Edition 5504, March 15, 2012 - Department of Defence

Navy
Volume 55, No. 4, March 15, 2012
ON THE JOB: PO Jarrod Niewawdaal gives a safety
brief to Army personnel before they board a Squirrel
at RAAF Base Wagga. The Squirrel conducted
surveillance sorties over the city of Wagga to assess
flood damage. INSET: The view from a Navy Squirrel
of the flood-affected Wagga region.
Photos: LACW Jessica Smith
DRIVERS
SEAT
SERVING AUSTRALIA WITH PRIDE
INLAND
TIDE
In the air and on the ground, Navy personnel
pitch in to help flood-affected regions Page 3
STOKERS OFF
AND RACING Page 2
The official newspaper of the Royal Australian Navy
STEELY RESOLVE
FROM
TRASH TO
TREASURE
Page 19

02 March 15, 2012
NEWS
Reviews herald change
Committment on cultural challenges
Cpl Max Bree
CHANGE is on the way after the
release of a series of reviews delving
into Defence culture in Canberra on
March 7.
Defence Minister Stephen
Smith, CDF GEN David Hurley and
Defence Secretary Duncan Lewis
released six reviews covering the
personal conduct of ADF personnel,
use of alcohol in the ADF, use of
social media in Defence, Defence
public service women’s leadership
pathways, management of incidents
and complaints, and allegations of
sexual and other abuse in Defence.
A report into the ADFA ‘Skype
incident’ which prompted the culture
reviews will not be made public
because of privacy concerns and an
ongoing police investigation.
GEN Hurley said the reviews
reflected the culture within Defence.
“The ADF has had a mirror in
the form of six reviews held up to it
over the past 11 months. As any of
us normally do when we look into a
mirror, we see strengths and we see
flaws,” he said.
Director
David Edlington
(02) 6265 4650
Editor
Michael Weaver
(02) 6266 7707
Production Editor
Sharon Palmer
(02) 6266 7612
Reporters
Michael Brooke: (02) 9359 2494
LSIS Paul Berry: (02) 6266 7606
SGT Andrew Hetherington: (02) 6266 7614
CPL Max Bree: (02) 6266 7608
CPL Melanie Schinkel: (02) 6265 2427
CPL Nick Wiseman: (02) 6265 4140
In response to the culture
reviews, Defence has produced a
strategy, The Pathway to Change:
Evolving Defence Culture. The strategy
outlines steps toward culture
change, including re-examining the
organisation’s values, reviewing the
handling of misconduct and diversifying
the senior leadership group.
“The type of deep and far-reaching
reform we are seeking will take
time and a sustained effort from all
Defence staff over many years,”
GEN Hurley said.
“But make no mistake – we are
committed to tackling our cultural
challenges at their source.”
He said recommendations
from the review into the treatment
of women at ADFA were already
being implemented, including a new
residential support officer scheme,
which puts junior officers in their
final years at ADFA in place to provide
live-in supervision and peer
support for cadets.
“As Defence members we understand
that we are quite rightly held
to higher standards and greater
scrutiny than the majority of the
Stokers off and
racing with FPR
LSIS Paul Berry
TWO MT sailors with unique internships
have had a dream start in the 2012 Ford
Performance Racing (FPR) V8 Supercar
Industry outplacement program.
PO Clint MacGregor and LS Ash
Schmidt met with FPR team leaders on
February 20 and were put straight to work
at the FPR Victorian workshop.
As a result of their hard work, Team
Navy driver Chaz Mostert dominated
round one of the Dunlop V8 Supercars
Series in Adelaide on the weekend of
March 3-4.
The Ford Performance Racing young
gun drove his V8 to victory in both races,
placing the Team Navy Falcon FG on top
of the championship table.
POMT MacGregor said their first
week on the job had been momentous.
“What struck us was the level of professionalism,”
PO MacGregor said.
“Ash and I were blown away with
their work ethic and skill and knew that
we would love working here.”
LS Schmidt was put to task in the
composite workshop, producing glass
reinforced plastic and carbon fibre components
for the V8 Supercar.
PO MacGregor started work on
a $500,000 Computer Numerated
Controlled machine, machining intricate
components for the race car sub-frame
assembly and internal cabin.
The pair will rotate through FPR
workshops during the next 12 months and
will provide pit crew support at almost
every race meeting for the season.
“We have seen the similarities
involved in getting the cars ready for the
Clipsal 500 (Adelaide, March 1-4) and
getting our own ships ready for sea after
maintenance periods.”
CPL Mark Doran: (02) 6265 1304
LAC Bill Solomou: (02) 6265 1355
Andrew Stackpool: (02) 6266 7611
CONTACT US
Email: navynews@defencenews.gov.au
Fax: (02) 6265 6690
Mail: The Editor, R8-LG-038, PO Box 7909,
Department of Defence, ACT 2600
Website: www.defence.gov.au/news/navynews
Subscriptions
Trish Dillon: (02) 6266 7607
tdillon@defencenews.gov.au
Advertising
Tim Asher: 0459 842 551
advertising@defencenews.gov.au
Australian society,” GEN Hurley
said.
“And while we strive for a clean
record, if things do go wrong, we
must be able to demonstrate that we
have the moral courage to act and
the ability to respond in an appropriate
and timely manner.”
The reviews made 109 recommendations.
Of these, 85 have been
fully accepted by Defence. The
remaining 24 have been accepted in
principle.
The reviews were initiated last
year after an incident in which a
male ADFA officer cadet streamed
internet video of consensual sex with
a female cadet to cadets in another
room without the woman’s knowledge.
ADFA Commandant CDRE
Bruce Kafer has resumed his duties
after the Kirkham Inquiry into the
incident found no wrongdoing with
his handling of the matter.
The reports can be viewed online at:
www.defence.gov.au/culturereviews
Navy
Reports released in full were:
Personal conduct of ADF personnel –
Found members were aware of the expectations
on them and a relatively small number failed to
live up to those standards. Its recommendations
included simplifying policy and the complaints
process.
Use of alcohol in the ADF –
Recommendations included a review of alcohol
prices at ADF bases and preparation of an
evidence-based alcohol management strategy
for Defence.
Use of social media in Defence –
Recommended a review of all ADF policies in
relation to social media and a review of social
media training within Defence.
Defence APS women’s leadership pathways
– As a result of the report Defence will begin
a rotation program for senior women at Senior
Executive Service Band 2/3 with the broader
APS and establish a central maternity leave
pool to manage the full-time equivalent liability
associated with maternity leave.
Management of incidents and complaints
– Recommended Defence reduce the current
backlog of grievances, simplify training
and information on complaint and develop an
improved process to manage grievances.
The report of the review into allegations of sexual
and other abuse in Defence, was redacted for
privacy reasons.
THEY’RE RACING: POMT Clint MacGregor and LSMT
Ash Schmidt (pictured left) in the FPR workshop; and
(main) Chas Mostert takes the chequered flag in
Adelaide.
The official newspaper of the Royal Australian Navy
Disclaimer
Navy News is published fortnightly by the Directorate of Defence
News, Department of Defence. Printed by Capital Fine Print. The
publisher reserves the right to refuse advertising if it is deemed
inappropriate and to change the size of the ad, print type
or other specifications if material is not compatible with our
system. The fact an ad is accepted for publication does not mean
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Navy News.
IN BRIEF
Anzac tender
A $300 MILLION
maintenance and repair
contract for the Anzac Class
Frigates has been awarded
to Naval Ship Management
Australia. The five-year
contract will provide better
outcomes for industry and
a more effective, value-formoney
outcomes for Navy.
The announcement follows
extensive consultation with
industry on a new approach
to contracts for repair and
maintenance. In contrast to
the previous arrangements
which required every new
maintenance activity to be
individually contracted out,
the grouping of ship repair
and maintenance tasks offers
the potential for significant
cost savings. Contract
negotiations are expected to
be finalised by June.
Ride for museum
TO MARK the 50th
anniversary of Australia’s first
involvement in the Vietnam
war, the inaugural Tour of
Duty bicycle event is being
run by Vetride. Participants
are riding from Echuca
to Melbourne over four
consecutive days and include
a field of nearly 50 riders,
including an ex-RAN Vietnam
veteran. More information
can be accessed at http://
vetride@vvaavic.org.au/ or
through organiser Maurie
Benson by phoning 0417 588
886.
Reserves’ subsidy
RESERVISTS receiving
subsidies under the Defence
Home Ownership Assistance
Scheme (DHOAS) must
provide effective service to
ensure their entitlements
don’t change, according to
Relocations and Housing
Director Alan McClelland. “If
a reservist fails to perform
20 or more reserve days in a
service year, the member’s
continued eligibility or
entitlement to the DHOAS
subsidy could be adversely
affected,” Mr McClelland
said. Reservists should
notify the Department of
Veterans’ Affairs if they are
unable to meet the effective
service requirement. A DVA
representative will be able to
discuss the options available
to individual members. For
more information go to www.
dhoas.gov.au or call
1300 434 627.
Navy online
defence.gov.au/news/
navynews
navy.gov.au/RSS_Feeds
facebook.com/
RoyalAustralianNavy
youtube.com/RANMedia
twitter.com/Australian_
Navy

