Festival, Sydney Auckland Tall Ship Regatta and the International Fleet Review.
More than 1500 places are avail- able for members of the public to join a tall ship for ocean passages and coastal voyages to Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Hobart, Sydney and Auckland.
Voyages are open to people of all ages and backgrounds, and no sailing experi- ence is required.
Rarely do tall ships from the northern hemisphere visit Australia, and most of the vessels sailing to Australia are
undertaking world voyages, making their way to Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, Antarctica and the Americas.
The first vessels will arrive at Fremantle in July and will spend several months exploring the Australian coast.
International Tall Ship Festival pro- gram dates and locations:
Fremantle – July 27-29
Adelaide – August 29-30
Melbourne – September 9-14
Hobart – September 20-25
Sydney – October 3-10
Auckland – October 25-28 For more information on how to join a voy- age or where to see the tall ships, visit www.
tallshipfestival2013.com
LSIS Helen Frank
EX-HMAS Warrego II crew member Ron Rosenberg is on the search for any former Warrego crew to join him at the International Fleet Review (IFR) in October.
Mr Rosenberg, the Vice President of the Naval Association of Australia NSW, would like to form a contingent of Warrego sail- ors to march in the IFR in Sydney.
The IFR will commemorate the centenary of the first entry
of the RAN Fleet into Sydney.
On October 4, 1913, the flag- ship, HMAS Australia, led the new Australian Fleet Unit of HMA Ships Melbourne, Sydney, Encounter, Warrego I, Parramatta and Yarra into Sydney Harbour for the first time.
This was a moment of great national pride and importance, one recognised as a key indicator of Australia’s progress towards national maturity.
Warrego I led the destroyer force into Port Jackson and is one of three ships from the first
Sydney Harbour entry that does not have a namesake currently serving in the Navy.
“At present, Warrego is the only ship’s name of the first RAN fleet not to be represented in the celebrations in October,” Mr Rosenberg said.
“As there has been no replace- ment ship bearing the name Warrego since 1963, I feel her proud name should not be forgotten.”
Mr Rosenberg can be contacted at ronrosenberg@bigpond.com or on (02) 9642 1910.
Calling all former Warrego crew
ONE of Navy’s longest serving sailors will be on board Syd- ney’s bridge or communica- tions centre for the Fleet entry.
LSCIS Roger Dalby joined the Navy 45 years ago and his first ship was Sydney III.
“I think I’ve had 35 years’
sea time and I never imag- ined I would have an op- portunity like this,” LS Dalby said.
“It will be an historic event that will spotlight Navy.”
Career spans the seas
Sydney’s all set to shine
IN PREPARATION: The Australian-built replica of Captain James Cook’s HM Bark Endeavour and the barque James Craig in the Captain Cook Graving Dock at Garden Island in Sydney. Both ships will participate in the IFR.
Photo: ABIS Kathy Tuddenham
Photo: LS Peter Thompson
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For more information visit www.adcu.com.au/app
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*ADCU on-the-go banking requires data which may attract additional costs from your mobile provider. Apple, the Apple logo and iPhone are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. Australian Defence Credit Union Limited (ADCU) ABN 48 087 649 741 Australian credit licence 237 988 AFSL 237 988.
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8 NEWS
www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS June 20, 2013DEFENCE members are encouraged to support local clubs and community groups but should be careful of mix- ing with the wrong groups, accord- ing to Defence Inspector General Michael Callan.
Mr Callan said the recent case of a sailor convicted and jailed for steal- ing weapons from a patrol boat in Darwin highlighted that Defence held assets, particularly weapons, which were attractive to criminal entities.
He said organised crime groups were known to deliberately target public sector employees.
“These groups will attempt to take advantage of connections in search of information, opportunities, services or markets to exploit for profit,” he said.
“This poses a serious fraud, cor- ruption and security risk to ADF and Defence civilian employees.”
He said Defence members who struck up a friendship, frequented the businesses of and accepted gifts or free memberships from organised crime groups could, even unwitting- ly, create an expectation that they would provide something in return.
“Add to that the potential for threats against you or your fam- ily and you can see how the corrupt,
fraudulent or improper activity that follows can quickly escalate,” he said.
