Amberley goes on show in style - Department of Defence

More documents

Recommendations

Info

10 News AIR FORCE October 16, 2008 My week in parliament By Barry Rollings AS AN EXTERNAL student in olitics and International Relations t the Curtin University of Technolgy, SGT Colin Hull had a more han special interest in taking part n the recent ADF Parliamentary xchange Program. SGT Hull was one of six Air Force participants in the scheme, which aims to raise awareness of the Australian parliamentary processes and environment. The others were SQNLDRs Jeff Howard, John Cotterell and Dave Jackson, FLTLT Toby Peach and FLGOFF Belinda Johnson. Because of his studies, SGT Hull found that his perception of politics and the processes did not change measurably but he did experience some eye-openers during his fiveday stay with Bob Baldwin MP, the Member for Paterson and the Opposition spokesman for Defence Science and Personnel. “My biggest eye-opener was the long hours with my host, generally 12-15 hours a day,” SGT Hull said. “Also, the diversity of issues covered by politicians, from legislation being introduced into Parliament right through to the concerns of constituents and interest groups.” Mr Baldwin’s electorate takes in Williamtown, Raymond Terrace, Medowie and the Nelson Bay/Port Stephens region “where a large number of RAAFies live”. “Mr Baldwin has a keen interest in Defence issues and the Air Force in particular,” SGT Hull said. He accompanied Mr Baldwin to several activities. “I sat in on lots of meetings and parliamentary committees, and met with interest groups and constituents, [as well as] with industry groups and foreign dignitaries,” he said. “Being in parliament for debates and divisions was a great experience.” His highlight was being in the Senate for the swearing-in of the new Governor-General, Quentin Bryce. “To be in the Chamber and see history in the making is something that I will be telling the grandkids about,” SGT Hull said. “I highly recommend the program. It was an incredible experience.” Your car. Your savings. Your choice. Find out why 7,000 Defence employees use SmartSalary Car Leasing – call 1300 889 644 for a free quote. No deposit required Pay for fuel pre-tax using your Caltex StarCard Up to 30% discount on vehicle servicing (parts and labour) Let our car lease specialists do the hard work for you Use our buying power so you get the best deal Let us make your car search hassle free SQNLDR Howard spent his week with Greg Combet MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Procurement. “I attended various meetings and functions,” SQNLDR Howard said. “They covered Defence topics and electorate issues.” The most significant aspect of his experience was the ability of MPs and their staff to assimilate a vast array of information on complex topics in very short time-frames. “They needed to research an issue within a few hours, meet with stakeholders to discuss their concerns and then make a decision on it. “I also had the opportunity to meet the families of MPs. It was fascinating to hear the similarities between family life in the ADF and parliamentarians. “It was reassuring to know that parliamentarians are acutely aware of Serving members’ concerns about being away from their families as they have experienced it first-hand. “The ADFPP is a fantastic opportunity to work within an MP’s office and gain an appreciation for government process,” he said. Find out why you should salary package with SmartSalary Car Leasing... Call 1300 889 644 Visit www.smartsalary.com.au HOUSE GUESTS: Above, SGT Colin Hull learned much about parliamentary life from his host Bob Baldwin MP, while below, SQNLDR Jeff Howard found similarities between life in politics and the ADF during his time with Greg Combet MP. Photos: CPL Bernard Pearson
AIR FORCE October 16, 2008 History dawns ns By LAC Aaron Curran THE Air Force’s written history has added a new chapter with the reent publication of a book describing 62SQN’s World War II experiences. To See the Dawn Again, written by AIRCDRE Mark Lax (ret’d) and rofessor Leon Kane-Maguire, is about 62SQN and its role within the RAF’s omber Command from September 942 to the end of the war. A final chapter briefly covers recent evelopments. The squadron operated Halifax bombers in that period and while theoretically Australian, members came from cross the Commonwealth to make up ts complement. Flying with 205, 4 and 100 (Special perations) Groups, 462SQN gained an nviable reputation for competence and perseverance – the squadron’s wartime motto. Although notionally a bomber unit, 462SQN spent 1945 in an electronic warfare role conducting spoof raids, radar and communications jamming and dropping chaff, known then as ‘window’. Reformed in 2001 as the Information Operations Squadron and renamed 462SQN in 2005, the unit is based in Do you want a Vocational Qualifi cation? We can offer pathways that reward your work and life experiences to receive nationally accredited qualifi cations. We use your experience, projects and relevant short courses to apply towards nationally accredited competency based qualifi cations. In particular we can offer Defence personnel who have completed procurement or fi nancial management courses the opportunity to gain full qualifi cations at both the Certifi cate IV and Diploma levels. Our pathways include recognition, training and / or assessment to gain your full qualifi cation. So who are we? MTS is a highly respected long standing provider of procurement, management and fi nancial services training to Defence, large corporations and many large Commonwealth and State Government agencies. MTS also offers general management and