NEWS March 15, 2012
Navy’s view of inland tide
HAPPY TO HELP: SMN Darren Galea (left) and AB Colin Cameron stand in
front of a Squirrel helicopter at RAAF Base Wagga.
SBLT Sarah West
NAVY flexed its muscles in February…. Wait!
Correction: the Royal Australian Navy flexed its mussels
in February at the City of Rockingham’s Annual
Musselfest Cook-off.
ABCK Jason Hunter put his culinary talents (refined
daily at the HMAS Stirling wardroom) to the test against
some of Western Australia’s top chefs in a battle to
crown the best mussel dish of 2012.
There was no questioning the freshness of
the seafood fare, delivered by Navy divers (from
AUSCDT4) who emerged from the sea offering a bounty
of tasty treasures from the deep.
The pressure was on with the festival drawing a
massive crowd to the Rockingham foreshore – which
soared to 45,000 visitors during the two days.
For the judges, the 20-year-old Navy cook from
Sydney masterfully created a multi-cultural mussel
masterpiece.
“First, I took it to Japan, with a mussel and seaweed
salad with pickled ginger and salmon roe.
“Then, I took it to France by adding a mussel veloute
with blood orange and mint, served with a char-grilled
baguette.
“And finally, I completed the dish with a Spanish
favourite (with a twist): a paella infused mussel pannacotta,
with saffron and coriander,” said AB Hunter.
“I find the art and science involved in cooking
fascinating. I love the physicality involved. It’s
compelling.
“I am unwaveringly passionate and determined
to succeed, hence why I put my hand up for this
competition,” said ABCK Hunter who joined the Navy in
2010.
After much deliberation by the judges, however,
victory wasn’t to be for ABCK Hunter who narrowly
missed out on the 2012 crown. He certainly gave his all,
though, and his skills are sure to be appreciated at Stirling.
Raveena Carroll-Kenney
Mussel magic at Rockingham
MUSSEL-OFF: ABCK Jason Hunter competes in
the 2012 Rockingham Musselfest cook-off against
three of the leading restaurant chefs from the local
area. Photo: ABIS Alan Lancaster
NAVIGATION charts were not quite as helpful as
they’d normally be for the crew of the Navy’s Squirrel
detachment who were sent in to assist with the Wagga
Wagga flood emergency.
The two aircraft from No. 723 Squadron were tasked
with flying reconnaissance missions over the waterlogged
Riverina region, a mission which provided some
particular challenges due to the dramatically changed
landscape.
Lieutenant Commander Cliff Gaudie said the view
from the air was both spectacular and devastating.
“There is certainly a great deal of water around. We’ve
seen the bursting of banks east of Wagga Wagga by five
miles, all the way to Griffith,” LCDR Gaudie said.
THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF WAR
WHEN Saturday 31 March 2012, 0730 to 1700
SOUTHERN REGION HEALTH
SERVICES CONFERENCE 2012
WHERE Victoria Barracks, St Kilda Road, Melbourne, Shedden Theater
WHO Tri-Service Health Personnel of all ranks,
Defence Civilian Health Personnel, Civilian Health Personnel
REGISTRATION $20 - Registrations Close 23 March 2012
Note: Information for pre conference function on Friday 30 March and
Formal Dinner on 31 March supplied with registration information.
ENQUIRIES Captain Peter Rogers
Telephone: 0404 870763
Email: peter.rogers@defence.gov.au
Many interesting presentations
about experiences and lessons
learnt relating to current
The Southern Region Health
Services Conference 2012
is proudly sponsored by
Defence Reserves Support.
03
“It’s really significant for us from a visual navigation
point of view. There are swathes of water and the
landscape is largely undetectable other than the trees
that follow the riverbank.”
No. 723 Squadron provided two aircraft and five
aircrew to the flood operation. They spent almost eight
hours airborne, surveying the region from Wagga Wagga
to Griffith.
LCDR Gaudie said the mission received outstanding
support from the team of nine maintainers who ensured
the serviceability of the aircraft.
“This was a difficult task at short notice and our
maintenance team was integral in making sure Navy
played an important role in the overall ADF effort,”
LCDR Gaudie said.
Trainees lend heavy hands
Raveena Carroll-Kenney
WHILE it may not be known as a
Navy town, the RAN provided a
third of the heavy lifting during the
ADF’s initial response to the flood
crisis in Wagga Wagga.
The entire group of 163 Navy
aviation technical trade trainees
from the RAAF School of Technical
Training had been ready to go as
soon as the first call for volunteers
went out around 4pm on March 3.
An hour later, a group of around
15 who had been chosen for
the first shift were on the ground
sandbagging at the State Emergency
Service and council yards.
School Warrant Officer
Disciplinary, WOFF Richard
Salcole, said the men and women
from the Navy made a significant
contribution towards filling 35,000
sandbags on that first night.
“The sailors made up around a
third of the initial push as the ADF
worked to limit the damage of
this overwhelming event,” WOFF
Salcole said.
“As part of the school they’ve
HEAVY HANDS: Navy trainees who helped fill and prepare more than
35,000 sandbags at Wagga Wagga.
continued to contribute to the flood
relief work, both sandbagging and
doorknocking.
“It’s been a tremendous effort
by all students and staff from the
school, who have continued lessons
throughout the crisis via a roster
system which has enabled some
training to continue, while still
assisting with flood relief.
“Now the teams are on standby
to resume the hard work when we
get the green light for the clean up
phase of the operation.”
The RAAF School of Technical
Training is responsible for training
Navy aircraft and avionics
technicians. The trainees are posted
to HMAS Albatross and bourne at
RAAF Base Wagga, where they
spend around 18 months on their
training courses. Including staff, the
Navy has on average, 172 personnel
located at RAAF Base Wagga.
For further information:
Call 1800 803 485 or visit

04 March 15, 2012
NEWS
AHOY THERE: HMAS Success dips her White Ensign as the NSW Police flotilla marks its 150th
anniversary on the same day as the Navy’s 111th birthday. Photo: Michael Brooke
A salute to a nemesis
Michael Brooke
HMAS Success literally met her
nemesis in Sydney Harbour to contribute
to two important milestones
including the Navy’s 111th birthday
celebration.
Success conducted an official
salute for a NSW Water Police flotilla
led by Nemesis at Fleet Base
East on March 1 to also mark the
150th anniversary of the NSW
Police Force.
Success’ Officer of the Day,
LEUT Ben Grossi said they dipped
the White Ensign in response to
Nemesis dipping her flag as she
and seven NSW Police patrol boats
cruised around Woolloomoolo Bay.
“The salute is one of the traditions
of the RAN which today
marks its 111th anniversary,” he
said.
The success of the ceremony
was miraculously aided by the sudden
retreat of thunder clouds and
the arrival of brilliant sunshine.
Success’ ship’s company is get-
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ting ready for a busy and challenging
2012.
Commanding Officer CMDR
Ainsley Morthorpe said the opportunity
to conduct a century-old tradition
on a day that was special
to the NSW Police and the Royal
Australian Navy, on our respective
birthdays, was wonderful.
“It was great to demonstrate the
special relationship between mariners
as the Water Police went from
Woolloomooloo Bay to join in the
march through the city,” he said.
ASLT Katherine Mulheron
NAVY’S mascot Pepper Penguin
has joined forces with the Defence
Community Organisation (DCO) to
help families with young children
cope with the pressures of absences
and life in the services.
Pepper stars in a series of four
books: A Visit to the Australian
War Memorial, Life in the Navy,
AB Pepper Penguin Sails the High
Seas, and An Icy Adventure. Each
depicts his adventures and travels as
a member of the RAN.
CDF GEN David Hurley
stressed the importance of support
for families and how AB Pepper
Penguin and his DCO friends
Sapper Pat and Tyler Turtle are a
great resource for families, children
and schools.
Head Navy Capability RADM
Allan du Toit added his support to
the DCO initiative.
Speaking
language
of women
LEUT Kelli Lunt
INTERNATIONAL Women’s Day was
celebrated around Australia by the ADF,
and in Canberra, a group of leaders from
the local community were inspired by the
story of one of Navy’s young leaders.
LS Trish Dollisson set her sights high
when she joined the Navy. Her goal was
to speak seven languages plus English by
the time she turned 30. She was happy to
say that as a linguist she had achieved this
during her military career.
This was one of the stories she told as
guest speaker at the Accenture Canberra
Women: “Connected and Inspired” conference
at the National Portrait Gallery on
March 8.
She spoke on leadership and the importance
of mentoring and reinforced the
2012 International Women’s Day theme
‘Connecting girls, inspiring futures’.
Her moving speech had a key message
of the gift of resilience – resilience in the
face of adversity and how one can turn
SPEAKING UP: LS Trish Dollisson talks about
life in the RAN.
“Families are important to us.
We need to help our young families
to deal with the demands placed on
them,” RADM du Toit said.
In a style easily understood,
children can follow the adventures
of AB Penguin and share his experiences
which have included serving
on HMA Ships Tobruk and Success
challenges into more positive experiences
for moving forward.
LS Dollisson recounted several stories
from her Defence career and her personal
experiences.
“The ADF strives to better represent
the community in which it lives and
serves,” LS Dollison said.
“It now offers more than 300 exciting
career opportunities to women. More
than 10,000 of us are serving in the Navy,
Army and Air Force as full-time or parttime
members.
“The Navy has provided me with
many opportunities. As a leading seaman,
I am the first level of management for the
sailor ranks.
“What I enjoy most at this rank is the
opportunity to mentor young people, provide
leadership and guidance as they further
their own careers. The Navy is very
strong on career management and I have
had a number of really brilliant people as
my mentors.”
LS Dollisson also spoke of
the different styles of leadership
that men and women bring to
the Defence Force.
“Navy and the ADF all support
good leadership. Navy
has put into place the Navy
Women’s Leadership Program
which specifically trains women
in skills such as networking,
building your communication
skills and building leadership.
“Men and women have different
styles of leadership and
the Navy is really embracing
that.”
A fifth-generation military
member in her family, LS
Dollisson has spent most of the
past decade serving as a linguist
in the Navy, and has had
the opportunity to work on
exchange in Royal New Zealand
Navy and with the United
States Marine Corps in Hawaii.
Pepper the penguin pens his tales
READING TIME: Pepper launches his new books with LS Tamasin
Fengler and AB Dale Krause. Photo: Kevin Piggott
and aboard the Aurora Australis.
Pepper is also a modern and well
connected penguin with his own
Facebook and blog sites.
Order the books by calling 1800 624 608
or emailing DefenceFamilyHelpline@
defence.gov.au.