Mr Callan said a small number of ADF members and Defence civilians were known to belong to, or associ- ate with, outlaw motorcycle gangs.
“While such membership or asso- ciation is not illegal, it may place Defence members in a difficult posi- tion if they have access which could be exploited by an outlaw motorcycle gang,” he said.
“This is particularly of concern where weapons and explosive ord- nance are involved.
“Civilian law enforcement agencies have previously confirmed that some Defence personnel have been associ- ated with drug and weapons trafficking for organised crime groups.”
In 2008 a police operation uncov- ered ADF personnel smuggling weapons into Australia from South- East Asia.
“Firearms are a commodity used to aid criminal activity and strength- en a criminal group’s market posi- tion,” Mr Callan said.
“Increased border surveillance means illegally imported weapons are harder to acquire, which increases the risk to ADF members.”
Earlier this year the Victorian Police revealed a number of high- ranking crime figures had infiltrated their ranks, which put undercover operatives in danger and jeopardised investigations.
There were also allegations offic- ers were involved in drug trafficking and illegal steroid use.
“We would not wish Defence to face a similar risk,” Mr Callan said.
He said Defence had policies and guidance in place to prevent criminal activity gaining a foothold.
“Mandatory fraud and ethics training are also a good source of advice to help our people avoid being compromised,” he said.
“As a Defence member you should and need to beware of who you associate with.”
Defence members are reminded that any contact with individuals or groups of concern, including outlaw motorcycle gangs, should be reported to the Defence Security Authority as a Contact Report (XP168).
For more information go to http://
intranet.defence.gov.au/IG/sites/
EthicsMatters or http://intranet.defence.
gov.au/dsa/dsm and click on “Contact Reporting”. Also see DI(G) PERS 25-2 and DI(G) PERS 25-6.
Be aware of crime groups
CRIMINAL INTENT: Personnel should be wary of groups seeking to exploit their knowledge and access to restricted items. Photo: ABIS Evan Murphy
STAY ALERT
Examples of criminal activity associated with Defence members include:
➤ Staff being close associates of seri- ous and organised crime figures
➤ Trafficking illicit drugs
➤ Providing information or intelligence
gained through employment to criminal groups
➤ Providing information to criminals to enable planning and execution of robberies
➤ Providing information about or access to weapons or ammunition
9
NEWS
June 20, 2013 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS
LCDR Chloe Wootten AFTER 54 years the HMAS Creswell Golf Club closed earlier this year, but the enthusiasm and generosity of the membership left a lasting legacy on the Shoalhaven with sizeable donations made to two local charities.
Former club vice president CPO Don Waples and final club captain John Hewitt presented cheques on May 27 to the Sir David Martin Foundation and the South Coast Branch of Legacy Australia.
The Sir David Martin Foundation supports Triple Care Farm at Robertson in NSW, which provides treatment and support to 100 young people in need each year.
Lady Susie Martin accepted the cheque.
“The money kindly donated by the Creswell Golf Club will go towards rehabilitation, counselling, life skills and vocational and edu- cational training to help the young people get back on their feet,”
Lady Martin said.
The closure of the club was per-
sonal to Lady Martin, as she played her first rounds of golf at the club when her husband, Sir David Martin, was XO Creswell in 1967.
Ray Pearson was also on hand to receive the cheque for Nowra Legacy.
“Legacy supports 503 wid- ows, 10 junior legatees and eight special needs dependants in the Shoalhaven, relying totally on donations,” he said.
CPO Waples said a steady decline in Defence membership was the catalyst for the demise of the club.
“The lack of current serv- ing members was saddening, but increased security measures made things difficult and finances were also tight. Unfortunately this chap- ter of Creswell’s history has now closed,” he said.
“We had a great bunch of peo- ple playing here and we are proud to be able to donate our outstand- ing funds to such worthy causes.”
The course at Creswell still pro- vides an essential fire-break for the base and is used for leadership and teamwork exercises year-round.
SBLT Rachel Jones
OPERATiONAL deployment usually involves leaving family behind but it was the opposite for two pairs of siblings on board HMA Ships Newcastle and Toowoomba.