project management training as well as procurement and fi nancial management. We are a member of Defence‘s latest Business Skilling Panel of training providers. Photograph © Dominique Gonod. Canberra and operates in an information warfare role. ACAUST AVM Mark Skidmore launched the book in front of guests and squadron personnel. “I am sure readers will appreciate what 462SQN went through and why it is important to remember what they did,” AVM Skidmore said. “I look forward to reading a copy myself.” AIRCDRE Lax told the squadron’s members that it was their history that was before them in this book. “To know where you are going in the future you have to understand where you are at, and to do that you have got to know where you have been,” he said. “It is so important to remember our proud RAAF history. Much of that squadron history from the Second World War and before unfortunately has been lost.” Putting his ideas together with Professor Maguire, they decided to capture some of the stories of the squadron from veterans who are still alive. Three of them were present at the launch of To See the Dawn Again on September 5. “Everyone knows about Kokoda, Tobruk, Gallipoli and the Western Front So why not contact us for more information? Phone: 1800 625 678 defence@majortraining.com.au www.majortraining.com.au and other land battles,” AIRCDRE Lax said. “They can physically go and visit those places whereas the sky was these veterans’ battlefield, so there is no place to visit.” AIRCDRE Lax says he writes for a hobby and not for profit. “Some people go fly fishing or race sports cars, but for me in a way, this is my relaxation,” he said. Professor Maguire had a more personal interest in the book’s publication. He was one year old when his father was shot down and killed on operations over the English Channel in 1943 while flying with sister RAAF unit, 464SQN. With three books behind them, To See the Dawn Again came to the authors because 462SQN had been reformed and its previous CO had asked them to take a look at its history. AIRCDRE Lax mentioned that a lot had been written about Australians who fought with Bomber Command but not about specific RAAF units involved and their histories. “To See the Dawn Again is written for the veterans and their families,” he said. “For some families, it can be the first time that they find out what their grandfathers actually did in the war.” Major Training Services is a Registered Training Organisation RTO ID: 90748 By Barry Rollings DOING A lick or two on the skins in his garage recently, CPL Murray York’s thoughts drifted idly to having a bash at the Guinness Book of Records for marathon drumming. Slightly taken aback at the 54 hours and more needed to better that record, CPL York, from RAAF Base Richmond, turned his thoughts to drumming up support for the National Breast Cancer Foundation and Pink Ribbon Day by aiming at a less ambitious 24 hours. A great fan of Tray Cool from Green Day and Ginger Fish, CPL York practises every week and has been drumming for about 10 years. A member of the band Kill The DJ, his drum marathon will take place in Sydney’s Wynyard Park from 7am on October 27 to 7am the following day. October 27 is Pink Ribbon Day, when volunteers raise funds by selling ribbons and other merchandise. CPL York will have his own team in action in Wynyard Park. “I will have a support team of my own from Richmond,” CPL York said. “I intend to have a break every hour. “So far, this is the biggest thing I have taken on with my charity work and I’ve been practising every weekend.” He has been helping the National Breast Cancer Foundation for the past three years and became involved after his wife Cathy had surgery to remove some lumps. “Thankfully, it wasn’t serious and it was caught in time,” CPL York said. “So News 11 WAR MEMORIES: From left, AIRCDRE Mark Lax (ret’d) with Keith Campbell and John McManus from 466SQN and Paul Wilson from 462SQN at the book launch in Canberra. Photo: LAC Aaron Curran Drumming up aid to fight cancer RHYTHM: CPL Murray York prepares for his marathon. Photo: CPL York this is pretty close to me I guess and that’s why I am doing it. “My band and I held a ladies night function at the RAAF Base Wagga Airmen’s Club last year. I’ve also done work for the leukaemia ‘Shave for a Cure Day’. “The response from businesses and other people has been overwhelming. They have kindly donated the use of equipment and other materials. “I have to thank Billy Hyde Music at Surry Hills, Kennard’s Hire at Penrith, Woolworths at Glenmore Park, the Phonographic Performance Company of Australia, Australian Commercial Catering, and the National Breast Cancer Foundation for allowing my to be part of their Pink Ribbon Day.” To assist CPL York in his fundraising efforts, contact him on (02) 4587 3446, 0430 309 744 or email: murray. york@defence.gov.au INTELLIGENCE ON BOARD www.thalesgroup.com.au Aerospace. Defence. Security.
Page 1 and 2: AIR FORCE Vol. 50, No. 19, October
Page 3 and 4: AIR FORCE October 16, 2008 News AME
Page 5 and 6: AIR FORCE October 16, 2008 Night Ha
Page 7 and 8: AIR FORCE October 16, 2008 News ‘
Page 9: AIR FORCE October 16, 2008 Bruce le
Page 13 and 14: AIR FORCE October 16, 2008 LOADED B
Page 15 and 16: 2008 Defence Force Air Show AIR FOR
Page 17 and 18: 18 Flightline AIR FORCE October 16,
Page 19 and 20: 20 Cadets Corner AIR FORCE October
Page 21 and 22: Don’t forget... another important
Page 23 and 24: 24 Lifestyle AIR FORCE October 16,
Page 25 and 26: 26 Sport AIR FORCE October 16, 2008
Page 27: SPORT October 16, 2008 Inside: ■

Amberley goes on show in style - Department of Defence

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?