NEWS March 15, 2012
Army on deck
LEUT Darren Mallett
HMAS Choules is currently conducting Exercise
Squadex 2012 with Army elements from the 3 rd Brigade,
10 th Force Support Battalion and 5 th Aviation
Regiment in Townsville.
Exercise Squadex 2012 aims to develop the
enhanced amphibious capacity of the Australian Defence
Force as the transition into the Canberra Class
Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) vessel occurs.
The focus has been training drivers of water and
land vehicles to board and disembark, along with
aviation assets trialling the vessel as a landing pad.
The exercise also includes simulated beach landings
and activities in nearby training areas.
“Manoeuvring an Army Landing Craft Medium
8 (LCM8) onto the ‘beach’ in HMAS Choules is a
completely different task to the amphibious landing
we are used to,” said Pte Jarrod Gafa of 35 Water
Transport Squadron.
“It’s reasonably daunting first time, the ship is
very stable and the entry is wide enough, but conditions
like the sea swell and the current can make it a
challenge to execute.”
While qualifying LCM8 drivers has been the
early focus of the exercise (which will transition into
Exercise Sea Lion 2012), personnel from 35 Water
Transport Squadron have also demonstrated their
capability with successful embarking and deployment
evolutions using the Lighter Amphibious
Resupply Cargo (LARCs).
While amphibious operations are ongoing, on
the flight deck, Blackhawk pilots from 5 th Aviation
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Regiment have been busy confirming their deck landing
qualifications.
HMAS Choules’ Commanding Officer CMDR John
Cowan said these activities will soon become the norm.
“HMAS Choules is a fantastic asset to the Navy
and the Australian Defence Force in general, particularly
as we move into the transition of the LHDs,” said
CMDR Cowan.
“The vessel provides the capacity to conduct
simultaneous seaborne and airborne operations, day
and night utilising various types of landing craft and
helicopters with a significant increase in the speed of
transfer.
“This provides a huge amount of flexibility to command.”
Navy News will feature further from HMAS Choules’ capability
in the next edition.
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well dock of HMAS Choules
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05

06 March 15, 2012
NEWS
Bonding with Bundaberg
Cpl Nick Wiseman
HMAS Bundaberg sailors based in Cairns and currently
in Darwin on an extended maintenance period, took
the time to meet with and engage the community of
Katherine.
The idea was to give the sailors some shore time
while also getting involved with the local community.
XO LEUT Ashleigh Payne said it was a great opportunity
for the sailors to join in with the local and extended
outback community and experience the Katherine
Gorge first hand.
“We had planned to visit the Cairns Children’s Ward
but being here in Darwin chose to visit the Katherine
Ward instead,” LEUT Payne said.
“We structured the group so there was a range of
ranks and skills to share with the community.”
The group visited the Katherine School of the Air,
one of three distance education schools catering to isolated
primary and middle school students located in the
top half of the Northern Territory.
One of the group members LS Nic Gleeson said the
reaction from the children was amazing.
“We spoke about ourselves and our careers in the
Navy,” LS Gleeson said.
“Their reaction was really good and they asked a lot
of questions.”
The group also spent time at the Katherine High
School speaking with the students and spent time at the
local hospital children’s ward.
The sailors handed out pencil cases and other navy
memorabilia and talked with the children about their
stay in hospital.
Taking advantage of being in Katherine, the group
gathered for a team-building exercise, tackling the iconic
Katherine Gorge with a 10-kilometre hike.
The group completed the hike in about four hours,
taking time to cool off in the local waterhole before
completing their journey.
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AIR TIME: WO Scott Brown, AB Rothanna Abednego, AB Sean McCarthy, LS Andrew Rose,
LS Shaun Lowry and AB Trent Bailey with two members of the Katherine School of the Air.
Divers harbour junk in clean up Australia effort
Michael Brooke
NAVY clearance divers found almost everything but
Davy Jones’ locker in Sydney’s Darling Harbour
when they participated in Clean Up Australia Day
on March 4.
Diving in the shadows of the Australian Maritime
Museum exhibit, HMAS Vampire, 18 Navy divers
recovered six bicycles, four wheelie bins, six tyres,
six barricades, one filing cabinet, and scaffolding
as well as scooters, skateboards, furniture and other
assorted junk.
The majority of volunteers came from AUSCDT-
ONE, and included members from HMA Ships
Gascoyne, Diamantina and Reserve Dive Team 5.
CO AUSCDT-ONE LCDR Brett Dawe said
divers were surprised by the volume of debris
retrieved from a beautiful part of Sydney Harbour.
Workshop
essential for
promotion
Justine O’Brien
SENIOR sailors and officers
have until the end of this year
to complete a Navy Leadership
Development Workshop or risk
being overlooked for promotion.
While the majority of officers
and senior sailors have completed
one of these workshops, there
remains a number who are yet to
register for, and complete, one of
the many workshops on offer.
In 2009 CN mandated that
completion of a Navy Leadership
Development Workshop was a
condition of promotion for officers
from 2013 onwards.
The Navy Leadership
Development Workshops were
developed to provide Navy people
with the opportunity to improve
their leadership skills and
understand the impact leadership
has on people. They were designed
to include a 360-degree feedback
process, which has been welcomed
by officers and senior sailors.
Responses to the workshops
from those who have participated
have been overwhelmingly positive.
Permanent Navy (including
continuous full-time service),
CAPT, CMDR, LCDR, WO, or
CPOs who have yet to complete a
workshop, need to take action and
register for a place soon.
Navy Reservists are encouraged
to complete a leadership workshop,
particularly if they are engaged
in frequent reserve service. Navy
APS at the EL1 and EL2 level may
elect to participate for a workshop
as part of their performance
agreement.
A schedule of this year’s
Navy Leadership Development
Workshops and registration forms
can be accessed from the Navy
Intranet site.
Governor’s Cup for Cerberus
PERSONNEL at HMAS
Cerberus have turned out in
force to accept one of the
RAN’s most prestigious
honours.
The Governor’s Cup was
introduced in 2007. It is an
annual award presented to
the establishment that has
been the most proficient in
areas such as its operations,
management of safety, training
and support to the Fleet,
security awareness and relationships
across and beyond
Navy.
It is presented by the
Governor of the state in
which the establishment or
Navy HQ is located.
The Commanding
Officer of HMAS Cerberus,
CAPT Katherine Richards,
said it was a very special
day.
“This award is a credit
to everyone here,” CAPT
Richards said.
“All of those here have
worked incredibly hard to
reach this milestone.
“As I settle into my new
role as CO, my predecessor
CAPT Mark Hill, his XO
CMDR Shane Gassock and
WO Fred Campbell should
also relish this recognition
of the work they have put in
over recent times.
LCDR Dawe told Navy News the activities were
completed with a high level of professionalism by
junior sailors who raised the public profile of the
capability of RAN divers.
“As divers we always enjoy the opportunity to
get in the water for even mundane dirty tasks that
bring great service and reward to the community
with so little effort,” he said.
Governor of Victoria and Reviewing Officer, The Honourable Alex Chernov
is escorted by Guard Commander LCDR Damon Craig during an inspection
of the Royal Guard during the HMAS Cerberus Governor’s Ceremonial
Divisions.
Photo: ABIS Lincoln Commane
“I could not be more
proud of our people and
the work they have put in
to make HMAS Cerberus
what it is today.”
More than 1000
Cerberus personnel
formed up with 100
sailors forming a Royal
Guard at the Ceremonial
Divisions, conducted on
the main parade ground
on the morning of March
2.
The award was handed
out by the Governor of
Victoria, The Honourable
Alex Chernov AC QC.
The parade also coincided
with Navy’s 111th
birthday.

NEWS March 15, 2012
In the
giant’s
shadow
LCDR Tuan Vo
THE ship’s company of HMAS
Parramatta enjoyed a unique experience
when the ship joined the USS
Abraham Lincoln carrier battle group on
February 25 in the North Arabian Sea.
Parramatta closed in on the carrier
group at speed and assumed plane
guard station for the USS Abraham
Lincoln where she was perfectly
positioned to observe the might of the
carrier force in full display.
On station for more than two hours,
Parramatta’s ship’s company witnessed
the continuous stream of F/A-18
Hornets circling the battle group.
Chaplain Andrew Watters said it
was mind boggling.
“I’d never thought I be so close to
a US carrier to witness the full might
of a carrier group,” he said. “It’s not
something that I’ll forget.”
The USS Abraham Lincoln is the
fifth Nimitz-class super carrier in the
US Navy.
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At 333 metres long, 77 metres wide
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HMAS Parramatta.
The Abraham Lincoln is powered
by two nuclear reactors, four steam
turbines and can reach speeds of
more than 30 knots with unlimited
range.
Parramatta departed company
with the carrier group after the brief
encounter to continue with her patrol
in the Arabian Sea.
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BIG AND BIGGER: HMAS
Parramatta with USS Abraham
Lincoln in the North Arabian Sea.
Photo: LSA Blake Woolard
Parramatta’s presence is
contributing to the interoperability of
25 Combined Maritime Force (CMF)
nations and demonstrates Australia’s
and the CMF’s resolve to maintain
safe access to vital international straits
and the maintenance of good order at
sea.
The Anzac Class Frigate is due
to be relieved on station by HMAS
Melbourne and is due to return to
Sydney at the end of the month.
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07
HMAS Parramatta recently participated
in the Combined Maritime
Forces focused operation Scimitar
Anzac during Operation Slipper.
The focused operation, named
after the popular Middle Eastern
curved sword and reflecting the
Australian representation, was
designed to bolster the safety and
security for mariners transiting
the strategically important Bab Al
Mandeb Strait.
Parramatta participated in
consort with Pakistani Navy Ship
PNS Babur, Royal Navy ships HMS
Daring and RFA Wave Knight, and
a host of maritime patrol aircraft.
Embarking four Yemeni Navy and
Coastguard officers as observers
provided valuable insights into the
area and fostered a sense of camaraderie
for the crew of Parramatta.
The Bab Al Mandeb (BAM) is
an important strategic corridor
linking the Mediterranean Sea to
the Indian Ocean. Almost all of the
trade between the European Union
and China, Japan, India and the
rest of Asia passes through the
passage every day.
Up to 30 per cent of the world’s
oil, including all of the oil and
natural gas from the Persian Gulf
heading west passes through this
area daily and more than 20,000
ships per year transit the area.