When Newcastle rendezvoused with Toowoomba on May 28 to conduct the hand- over for Operation Slipper, amidst the flurry of personnel, stores transfers and handovers, there was also time for a quick reunion for siblings.
ABML-C Wallis Beresford was lucky enough to have her brother LSET James Beresford, of Toowoomba, visit her on board Newcastle in the indian Ocean.
She had not seen him since December 28 when he sailed for the MEAO in Toowoomba.
AB Beresford said her brother had a lot of stories to share with her.
“He said the deployment had been lots of fun and he kept himself very busy. He even brought me over chocolate, seasickness pills and his leftover money from the Middle East,” AB Beresford said.
Amazingly, another sibling reunion was able to be facilitated during the handover.
ASLT Mitchell Vines, of Newcastle, managed to visit his younger brother, LSEW Damian Vines, on board Toowoomba.
ASLT Vines said they did a quick tour of the ship before they sat down to swap news and photos.
“it was a great opportunity to share sto- ries of our different deployments,” he said.
LSIS Helen Frank
ELECTRONiCS technicians looking for a challenge can “pimp” their robot in the inaugural Navy Engineering Challenge, which began with the Mechanical Challenge on June 3.
The aim of the competition is to pro- mote teamwork, skill-of-hand and job planning skills among technical sail- ors. The challenge has been developed with input from the technical commu- nity and consists of three sub-elements – mechanical, electronics and aviation.
The regional electronics challenge will involve teams of four electronics technicians with a maximum of one petty officer and minimum of two able seamen or seamen.
Each team will assemble a kit to cre- ate an optical fire control system nick- named AiMee.
System alignment will be completed with a supplied laser and the competi- tion will finish with a tracking and laser- firing run against standardised targets.
The winning regional teams will then compete at a national level using a more complex kit called MONTee.
POET Jeremy Younger, of the Aerospace Materiel System Program Office, has put together the AiMee and MONTee kits and will also be on the judging panel.
“The designs are prototypes made with recyclable materials where possi- ble,” PO Younger said.
“When i was building this project i came across challenges and solutions that sparked my interest in both elec- tronics and robotics.
“i feel extremely lucky that i have been a part of this.”
He said it should take a team three to four hours to construct, understand the
Technicians vie for the top bot
TAKE THE CHALLENGE: POET Jeremy Younger and LCDR Damon Craig with the robot named MONTee, the larger of the two concept robots for the Navy Engineering Challenge.
Catching up with family a rare treat on operations
Club hits final ace with two charitable donations
software and complete basic testing on AiMee, but teams should take the extra time during the design process.
“For maximum points they can
‘pimp’ their fire control system, as func- tionality is only one part of the process,”
he said.
MONTee will take teams a little longer to construct. Teams should allow 7-20 hours, depending on their build components, quality, skill levels and how much they “pimp” their robot.
“This competition gives ETs a chance to show their abilities to create, design and implement a fire control system and prove you don’t need to be an engineer to design something,” PO Younger said.
“Teams can show off their imagi- nation and someone could become
the next James Michael O’Dwyer, the Australian inventor that created the Metal Storm technology.
“There is of course the prize of call- ing yourself a Champion Technician, which is something that i would be very proud of and would aspire to be.”
The AiMee kits will be supplied by mid-July and judging will start about six weeks later. The team with the highest score in each region will be issued with the MONTee kit for the national competi- tion in Sydney on December 4.
For more information visit http://intranet.
defence.gov.au/navyweb/sites/HNERCS/com- web.asp?page=200691&Title=Engineering Challenge
SAY HELLO: Siblings LSET James Beresford and ABML-C Wallis Beresford (top) and ASLT Mitchell Vines and LSEW Damian Vines (above) caught up at sea.
Photos: LSEW Georgina Herdmun and LEUT Joshua Clifford
PARTING GIFT: CPO Don Waples presents a donation to Lady Susie Martin for the Sir David Martin Foundation.
Photo: LCDR Chloe Wootten
Permanent & Reserve members – Help the ADF and Yourself!
• CSD reporting now extended to all uniformed members - permanent and reserve. (CDF Directive 18/2012 provides policy guidance re use of CSD).
• Use the relevant webform via your Orderly Room/Corporate Service Centres to record or update your CSD.
• The new aspect of CSD is that ‘self-claimed’ skills and experience can be recorded (ie not only formal qualifications) so your hobbies/skills or language skills can now be included (if potentially of use to the ADF eg carpentry).
• CSD includes:
- Self-claimed skills (a wide range of skills are listed from which to choose)
- Self-claimed language skills (languages acquired without examinations)
- Professional Registrations and Licences - Membership of Professional Organisations - Civil Education Qualifications
- Civilian Employment Details/History (reservists and regulars)
• Keep your Personal Data, CSD and contact data on PMKeyS up to date!
CIVIL SKILLS DATA
Skills in DefenceFor more information: go to DGRES-AF website, CSD section.
For questions or help: email the CSD helpline (include your PMKeyS number): ADO.CivilSkillsData@defence.gov.au
The purpose of Civil Skills Data (CSD) is to improve visibility of the full range of member skills and experience, so as to increase opportunities for both the ADF and the individual.
11
NEWS
June 20, 2013 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS
71 years since Kuttabul
REPRESENTATIVES from Japan, the US, New Zealand, the UK, the Netherlands and Australia attended a commemorative service at Garden Island in Sydney on May 31 to mark the 71st anniversary of the sinking of the depot ship HMAS Kuttabul.
Defence Parliamentary Secretary David Feeney joined attendees to honour the memory of the 19 RAN and two Royal Navy sailors killed on the night of May 31, 1942.
The victims were on board Kuttabul, a ferry con- verted for use as sailors’ accommodation, when it was sunk by a torpedo from a Japanese midget sub- marine.
CO Kuttabul CMDR Todd Willson said the Imperial Japanese Navy launched a daring attack that night.
“In the early hours of the morning three midget submarines entered Sydney Harbour and launched an attack against Allied shipping,” CMDR Willson said.
“Submarine M24 fired two torpedoes at the US Navy heavy cruiser USS Chicago.
“One ran aground on the beach at Garden Island, while the second passed ahead of Chicago and beneath Dutch submarine K9 before it exploded against the sea wall where Kuttabul was berthed, killing 21 and wounding 10.
“While today we remember the Allies’ war dead, it is also important to acknowledge the six Japanese submariners who died in the ensuing action.”
Four bodies were recovered from two subma- rines at the time, while the fate of the last submarine remained a mystery until 2006 when a group of recreational divers located its wreckage off Bungan Head, Sydney.
“Each year Navy commemorates the WWII battle with a service,” CMDR Willson said.
“The name Kuttabul was passed onto the Navy base at Potts Point which administers Garden Island, as a constant reminder of the action and the loss of life.”
REMEMBERING: The catafalque party stands guard at Garden Island during the 71st anniversary of the attack on HMAS Kuttabul (above).
PROUD MOMENT: (L-R) WO Mark Donlan, Shaun Ryan, LSCIS Lateika Smith, Uncle Max Eulo, Katherine Slater and CPO Ray Rosendale attend the Kuttabul anniversary during National Reconciliation Week.
Photos: ABIS Jesse Rhynard
Image © Australian Department of Defence
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12 HONOURS & AWARDS
www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS June 20, 2013QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY HONOURS – NAVY RECIPIENTS
Member (AM) in the Military Division CAPT Michael Smith For exceptional perfor-
mance of duty in the field of Navy workforce design and manage- ment.
CMDR Paul Davies
For exceptional service as a joint operational planner at Headquarters Joint Operations Command in support of operations in Afghanistan from January 2007 to December 2012.
Medal (OAM) in the Military Division CMDR Brian Nitschinsk
For meritorious service in the field of Navy engineering.
WO Frederick Campbell
For meritorious service in the field of aviation maintenance and for leadership as a warrant officer in HMA Ships Cerberus and Creswell.
WO Michael Connors For meritorious service as the Defence administrative assistant in Dili, Timor-Leste, the senior naval police coxswain at HMAS Cerberus and ship’s warrant offic- er in HMAS Sydney.
Commendation for Distinguished Service
CDRE Jonathan Mead For distinguished performance of duty in warlike operations as the Commander Combined Task Force 150 on Operation Slipper in the Middle East from October 2011 to April 2012.