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NEWS March 15, 2012
Taste of the RAN
Michael Brooke
NAVY cooks are helping young apprentices follow
the scent of success into the RAN.
A dozen apprentice cooks got a taste of preparing
gourmet food from the galley at HMAS
Kuttabul, where they learnt about being cooks in
the Navy.
The apprentices then helped service 300 ravenous
sailors drawn to the galley by the smell of
delicious food.
POCK Scott Oram and LSCK Jude Gregory
briefed the trainee chefs on the challenges and
rewards of being Navy cooks, including the variety
of meals they cook at sea.
The curious apprentices asked if the job
allowed for a degree of gourmet chef finesse.
The apprentices were delighted to learn they
can enhance their culinary skills with the Navy
which operates work experience programs with
popular commercial venues such as Matt Moran’s
ARIA restaurant and others.
PO Oram said the work experience programs
also allowed Navy cooks to learn from highly
regarded chefs and to return to shore postings or
ships with new skills and experience.
“The morale of a ship’s company is directly
linked to the quality of the food they receive and
we cooks are therefore totally committed to winning
the hearts, minds and stomachs of hungry
sailors,” he said.
Contract Performance Manager CPOCK
Simon Allanson said the apprentice open-day program
allowed Navy to recruit people with prior
learning, which resulted in sailors getting the best
quality meals and snacks.
Navy’s cooks have earned a wide reputation
for preparing feasts fit for a king in all manner of
sea states and trying circumstances.
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GRUB’S UP: POCK Scott Oram welcomes hungry diners to the galley at
HMAS Kuttabul. Photo: Michael Brooke
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09
Drawing blood
over new trophy
Cpl Melanie Schinkel
DEFENCE’S commitment to the annual blood challenge
was acknowledged on February 29 as VCDF AIRMSHL
Mark Binskin was presented with a perpetual trophy by the
Australian Red Cross Blood Service in Canberra.
Awarded by the CEO of the Australian Red Cross Blood
Service, Jennifer Williams, the trophy will be used to mark
the achievements of the highest donating service each year.
“In what is truly a win for Australian patients, Australian
Defence Organisation personnel made a record 2156 donations
across three months last year, saving as many as 6400
lives in the process,” Ms Williams said.
“This result represents a huge 30 per cent increase in
donations from Defence compared to previous years.”
Last year Army topped the donation count with 767 followed
by Air Force with 577, Navy with 424 and the Defence
public service with 388.
AIRMSHL Binskin said it was good to see Defence men
and women extending their spirit of service by participating
in the ADO Blood Challenge.
“This is such an important cause. Not only do these donations
save lives in the Australian community but Australian
Red Cross Blood Service products are also used on operations
in East Timor and Solomon Islands,” AIRMSHL Binskin said.
“The ADO Blood Challenge is now in its fourth year and
every year the number of donations has increased markedly.
For 2012, the challenge for the other services will be to break
last year’s record and beat Army.”
CA LTGEN David Morrison also accepted a trophy on
behalf of Army for winning the 2011 blood challenge.
“In terms of Army, 767 donations only account for about
one battalion group and we have at least 10 battalion groups.
Navy, Air Force and the Defence public service better watch
out because Army is out to win again this year,” LTGEN
Morrison said.
The 2012 ADO Blood Challenge will be launched in August and donations
will be collected from September to November.
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10 March 15, 2012
NEWS
Ballarat fires up a storm
Michael Brooke
THE war-cry of HMAS Ballarat’s 127mm
Mk 45 automatic gun echoed throughout
Jervis Bay when she fired 13 rounds as
part of a challenging air warfare serial
during Exercise Triton Storm.
Ballarat was part of a combined task
group of RAN and Royal New Zealand
Navy (RNZN) warships, maritime helicopters
and clearance divers participating
in Exercise Triton Storm 12 from
February 13-24.
Operating off the east coast of Jervis
Bay, Ballarat conducted live firings of
her 127mm gun, seamanship evolutions,
mine-hunting and air warfare serials that
also involved F/A-18 Hornets, Hawk jetfighters
and Wedgetail Airborne Early
Warning & Control aircraft.
Ballarat fired her main gun and
crew-served 50-calibre machineguns in
response to an attack by three ‘enemy’
Hawk fighters that flew attack profiles
over the ship to simulate anti-ship missiles.
The attack marked a baptism of fire
for Ballarat’s Bridge Officer of the Watch
trainee, SBLT Miquela Riley, 24.
The JWAC Phase Four officer said
Triton Storm marked her first real introduction
to naval warfare.
“I haven’t had much exposure to
warfare which is why I’ve found Triton
Storm so challenging and stimulating,”
she said.
SBLT Riley said she was excited by
the prospect of Triton Storm Phase Two
in the West, where she was scheduled
to qualify for her Bridge Watchkeeping
Certificate.
While SBLT Riley juggled a multitude
of tasks in the Bridge during the simulated
air attack, ABBM Matthew Bennett
had his hands full with the task of firing a
50-calibre machine-gun.
ABBM Bennett said during Triton
Storm he had honed his anti-air and antisubmarine
warfare skills.
“It’s been really good to do this individual
and collective training because it
has improved our high-end war-fighting
skills,” he said.
ABBM Bennett said he loved firing
the 50-calibre machine-gun which was
one reason why he had “the best job in
the world”.
Ballarat’s Ops Room
was also a hive of activity
during Triton
Storm, with
the Principle
W a r f a r e
Officers
fighting the
ship against
a range of
simultaneous
threats.
However,
Ballarat’s
unsung heroes
were the cooks who
maintained the morale
of the ship’s company
with their food.
ABCK Jasmine Thompson, 21, is one
of five ABCKs who prepared some 600
main meals and snacks per day, while
also shouldering the burden as medics or
members of the boarding party.
CO Ballarat CMDR Jonathan Earley
said Triton Storm served as an important
shake-down period after the annual break.
“Triton Storm provides valuable
opportunities to hone mariner and warfighting
skills in a multi-unit, multi-threat
environment, but in a measured way,” he
said.
“Ultimately, the exercise will provide
the necessary exposure for ship’s company
to achieve individual and collective
training outcomes while ensuring we
maintain our operational preparedness.”
At the conclusion of Triton Storm
Phase Two Ballarat commenced a threemonth
deployment to Asia to undertake
major bi-lateral exercises including
Exercise Bersama Shield.
FROM CERBERUS TO SEA
TWO members of HMAS Ballarat’s ship’s
company share their journey from a trainee to
a valued part of the frigate.”
SMNET Edward Steers
I joined the Navy from Brisbane in November
2009. After initial training at HMAS Cerberus
and a short spell at FSU Sydney, I joined
HMAS Ballarat in July 2011.
My first thoughts were `how am I ever
going to find my way around’ because the
ship felt like a giant maze.
The ship’s routine is very different from
anything I had experienced, however these
initial anxious feelings were outweighed by
the excitement of being on board a warship.
The ship’s first tasking was Exercise
Talisman Sabre – a perfect opportunity to
experience life at sea.
Within the first week I became proficient
in whole ship evolutions such as replenishment
at sea, man overboard, special sea
duties, launching boats and damage control.
I’m proud to say I am now a confident
and proficient member of the ship’s company.
I am close to finishing my competency task
journal and I can then go ashore and finish
my training and become a fully qualified electronics
technician.
SMNMT Louise McDermott
After nine months of trade training at HMAS
Cerberus, it’s time to move into the fleet.
Instructors and staff do their best to
prepare you, but until you arrive, it is still
unknown and it can take a couple of weeks to
find your feet.
I began consolidation training at the Fleet
Support Unit (FSU). There are ships alongside
that required maintenance, and with any luck,
FSU will be tasked. This means a wide variety
of jobs on several different platforms. This is
a good experience for those who are unsure
of where they would prefer to be posted.
After a month at FSU, I completed welding
tasks, mechanical cutting tasks and learnt
how to operate several different types of
machinery.
From day one you are told your career is
in your hands and in my experience it is definitely
the case. If you have a positive attitude,
the staff at FSU are more than willing to support
your progression.
I posted to HMAS Ballarat in August and
have learnt more than expected. My supervisors
are experienced and happy to pass on
the knowledge they have.
I love shipboard life and being at sea. It
is hard and very rewarding work. I also take
comfort in trusting my life to the hands of my
shipmates and hope they do the same.
FULL STEAM
AHEAD: HMAS
Ballarat fires
her 127mm gun
during an air
warfare serial
(above) with
Bridge Officer
of the Watch
trainee SBLT
Miquela Riley at
action stations
during an air
warfare serial.

NEWS March 15, 2012
Navy a
finalist
in Defence
security
awards
Cpl Mark Doran
NAVY Guided Weapons Systems
Programs Office – West has been nominated
as a finalist in the first annual
Defence Excellence in Security Awards
for the outstanding contribution to
security by a team.
The awards will honour and celebrate
achievements in security by
personnel working in the Defence environment.
Julian Ross is a quality manager
at the torpedo maintenance facility
at HMAS Stirling on Garden Island
and has shared the commitment and
dedication to the security role with the
Security Officer Susan Ramshaw .
Mr Ross said they achieved this by
having a detailed plan and a schedule
which advised them what security
activities needed to be undertaken and
when.
“We also formulated a communication
strategy to raise the awareness
among the staff,” Mr Ross said.
“Miss Ramshaw and I would like
to acknowledge the other finalists as
well as those who were nominated for
their contribution towards security in
Defence.
“As Security Officers we take our
roles seriously and are humbled to
be recognised by our Directors and
management to be worthy of such an
award.”
The Defence Excellence in Security
Awards for will be presented to
the winners at the Australian War
Memorial on March 27.
LS Paul Berry
CONSTRUCTION of the Navy’s first
Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD), HMAS
Hobart, has taken a significant step
forward following the delivery of
another two keel blocks.
The blocks were shipped from the
BAE Systems Williamstown shipyard
to the Government of SA’s Common
User Facility (CUF) on February 27.
BAE Systems Director of Maritime
Bill Saltzer said the delivery brought
the total number of blocks delivered
to CUF to five (the first three having
been delivered during 2011) and
marked another significant milestone
on the project.
“Construction of another six blocks
is already underway in Williamstown,
with two more to be delivered in a
couple of months and the other four
scheduled for completion later this year,”
Mr Saltzer said.
Consolidation of the 100 tonne blocks
into HMAS Hobart’s hull is expected to
start later in the year.
Block production for the second
AWD, HMAS Brisbane, is underway at
four separate shipyards, while construction
on the third and final AWD, HMAS
Sydney, will begin this year.
The state-of-the-art Hobart Class
Combat System continues to take shape
following delivery of Vertical Launch
Cpl Melanie Schinkel
POSITIVE changes are unfolding to
increase the protection of Defence
personnel and establishments in the
event of a threatening security incident
such as a terrorist attack.
Defence personnel may notice an
increase in deterrent infrastructure
and Australian Federal Police (AFP)
presence on their bases and establishments
as a result of initiatives being
implemented by the Base Security
Improvement Program (BSIP).
Coordinating the program’s schedule
and reporting on its progress is
Matthew Couch from the BSIP
Program Management Office in
Canberra.
Mr Couch said the program was
established in 2010 after a review
made 33 recommendations to
enhance the protection of personnel
and workplaces in August 2009.
“The AFP and a number of intel-
AWDs a step closer
with keel blocks
Better base security
OFF THE BLOCK: The first block to
arrive by sea on the barge before being
rolled off at Osborne, South Australia.
System modules for HMAS Hobart, six
Mk 25 Typhoon guns and three ship-sets
of Mk 45 gun mounts.
Two ship-sets of Aegis Combat
System equipment have passed factory
acceptance testing by the US Navy and
the Systems Centre in Adelaide has taken
delivery of its first piece of Aegis equipment.
Once launched, the AWDs will be
among the world’s most capable warships
and are expected to be in service
for more than 30 years.
HMAS Choules dwarfs onlookers at Fleet Base East, as
the ship arrives at its new home port.
Photo: LSIS Brenton Freind
ligence agencies foiled a terrorist plot
targeted at Holsworthy Barracks in
2009. This led to a review of security
across the Defence estate with
the intention of improving protection
for personnel serving on bases,” Mr
Couch said.
“The threat is real and the best
security enhancement is for all base
personnel to be alert and proactive.
“Under an intelligence-led and
risk-based approach, the BSIP continues
to deliver security measures
aimed at mitigating identified risks.
“By tailoring improvements to the
profile of each base, identified risks
will be reduced and the safety of personnel
against terrorist-based attacks
will be increased.
“The program is largely delivered
with the remainder of deliverables
on schedule and on budget. Base personnel
will note over the coming 12
months the introduction of search as
a condition of base entry, and infra-
Security measures:
structure changes to enhance access
control.”
A component of the BSIP is the
Enhanced Self-Defence Capability
(ESDC), which builds upon strengthened
self-defence legislation providing
a more robust framework by
which base personnel can defend
themselves and others in the event of
a serious incident.
The ESDC capability focuses on
protecting Defence people through a
deter, protect and respond model.
ESDC project team leader Lt-Col
Wayne Higgins said the capability
included an armed AFP presence on
some bases to provide surveillance
and an immediate response. On bases
at most risk of an attack, ADF wardens
with access to weapons would
also be present.
“If the need arises, uniformed
ADF personnel who will be trained
and authorised, will draw weapons,
ammunition, and other equipment and
11
• Base Security Improvement Program
• Enhanced access control
• Enhanced command and control
• Improved infrastructure for personnel and vehicle control
• A wider scope of guarding activities
• A robust base-wide alert functionality
• An inspection, search and seizure regime that aims to
deter and reduce the likelihood of weapons and explosives
being brought onto Defence establishments
• Improved security planning including up to date plans
and procedures
• Enhanced Self-Defence Capability
• Onsite armed AFP
• Armed and unarmed security wardens
• Improved communications capabilities to assist with
command and control
• SMS alerts in addition to a base-wide alert system.
take up positions to protect approaches
to designated safe zones where the
base population will take cover during
an incident,” Lt-Col Higgins said.
He said onsite AFP would be the
first to respond to an incident by
cordoning and containing the threat
and, if it was within their capability,
resolving the situation.
“The AFP will do what they can
but the state or territory police may
come onto the base to resolve the situation
as they have jurisdiction.”
Security program and self-defence
capability developments will continue
as systems are brought online and
supporting infrastructure works are
completed.
For more information on security
initiatives being implemented on specific
bases or establishments, contact
the relevant site liaison officer
or search for the BSIP website on the
DRN.

March 15, 2012 12 CENTRESPREAD
13
Remembering
WWII heroes
Michael Brooke
THE courage and the sacrifice of
Australian and Allied sailors killed in
the Battle of the Java Sea in WWII
were remembered by past and present
Navy personnel at a commemoration
service in Sydney on February 24.
More than 350 former and serving
RAN personnel paused to reflect on
the sacrifices of more than 2000 fallen
heroes at a ceremony to mark the 70th
anniversary of the Battle of the Java Sea.
The service commemorated events
that took place with the Japanese invasion
of Malaysia, the fall of Singapore
on February 15, the loss of many
Australian planes in Malaya, the sinking
of the battleships Prince of Wales
and Repulse to the last naval engagement
on March 4, 1942.
NSW Governor Professor Marie
Bashir and Commander Joint Health
RADM Robyn Walker laid wreaths
in the memory of the fallen sailors at
Sydney’s Martin Place.
RADM Walker said more than 78
ships and submarines from five Allied
navies took part in this major conflict
with enormous loss of ships and crew.
“Many more were captured or sunk
shortly before or during this period
including HMA Ships Perth, Armidale
and Yarra,” she said.
“This service specially honoured
the Allied sailors killed in the epic sea
battle fought during 27-28 February,
as well as the crews of HMAS Perth
(Capt Hector Waller) and the American
cruiser, USS Houston, which initially
escaped from the combined Anglo-
Australian-Dutch-American fleet of 14
ships.”
But Perth’s survival was short-lived.
The next day, on March 1, Perth and
Houston encountered a Japanese invasion
force in the Sunda Strait and were
sunk after inflicting heavy damage.
CAPT Waller was killed along with
half his ship’s complement; the remainder
spent the rest of the war in prisoner
of war camps.
REFLECTING: ABSS Lauren
Wilkinson, of HMAS Watson
Catafalque Party, at Rest at Arms
during the 70th Anniversary of the
Battle of the Java Sea in Sydney.
Photo: ABIS Dove Smithett
TRIBUTE TO THE FALLEN: Preparing to lay a wreath during the ceremony at the Cenotaph in Martin
Place in Sydney. Photo: ABBM Jesse Rhynard
Yarra’s sombre anniversary
Michael Brooke
HMAS Yarra’s ship’s company joined
CN VADM Ray Griggs in Canberra for a
solemn ceremony to mark the 70 th anniversary
of the sinking of Yarra (II) in
WWII.
Yarra’s gallant but hopeless defence
of her convoy in the Indian Ocean, south
of Java, on March 4,1942 is regarded as
one of the bravest acts in Australian naval
history.
The sacrifice made by Yarra’s ship’s
company was remembered at the ceremony
at the Australian War Memorial.
Of Yarra’s crew of 151 Australian
sailors, only 13 survived while making
a final stand as the ship was sunk by a
Japanese cruiser squadron.
The CO of the current HMAS Yarra,
LCDR Brad Vizard, said the ceremony
provided his young sailors with an opportunity
to reflect on the courage and sacrifice
of their name-sake which wrote
a glorious new chapter in the legend of
Anzac.
“This commemoration also reminds
all of us in this uniform what can be
asked of us as part of a combat force,”
he said.
VADM Griggs said the anniversary of
Yarra’s loss underlined the importance of
the protection of shipping and the importance
of our sea laws.
“On this important day, we acknowledge
the lives lost, the sacrifices made
and the selfless service given by tens of
thousands of fellow Australians,” he said.
“The story of Yarra is a special one.”
The RAN sloop was escorting a small
convoy from Java to Australia when a
superior force of Japanese warships came
into view.
Immediately, LCDR Rankin made an
enemy report, ordered the ships of the
convoy to scatter and, placing his ship
between them and the enemy, laid smoke
while preparing to engage ships, mounting
each 10 eight-inch guns with his three
four-inch guns. Against such fire power,
superior range and speed, the task was
hopeless, yet Yarra (II) fought gallantly
in a vain effort to save the convoy.
Yarra was also remembered in
Newport, Melbourne in a ceremony
attended by the sole surviving witness to
that tragic day, Bernard Higgins, 88.
Sacrifice not
forgotten in
WA ceremony
SBLT Sarah West
MORE than 200 people packed St John’s
Anglican Church in Fremantle, Western
Australia, on February 26 to mark the 70 th
anniversary of the loss of HMAS Perth I
and the USS Houston – sunk in the Battle
of Sunda Strait during WWII.
Among those paying their respects
were Arthur Bancroft, Norm Fuller, and
Fred Skeels, who survived the sinking
of Perth I, after their Modified Leander
Class Light Cruiser was torpedoed by a
Japanese Invasion Fleet on March 1, 1942.
The survivors were joined by families
of crew members who lost their lives
when the vessels were sunk off the coast
of Java, or later as prisoners of war.
Serving members of HMAS Perth
III and personnel from HMAS Stirling
took part in the service, which was also
attended by US Ambassador to Australia
Jeffrey L. Bleich.
Perth III Commanding Officer CAPT
Mal Wise delivered a moving speech at
the service
“The sacrifice of the men of Perth I
must not be forgotten,” he said
“Not simply because it is a remarkable
piece of Naval history, but because we
enjoy the freedom of this lucky country
because of the sacrifice of these men,
and so many others of their generation,”
said CAPT Wise.
Both the Australian anthem and
the US anthem were played during the
service to honour the brave sailors from
two great nations who fought side by side
70 years ago, and whose sacrifice will
long be remembered.
350 of Perth 1’s crew perished during
the Battle of Sunda Strait, and a further
106 lost their lives as prisoners of war.
The USS Houston lost 638 men during
the battle and a further 104 in POW
camps.
After the war, 218 of Perth’s crew and
266 of Houston’s men were returned
home.
During his address, CAPT Wise made
a tribute to their legacy.
“The bravery and heroism of the men
of Perth and the Houston has endured
to this day, and stands as inspiration
to all who would aspire to greatness
and sacrifice in the Naval Service of
Australia,” CAPT Wise said.
POIGNANT MOMENT: Left, the
bugle player of the RAN Band,
Sydney Detachment, plays the
last post during the 70th anniversary
of the Battle of the Java Sea,
at the Cenotaph in Martin Place.
Photo: ABBM Jesse Rhynard
HONOURING THEIR COMRADES: Above, the last surviving members of HMAS Perth
I pause for a moment after laying a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the
Australian War Memorial in Canberra at the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Sunda Strait; left,
two of the survivors, Gavin Campbell, left, and Fred Skeels. Photo: Lauren Black

14 March 15, 2012
GANGWAY
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CIVIL
SKILLS
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Skills in Reserve
CHARITABLE: SMN
Des Depledge-Smith
(left) and volunteer
Tina Eleanor show their
support for Oscar’s Law
during a fundraiser at
HMAS Cerberus, where
more than $2500 was
raised by 227 sailors.
Oscar’s Law is a charity
committed to abolishing
factory farming of
companion animals.
HOME PORT VISIT:
Officer of the watch and
Townsville local SBLT
Ben Stewart looks over
his hometown from the
bridge wing of HMAS
Choules
Photo: Cpl Darren Hilder
Navy Reservist a
fish out of water
MEDICAL SPECIALIST: CMDR Anthony Holley
is in Tarin Kot, Afghanistan, to support medical
personnel in the Middle East Area of Operations.
Photo: Cpl Ray Vance
FOR a man who has served in three Defence Forces and
had numerous overseas trips, CMDR Anthony Holley is
pretty excited about his latest journey.
The Navy medical specialist, from Brookfield in
Brisbane, has served in the South African Army, Royal
New Zealand Navy and the Navy Reserves, and now
finds himself in Tarin Kowt to augment the medical
personnel at the Special Operations Task Group.
It might be a short trip, but already CMDR Holley is
impressed with what he’s seen.
“It’s pretty exciting to be in an environment like
this,” CMDR Holley said.
“To see the substantial medical organisation,
how good it is and the quality of the medical system,
especially the medics, has been impressive. Their
knowledge base is outstanding.”
CMDR Holley is a senior staff specialist at Royal
Brisbane Hospital and has also served in Angola with
the South African Army, and in Bougainville and East
Timor with the Royal New Zealand Navy. He has been
in the Navy Reserves since 2005.