CMDR Richard Boulton For distinguished performance of duty in warlike operations as CO HMAS Melbourne on Operation Slipper from June to October 2011.
Conspicuous
Service Cross (CSC) CMDR Rachel Durbin For outstanding devotion to duty as the Navy Category Manager for technical officers and sailors in the Directorate of Navy Category Management.
CMDR David Graham
For outstanding devotion to duty as XO HMAS Creswell.
CMDR Paul Hines
For outstanding achievement as CO Ardent Five in the rescue of 273 survivors in two search and rescue operations in June and July 2012.
CMDR Mike Stock
For outstanding achievement in the field of leadership develop- ment and leadership coaching in Navy’s warfare community.
LCDR Peter Smith
For outstanding achievement as OIC Submarine and Underwater Medicine Unit at HMAS Penguin.
Conspicuous Service Medal (CSM)
CMDR Anita Sellick For meritorious devotion to duty as staff officer navi- gation and seamanship and as Commander Policy, Australian Maritime Warfare Centre.
CMDR Jennifer Wittwer
For meritorious devotion to duty as Navy’s strategic women’s adviser.
LCDR Alexander Gibbs For meritorious achievement as staff officer grade two opera- tions in Headquarters Northern Command in support of border protection operations.
LEUT Clinton Walters For meritorious achievement in support of Operation Resolute during 2011 and 2012 while serv- ing as XO Attack Four.
CPO Craig Daly
For meritorious achievement as the senior technical officer aboard HMAS Wewak.
PO Leigh Kubacki
For meritorious devotion to duty as the naval police coxswain in patrol boat crew Assail One.
SGT Dave Morley A FORMER CO of HMAS Melbourne has been awarded a Commendation for Distinguished Service in the Queen’s Birthday Honours after the ship’s deployment on Operation Slipper last year.
CMDR Richard Boulton, presently serv- ing as Directing Staff at the Australian Command and Staff College, said he felt incredibly honoured to have received the award.
“I consider the award recognition for the excel- lent performance of the entire Melbourne team dur- ing our Operation Slipper deployment last year,” he said.
“It was an honour to lead the men and women of Melbourne to Operation Slipper. The entire ship’s company performed remarkably.
“I am extremely proud of the achievements of Melbourne during my command and our efforts last year add to over two decades of near continu- ous RAN operations in the Middle East.”
CMDR Boulton said Melbourne operated across all three of the Combined Maritime Force task forces during the deployment.
“The flexibility of the RAN ships to move seam- SGT Dave Morley
THE CO of the RAN School of Survivability and Ship’s Safety at HMAS Creswell has been recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.
CMDR Paul Hines received the
Conspicuous Service Cross for “outstanding achievement as CO patrol boat crew Ardent Five in the rescue of 273 survivors in two search and rescue operations in June and July 2012”.
The rescues occurred just a fortnight apart when CMDR Hines, embarked in HMAS Wollongong, led and coordinated the two rescue operations north-west of Christmas Island.
CMDR Hines said he was humbled by the award, but it was shared with Ardent Five.
“The award was for coordinating naval and merchant vessels and aircraft during both events, which presented a lot of com- mand challenges,” he said.
He said during the operations there were many survivors on the quarter deck and many of the survivors had been in the water for a long time when Wollongong arrived on the scene.
“It was an overwhelming feeling as we pulled into the area with the noise of the screaming and whistles,” he said.
“Our primary health care people were amazing, it was just the two chefs and the naval police coxswain.
“The survivors were very appreciative.”
HMAS Larrakia was also involved in one of the rescues while HMAS Leeuwin sup- ported the other.
In service to safety at sea
Commended command
CONSPICUOUS ACTION: CMDR Paul Hines received his award for his role as CO Ardent Five during two search and rescue operations.
Photo: Robert Crawford, South Coast Register
IN CHARGE:
CMDR Richard Boulton received a Commendation for Distinguished Service.
Photo: SGT Mick Davis lessly from one command
to another always makes the Australian ships sought after assets in theatre,” he said.
“When most people think of Operation Slipper they think of the soldiers, sailors and airmen in Afghanistan or in the sup- porting headquarters, but the RAN has been working hard since we completed operations in Iraq to reduce support to insurgents and international terrorists by conducting a broad range of operations across the Middle East.”