GANGWAY March 15, 2012
LSDEN Rachelle Johnson sticks a Navy tattoo on to one of the many children
who passed through the Navy display at the Musselfest in Rockingham, WA.
Photo: ABIS Alan Lancaster
VCDF, AIRMSHL Mark Binskin speaks with sailors from HMAS Coonawarra at the crew facility during a
visit to Darwin. Photo: ABIS James Whittle
RIGHT: XO HMAS Newcastle LCDR Stewart Muller
is farewelled by his three daughters (L-R) Sienna,
Isabelle and Laura.
BELOW: POMT Marc Parsell is farewelled on board
HMAS Ballarat by his partner Patricia and her
daughter Brittany.
HMA Ships Ballarat and Newcastle were farewelled
at Fleet Base East on February 27, departing for
extended deployments. Both ships will participate
in the Triton series of exercises around Australia.
Ballarat will be deployed for five months conducting
international engagement activities in north-east
Asia following the Triton exercises, while Newcastle
will deploy for three months to New Zealand for
major navigation training activities.
Photos: LSIS Brenton Freind and ABIS Richard Cordell
What should
I do with my
money?
Negative Gearing?
Positive Cashflow?
What am I entitled to?
17,000 Gov Grants?
FHSA?
Car leasing is it
right for me?
What loan?
Fixed or variable?
Redraw vs offset?
DHOAS
when do I use?
15
As part of HMAS Stirling’s contribution to the 2012 Rockingham Musselfest, Clearance Diving Team 4
participated in bringing the mussels from the depths of the ocean to the local culinary chefs, all competing
with individual recipes in the annual cook off.
Photo: ABIS Alan Lancaster
Navy personnel attached to the Heron Remotely Piloted Aircraft Detachment,
LEUT Andrew Colebourn (left) and ABIS Peter Thompson, at Kandahar
Airfield. The Heron detachment marked 2012 as its third year of operations in
Afghanistan and also expect to reach 10,000 flying hours in April.
Photo: ABIS Peter Thompson

Complete your Rent Allowance
Review online
Defence Housing Australia
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The Rent Allowance Review will commence in April, and
Members selected to participate in this year’s Review can register
If you’ve used our Online Services before there’s no need to
You can follow the prompts online if you’ve forgotten your login
Even if you’re not selected for this year’s Review, we encourage
This will enable you to access our online tools and services to help
CONTACT
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PERSONNEL
Warfare officers graduate
Michael Brooke
NAVY’S next batch of officers took a vital
step towards commanding a Hobart-class Air
Warfare Destroyer (AWD) or a Canberra-class
Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) when they
graduated from the Junior Warfare Application
Course (JWAC) 53.
The 44 graduates received their Navigation
Watchkeeping Certificates from Governor of
NSW, Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir,
at a ceremony at HMAS Watson on March 2.
“The Navigation Watchkeeping Certificates
you have received today put you on the
path to obtaining your Bridge Warfare
Certificate, which is the qualification you
need to command a warship in the RAN,”
said Professor Bashir, herself an Honorary
Commodore in the RAN.
JWAC consists of four phases, conducted
both ashore and at sea. Upon completion
of warfare theory training, JWAC officers
commenced Phase IV Sea, which saw them
posted to a major Fleet Unit.
The Commander Australian Fleet, RADM
Tim Barrett, said the JWAC graduates have
exciting challenges and great responsibilities
ahead of them as the Navy makes the
transition to a new and exciting expeditionary
capability.
Such is the exciting tempo in the Navy
that several officers were unable to attend
their graduation, as they had already posted to
various warships who are currently conducting
work-ups or deployed on operations.
The graduation was especially memorable
for those awarded prizes in recognition of their
achievements during JWAC 53.
ASLT Collin Longmore was crowned the
Dux of JWAC 53, in recognition as the officer
who achieved the highest academic standard
throughout all phases of training.
DUX: Governor of NSW Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir presents the Department
of Defence Prize to ASBLT Colin Longmore for the best performance overall. He was
also named Dux of the course. Photo: LSIS Brenton Freind
ASLT Longmore, who plans to pursue a
career in RAN hydrography, was also awarded
the Department of Defence Prize for the best
performance overall in Phase Four Bridge
Simulator.
SBLT David Hodge was awarded the
ANI CO’s Pen Prize, for the best results in
JWAC warfare, while SBLT Jake Hughes was
presented with the Otto Albert Memorial Prize
for the best results in the Fleet Board.
SBLT James Knight was awarded the Ian
McDonald Memorial Prize for the most improved
JWAC trainee from Phase I to Phase IV shore,
while LEUT Andrew Collingwood was presented
the Warfare Community Medallion as the officer
who displayed the highest Navy values.
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17
High achievers
emerge from
BCSO course
Michael Brooke
SMNCSO Susan Leggatt topped a high list of achievers
when nine sailors graduated as combat system operators
from the Basic CSO (Underwater) Course at HMAS
Watson.
The graduation was especially memorable for
SMNCSO Susan Leggatt, who was crowned Dux with
an average of 96.93 per cent.
She was also awarded the Naval Warfare Community
Medallion in acknowledgement of her dedication to
RAN values and ethos.
“Navy values are very important to me – particularly
honesty and integrity which are building blocks to good
leadership,” SMNCSO Leggatt said.
The nine sailors graduated from the 24-week Basic
CSO(U) Course (No.293) at a ceremony in the Captain
Darling Building on March 2.
The proud graduates received their CSO rate badge
and framed qualification certificates from Commodore
Training (COMTRAIN), CDRE Daryl Bates.
The students achieved consistently high results from
all modules with an overall course average of 90.12 per
cent.
CDRE Bates told the graduates it is an exciting time
to be commencing a career as a CSO in the RAN.
“Sitting here in this class, there are most likely future
leading seamen that will commission our new AWDs
and LHDs, that will add significant new capability to our
Navy and the ADF,” he said.
“This class is ready to do the job as combat system
operators and make a significant contribution to Navy’s
ability to meet operational commitments and fight and
win at sea.”

18 March 15, 2012
PERSONNEL
Boost to family support
COMMUNITY SPIRIT: Samantha Murray and her daughters Lauren and Zara meet CDF Gen David
urley and his wife, Linda, at the opening of the Defence Family Helpline and the Defence Community
rganisation Headquarters. Photo by Cpl Mark Doran
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Cpl Mark Doran
ASSISTANCE for families is now
available 24 hours a day with the
launch of the Defence Family Helpline.
The helpline, which is staffed by
human services professionals including
social workers and psychologists, was
officially opened by Defence Science
and Personnel Minister Warren Snowdon
on February 29.
It offers referrals, information and
advice on deployments and postings,
childcare, community support programs,
employment and education assistance,
crisis and emergency support and help
for members leaving the ADF.
Mr Snowdon said the Defence
Family Helpline was part of Defence’s
commitment to improving the strength
and resilience of families.
“The Helpline will also offer assistance
at the most critical times of all – in
emergencies,” Mr Snowdon said.
Cpl Mark Doran
DEFENCE families were among the
guests at the official opening for the
Defence Community Organisation
(DCO) Headquarters in Deakin,
Canberra, on February 29.
Defence Science and Personnel
Minister Warren Snowdon officially
opened the building, collocating DCO
Canberra and the Canberra ADF
Transition Centre.
DCO Director General Michael
Callan said the opening was an important
day in the organisation’s 16-year history.
“It is the culmination of four years of
hard work to strengthen DCO’s capability
and focus our services where they are
most needed,” Mr Callan said.
“In December 2007, my vision was to
develop a high-performing organisation,
well respected and able to respond to the
emerging issues of Defence families.
“Since then DCO has been developing
an integrated service delivery model,
where Defence families receive services
based on best practice, good governance
and measured performance consistently
delivered across the nation regardless of
posting locality.
“This approach is underpinned by a
self-reliance strategy designed to build
the capacity of the Defence community.
Andrea Evans, Director, is an Accredited
Family Law Specialist and is one of
Canberra’s most experienced, well
credentialed and respected family lawyers.
If you need legal advice following the
breakdown of your relationship Evans
Family Lawyers can help you resolve your
problem constructively and effectively,
whether it be a parenting or fi nancial matter.
Contact Evans Family Lawyers today.
P: 6247 6147
F: 6247 3707
E: enquiries@evansfl .com.au
W: www.evansfl .com.au
“It’s good to know that when your
partner’s deployed and the worst happens
at home, help is just a phone call
away.”
DCO Director of Operations Cathy
Davis said although the helpline had just
started it was already receiving a range
of calls both domestically and from
members deployed overseas.
“An advantage of the helpline is it
is also centralises the intake system for
DCO, which gives us a good oversight
of the range of issues members and their
families are facing, Ms Davis said.
“On our first official day of operation
we had 56 phone calls and received seven
official requests for DCO support. And I
received four phone calls overnight.”
The helpline can be called on 1800 624 608 or
emailed at DefenceFamilyHelpline@defence.
gov.au or visit www.defence.gov.au/dco for
information on the range of support services
provided to families of ADF members.
New headquarters
combines services
“DCO’s mantra is ‘Strong Families,
Strong Community, Strong Defence’.”
The services provided by DCO
include support for partners’ education
and employment, help with childcare,
financial support for Defence community
groups, support to families during crisis
and emergency, and education support
for children.
During the ceremony CDF Gen
David Hurley re-signed the ADF Family
Covenant on behalf of Defence and said
members of the ADF could not do their
jobs without the help and support of their
families and loved ones.
“The ADF Family Covenant articulates
how highly Defence values the
significant and irreplaceable contribution
families make to the operational
effectiveness of our Defence force,” Gen
Hurley said.
“However, it’s not just a statement of
acknowledgement and thanks to our families.
The covenant is a commitment from
Defence to work with Defence families,
and to consult with them, to listen to their
concerns, and to do whatever we can to
help them balance the demands of service
life with the needs of the family.”
The final part of the official ceremony
was the formal introduction of the CDF’s
wife, Linda Hurley, as the Patron of the
Defence Community.
Separation & divorce
Parenting matters
Property matters for de facto
& married couples
Child & spousal maintenance
Cohabitation & binding
fi nancial agreements
Superannuation in family law
Child support
Domestic violence &
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Suite 4, Level 4, 10 Moore Street, Canberra