During Melbourne’s deployment a number of boarding operations were started before sunrise and ended well into darkness.
CMDR Boulton said many of the searches were conducted in rough seas and included search- ing disused freezer spac- es and other compartments often littered with rotting
fish carcasses that needed to be checked.
Some contraband was destroyed during the deployment and a great deal of intelligence infor- mation was collected to facilitate future interdiction operations.
“My team was also asked to provide training to other ships that entered the area, which is a reflec- tion of the high regard that the task forces had for their competence,” CMDR Boulton said.
“Melbourne gained a reputation in the Combined Maritime Forces as a ship that could be relied upon to conduct sensitive tasking in a professional and com- petent manner.”
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13
HONOURS & AWARDS
June 20, 2013 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS
SGT Dave Morley
EVERYTHING is in order again at the Campbell household now that both warrant officers have an OAM.
Long-serving WO Fred Campbell has had his service recognised with an Order of Australia Medal in the latest Queen’s Birthday Honours.
His wife, WO Sharon Campbell, was awarded the OAM in the Australia Day Honours last year.
SWO of HMAS Creswell, WO Campbell said he was excited when he received the original letter from the Office of the Governor-General.
“At the same time I felt quite hum- bled that I was thought of so highly as to be nominated for such a prized award,” he said.
“I believe the award is for my con- tribution and leadership in the Navy aviation community, SWO of HMA Ships Cerberus and Creswell and the lead instructor of the chief petty officer and warrant officer promotion courses.”
WO Campbell joined Navy in January 1982 through the Navy Apprentice Scheme in the air techni- cal aircraft trade. He has deployed to the MEAO three times and once to Solomon Islands.
He said his most interesting deployment was as the flight senior maintenance sailor in HMAS Stuart in April 2004, when Stuart respond- ed to the terrorist bombing of USS Firebolt’s RHIB.
“I had the privilege of working with and for a lot of really great people who absolutely shined during this hec- tic period,” he said.
Two of a kind
One of the highlights of his career was the first time he stood on a ship’s flight deck and watched a helo land in front of him.
“Another highlight was playing rugby for the RAN against the Royal Navy in the UK,” he said.
His advice to young sailors starting their Navy careers is to have fun and always look for the positive.
“Enjoy and cherish every opportu- nity and challenge that being a mem- ber of the ADF, regardless of the cho- sen service, offers,” he said.
ALL IN ORDER: WO Fred Campbell’s long service to the Navy was recognised with an OAM.
Photo: Robert Crawford, South Coast Register
SGT Dave Morley
AN UNDERWATER medicine special- ist has been recognised for his work at HMAS Penguin.
LCDR Peter Smith received the Conspicuous Service Cross for
“outstanding achievement as the officer-in-charge of the Submarine Underwater Medicine Unit in HMAS Penguin”.
LCDR Smith, who is now a reserv- ist and working as an anaesthetic doctor at Lismore Base Hospital, was surprised, pleased and humbled to receive the award.
“The Submarine Underwater Medicine Unit is quite a specialised unit, often out of sight, out of mind, so it’s good to see it get this recogni- tion,” he said.
“I’ve received lots of congratula- tions and well wishes from people.
“The local Vietnam veterans asso-
ciation told the local paper about it, which is all very nice.”
LCDR Smith has previously deployed to the Arabian Gulf in HMAS Arunta in 2007 and HMAS Parramatta in 2008, and visited the Horn of Africa in HMAS Toowoomba in 2009.
He said one of his career highlights was being chosen as the Defence doc- tor to go to Gallipoli in 2011.
“It was very moving to be there for the dawn service,” he said.
LCDR Smith hopes to continue his involvement with Navy into the future.
“I aim to continue working in the underwater medicine community and think I could also provide value as an anaesthetist, particularly with the new LHDs coming online,” he said.
“I look forward to being a part of something like that.”
As well as working at SUMU, LCDR Smith is also the regimental medical officer at 41 RNSWR’s Lismore Depot.
Doctor’s vital
work at HMAS Penguin
AT WORK: LCDR Peter Smith on the job at Lismore Base Hospital.