PERSONNEL March 15, 2012
Scraps to
sculptor
Hobby becomes work of art
Cpl Nick Wiseman
WORKSHOP scraps may not ordinarily make the best
farewell gifts for people but one young sailor from
HMAS Coonawarra in Darwin is making gifts that do
just that.
A marine technician of eight years, LS Chris Bailey
found he wanted to keep busy during lunch times and
breaks and started tinkering around the workshop with
left over scraps.
“I don’t like having breaks, I get bored to easy,” LS
Bailey said.
“After I finished my lunch one day I picked some
scraps up and started playing.”
Made from scraps such as offcuts, broken bolts and
washers his works of art are so carefully crafted that his
skills have been called upon to create memorable gifts
for leaving COs.
LS Bailey said he had been asked to make a coffee
table as a presentation and farewell gift for the former
HMAS Coonawarra CO.
“I initially made one for a mate who was leaving and
it just went from there,” LS Bailey said.
“It’s great to get recognition for my work.”
His works have even started catching the eye of
the community with people offering him money for
his work which has made him think about turning this
hobby into a business later on.
After a year of creating these works he has now put
together a portfolio featuring photos of little insects,
furniture, animals, birds and even a large wedge-tailed
eagle.
Unable to focus in one area in particular, LS Bailey
enjoys learning new skills to expand his repertoire furthering
the type of creations he builds.
Once he decides on a particular idea he researches a
little to ensure he can create the idea in his head, often
with only a single photograph to go from.
The time spent on these projects varies from only
a couple of hours through to more than a day worth of
accumulated hours.
A by-product of doing these projects is that he keeps
his skills up and often encourages the more junior sailors
to try similar projects to expand on their own skillsets.
Always keen to expand his ideas and talk about his creations,
LS Bailey is keen to hear from other like-minded sailors and can
be contacted on chris.bailey@defence.gov.au.
Safe hands
RARELY BORED:
LSMT Chris Bailey
(pictured right and
bottom) with some of
the works of art made
from scraps at HMAS
Coonawarra in Darwin.
Photos: Cpl Nick Wiseman
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20
March 15, 2012
Defence Export Control Office
Export Control Awareness Training
Is your organisation involved in the export, design, manufacture, purchase,
brokerage or distribution of military or dual-use goods?
If so, you need to understand export controls and how they may apply to
your organisation.
The Defence Export Control Office (DECO) is providing free Export Control
Awareness Training (ECAT) to explain a broad range of export control
considerations, including:
• management of controlled goods and how they are assessed
• exporters’ obligations and the licensing process
• interacting with DECO and practical tips for efficient processing
• changes to legislation and the US/Australia Defence Trade Treaty
ECAT sessions will be conducted in the following centres for all interested
industry, academic and Government representatives:
• Canberra – Monday 26 March 2012 • Adelaide – Tuesday 17 April 2012
• Perth – Thursday 19 April 2012 • Sydney – Monday 21 May 2012
• Melbourne – Thursday 24 May 2012 • Brisbane – Monday 18 June 2012
Who should attend: administration, sales, purchasing, export, logistics, legal
and financial officers; company managers and CEOs; freight forwarders;
brokers; academics; scientists and engineers.
Please register your interest in attending an ECAT session by emailing DECO at
DECO@defence.gov.au and nominating a relevant session, or contact DECO on
1800 66 10 66 for more information. Exact timings and venues will be advised
to all registered attendees.
Having
a ball
AG60870
Merici College
Caters for ADF families in the ACT
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HEALTH
USING a fit ball to perform simple
exercises such as push-ups can
provide a more intense workout,
target different muscle groups and
add variety to your fitness regime. PTI SGT
Emma Adamson explains while CPL Melanie
Schinkel demonstrates.
Left:
Exercise: Fit ball incline push-ups
Method: Start in the kneeling position with
both hands on the fit ball, your fingers facing
forward and head neutral.
While contracting your abdominals, slowly
lower your chest towards the fit ball. Return
back to the starting position and repeat.
Once comfortable in the kneeling position
and able to perform at least 10 repetitions
move up on to your toes, but be sure to
keep your body in a straight line from your
shoulders to your knees.
If you are unstable on your toes, regress
back to the kneeling position until stability
on the fit ball is achieved.
Below:
Exercise: Fit ball decline push ups
Method: If the incline push-ups are hardly
a challenge for you then roll your body over
the fit ball and walk your hands out until
stable. For this exercise you can choose
one of three leg level positions. Rest your
thighs, shins or toes on top of the fit ball,
whichever is most stable and comfortable
for you.
Align your hands under your shoulders,
hold your head in a neutral position and
contract your abdominals while lowering
your chest towards the ground. Once again,
try to complete at least 10 repetitions. Once
complete, walk your hands back until your
body is back in the starting position with
your hands on the fit ball and toes firmly on
the ground.
If performed correctly, both of these pushup
variation exercises will strengthen your
chest, shoulders, triceps and core.
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educating girls in a Catholic environment
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To find out more about Merici College
see our bsite at www.merici.act.edu.au
or contact the Enrolment Officer Ms Trish Ryan on (02) 6243 4102
or by email: patricia.ryan@merici.act.edu.au

SPORT March 15, 2012
Diver adds to gold tally
Michael Brooke
AFTER a bull shark severed his right leg
and hand in a savage attack in Sydney
Harbour in February 2009, Navy clearance
diver Paul de Gelder feared he
would never live a normal life again.
But fighting off the three-metre shark
marked a small but important victory in
his battle for rehabilitation and recovery
that recently culminated in a gold medal
haul at the US Marine Corps’ Paralympic
Trials.
The seemingly impossible for ABCD
de Gelder became possible through
the Joint Health Command’s ADF
Paralympic Sports Program (ADFPSP)
which has proven instrumental in the
rehabilitation and recovery of wounded
and injured ADF personnel.
ABCD de Gelder won gold in the
50m freestyle, 100m freestyle, 50m
backstroke and silver in the 4 x 50m
open freestyle relay at the trials held at
Camp Pendleton.
“It was an awesome competition,
where we showed our courage, commitment
and determination against some
300 other competitors,” he said.
ABCD de Gelder was one of seven
injured or wounded ADF personnel
to compete at the trials as part of the
ADF Paralympic Sports Association’s
(ADFPSA) adaptive sports program.
Overall, the seven competitors won
14 gold, three silver and two bronze
medals.
The Australian team included amputees,
a double amputee, members who
have experienced traumatic brain injury
and other service-related injuries.
The competition was organised by
the US Marine Corps’ Wounded Warrior
Regiment and included military personnel
from eight countries.
It was ABCD de Gelder’s second
appearance at the trials after competing
last year when he won gold in the
50m and 100m freestyle events, the 50m
backstroke and the team relay.
What is ADFPSA
The ADF Paralympic Sports
Association is a registered sporting
association sponsored by the
Australian Defence Sports Council.
The Council also coordinates ADF
participation in the biennial Arafura
Games in Darwin. The ADFPSA
is open to wounded, injured or ill
Defence personnel who are unable
to participate in normal sporting
activities. To become a member of
the ADFPSA you must be serving
with the ADF or be a member of the
reserve. Affiliated membership is
available to any Defence employee.
More information is available from
ADFPSA Vice President WO1 Scott
Mengel at scott.mengel@defence.
gov.au.
ABCD de Gelder, who is posted
to the RAN Diving School at HMAS
Penguin said sport had played a critical
role in his rehabilitation and recovery
“Sport keeps us fit, healthy and motivated,
which is an important part of our
recovery,” he said
He said the camaraderie among the
other wounded warriors who competed
was unique.
“The lesson we all shared was don’t
give up on what you enjoy doing just
because of an injury or a wound, because
there are people and organisations out
there that will support you,” he said.
Minister for Veterans Affairs Warren
Snowdon welcomed home the athletes
at Sydney Airport, saying “the ADF
participants have brought great pride to
Australia and their respective services
with their sporting achievements”.
“This competition is about overcoming
adversity, and the ADF team has
worked hard, shown determination and
in many events, has come out on top,”
he said.
DEFENCE TRANSITIONS
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Call 1300 112 114
Funding a recipe for
success at nationals
Sharon Palmer
TOUCH footballers will be hoping
to cook up a storm on and off the
field as they compete in the 2012
National Touch League in Port
Macquarie from March 8-11.
One hundred and sixteen
ADF personnel will be involved
in the Australian Defence Touch
Association’s (ADTA) national
titles campaign of which three are
cooks.
Tour organiser Sgt Jeremy
Armstrong said this was nothing
new. “We have been taking cooks
for about five years now,” he said.
“It makes perfect sense and I
have suggested to a few of the other
sports associations that they should
include them on their tours also.
“Before taking cooks it used to be
the team manager’s job to cook and
we have some young managers who
don’t even know how to cook for
themselves, let alone 16 other people.
“This way we can ensure the
players get the right sustenance at
the right time.”
Six ADTA teams will be among
the 123 teams competing in 14 divisions
in one of the biggest touch
carnivals ever held in NSW.
ADTA will field teams in the
Women’s Open, Men’s Open, Men’s
30s, Men’s 40s, Men’s 45s and senior
mixed divisions.
Seven referees, four referee
coaches, three medical/physio representatives
and three officials make
up the contingent.
“It’s difficult to say how we’ll
go,” Sgt Armstrong said.
“In the past it’s been a case of
21
ON TARGET: ABCD Paul de Gelder tries out seated shooting at the US Marine Corps Paralympic Trials
where he won three gold medals in the swimming pool.
TRY TIME: Touch footballers are
competing in the National Touch
League in Port Macquarie.
whoever could afford to pay for
themselves went rather than the best
players going.
With the change in funding
arrangements through the Australian
Defence Sports Council, ADTA has
this year been able to identify and
take the players it wanted to take.
“I think we’ll do really well in
the men’s 30s and men’s 40s and
hope we can make some serious
inroads into the other divisions.
“Hopefully some of our players
will impress selectors enough to
be named in Australian squads in a
couple of month’s time.”
Sgt Armstrong said next year
the ADTA would also look to take
a couple of teams to New Zealand
to play.
“The ADSC encouraged the
association to look beyond our
shores and the Kiwis come here
every second year and compete in
the nationals so it would be good to
go over there.
A full wrap of the carnival will
appear in the next edition of Navy
news.
For more information on touch football,
contact jeremy.armstrong@defence.
gov.au

22 March 15, 2012
SPORT
Croker
conquers
French
alps
CPL Melanie Schinkel
A TEAM of nine Navy skiers and
snowboarders took on the towering
slopes of France at two snowsports
competitions against the British
Military throughout January this year.
The Australian Defence Alpine
Snowsports Association sent a
triservice team of 21 to participate
in the biennial Exercise Alpine
Challenge, an international tour that
involved a training period in Italy’s
Aosta Valley and representing the
ADF in both the Royal Navy Alpine
Championships in Tignes, France and
the British Interservices Snowsports
Championships in Meribel, France.
The RAN was represented in force
at both competitions with seven skiers
and two snowboarders, but Navy’s
star competitor was thirty-one-yearold
LCDR Daniel Crocker, HMAS
Waterhen, who achieved five podium
finishes.
Holding the title of male combined
alpine ski champion for the
Navy National Alpine Snowsports
Competition for the past three years,
LCDR Crocker won first place in the
Super-G and slalom events and second
place in the giant slalom during
the championships in Tignes.
Winning these three podium positions
placed him as the overall male
ski champion at the Royal Navy
WHITEWASH: LCDR
Daniel Crocker, HMAS
Waterhen, tames Tignes
and takes out the Super G
event in the process.
Photo: Alex Board
Alpine Championships. However, as
an international combined services
representative he was unable to accept
the title.
“International participants are not
eligible for that title as it’s reserved
for Royal Navy personnel but I was
acknowledged as champion – the
Royal Navy skiers provided fantastic
competition,” LCDR Crocker said.
“I was overjoyed the Royal Navy
acknowledged my win. We were
participating as guests so we couldn’t
take its overall service champion trophies
– that wouldn’t have been fair.”
In the Meribel championships
he competed in two downhill speed
events and the Super-G, but was
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Insignia
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awarded third for the slalom event.
“I would’ve been satisfied just to
achieve a spot in the top 10 so I was
completely overwhelmed when I
placed third,” he said.
“Actually, I don’t think an
Australian skier has achieved a podium
spot at the British Interservices
Snowsports Championships before.
“It was a very pleasing result.”
He said his most significant races
were the Super-G and downhill speed
events.
“We don’t run those events in
Australia because our mountains
aren’t big enough.
“I had to really channel my nerves
and focus my mind for those races
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RESULTS
Navy represeNtatives:
LCDR Daniel Crocker (HMAS
Waterhen); LCDR Danielle
Radnidge (HMAS Melbourne);
LCDR Jo Haynes (HMAS
Kuttabul); LEUT Emma Houlihan
(HMAS Harman); LEUT Karina
Cvejic (HMAS Kuttabul); POATV
Andrew Taylor (723 SQN); AB
Julien Jais (HMAS Kuttabul);
ABET Jess Tunbridge (HMAS
Stirling);ABMED Naomi
Andriessen (HMAS Stirling)
alpine Championships results:
Boarder female parallel giant slalom
First – FLTLT Amanda Gosling
skier male giant slalom
Second – LCDR Daniel Crocker
skier female giant slalom
Second – LCPL Zoey Pepper
Third place – CPL Kris Rayner
Boarder cross female
First – FLTLT Amanda Gosling
Second – SGT Bianca Kaden
skier male super-G
First – LCDR Daniel Crocker
skier female super-G
First – MAJ Claire Baker
Third – LCPL Zoey Pepper
Boarder female slopestyle
First – SGT Bianca Kaden
Second – FLTLT Amanda Gosling
skier male slalom
First – LCDR Daniel Crocker
skier female slalom
Second – LCPL Zoey Pepper
Third – MAJ Claire Baker
interservices results:
Boarder female parallel giant slalom
Second – FLTLT Amanda Gosling
Boarder cross female
Third – SGT Bianca Kaden
Boarder female slopestyle
Second – FLTLT Amanda Gosling
skier male slalom
Third – LCDR Daniel Crocker
because we don’t get the opportunity
to train for them.”
Ski season is unfortunately over
for LCDR Crocker this year as he will
be deployed during the Navy Alpine
Snowsports Championships set to be
held at Perisher, NSW in August.
The best performers at the Navy
championships will be selected to
compete in the National Interservice
Competition also at Perisher from
August 6-10.
To find out how you can get involved in
these upcoming snowsports events visit
the Navy Alpine Snowsports website at
www.navysnowsports.com

SPORT March 15, 2012
STROKE OF GENIUS: SMN Keelan
Michelsons, of Fleet Support Unit,
serves it up at the Burrell Cup
Doubles tennis competition at HMAS
Kuttabul (below) and afterwards,
holds the winning trophy with ABET
Nick Desilas (inset).
Photos: ABBM Jesse Rhynard
Dynamic play
by ace duo
Michael Brooke
THEY call themselves the ‘dynamic
duo’ after winning the 2012
Burrell Cup doubles tennis competition
at HMAS Kuttabul.
SMN Keelan Michelsons and
ABET Nick Desilas combined like
the famous ‘Woodys’ to win the
Cup which was contested by 12
teams on February 22.
The duo cruised through seven
matches undefeated, including the
final which they won 4-2 against
CMDR Marc Pavillard and CMDR
John Metzel.
ABET Desilas, who is posted
to the Defence Communications
Station, said the final was a thrilling
encounter.
“It was a tough final that could
have gone either way, but in the end
we deserved it being undefeated all
day,” he said. “We look forward to
defending the trophy next year”.
The turning point in the ‘decider’
was SMN Michelson’s powerful
service game which featured several
aces.
ABET Desilas said their semifinal
was against Sam Burrell, the
grandson of RADM Burrell, whom
the trophy is named after.
“After the game we looked at
each other and thought, ‘were we
meant to win that one?’
The Burrell Cup triumph inspired
both players to test themselves in
the Navy ‘Carr Cup’ Singles Tennis
Championship held at Sydney
Olympic Park on March 7.
It was a case of “so near and yet
so far” for SMN Michelson in the
Carrs’ Cup singles tennis competition
at Sydney’s Olympic Stadium
on March 7
SMN Michelson marched into
the final as the favourite, only to be
beaten 1-4 in an upset by ABMT
Trent Russell.
The turning point in the match
was when ABMT Russell broke
SMN Michelson’s booming serve in
the first game.
“I faded a bit in the final from
fatigue but that’s no excuse,” he said.
SMN Michelson qualified for
the decider by pipping AB Kane
Ryan 3-2 in the semi-final, which
was deadlocked at 2-2 when the
Burrell’s Cup winner broke AB
Ryan’s service game.
“I probably didn’t deserve to win
that one,” SMN Michelson said.
A full wrap-up of the Carrs’ Cup will
appear in the next edition of Navy.
LSCIS Glen Gante
The NAVY Rugby Union men’s
and women’s teams competed in the
Queanbeyan 7s Competition held on
February 18.
The women’s team, fresh from its
Jabiru Plate win at the Darwin 7s earlier
in the month met some tough competition
against teams from Penrith to
Narooma, testing the skills and abilities
of the players.
The team finished second in its division
with a loss to Penrith and wins
against Uni Norths and Narooma highlighting
the skills and talent coach Leut
Trish Williams of HMAS Watson, hopes
will give the team the edge to successfully
defend its Australian Services Rugby
Union Championship title in May.
“It was a good result with the team
improving with each match,” Leut
Williams said.
“We had some solid performances
from long serving players and an
impressive start by several new players”
The men’s team embarked on their its
first 7s competition against some strong
opposition from West Harbour (Sydney),
West’s Wolfpack (eventual winners) and
Easts (Canberra) who all fielded premier
grade Sydney and Canberra players.
Although comprising a mixture
23
Sevens sets scene
for centenary year
of seasoned players and those new to
RANRU, the men’s team generated
momentum and confidence with each
game played.
Men’s coach WO Anthony Doherty,
NPCMA, said it was a great opportunity
for his players.
“The opportunity for Navy players
to participate against this class of opposition
goes a long way in their rugby
development,” WO Doherty said.
“We were pleased with the commitment
of all players and none took a
backward step in any of the games.”
Despite neither team reaching
the finals, the coaches extended their
encouragement and congratulations to
the players.
“Their commitment in representing
Navy rugby was in the finest traditions
of sportsmanship and was to be commended.
“The groundwork for a successful
centenary season for RANRU has been
laid.
“All players are encouraged to
remain committed to representing Navy
as it is shaping to be a cracker of a season.”
To keep up to date with all things Navy
Rugby, visit navyrugby.asn.au
STORMING UPFIELD: SMN Alex Wilson fends of a player at the Queanbeyan
7s competition held on February 17.

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LCDR Daniel Croker
conquered the
French alps in
January achieving
five podium finishes,
including the Super
G in Tignes.
Photo: Alex Board
Page 22
Sport
Volume 55, No. 4, March 15, 2012
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