Activities

2005 was another busy year for 17th Construction Squadron. Here is a summary of the major activities that thave taken place in the Squadron since 2004...

Defence Co-op Program

SPR Stewart making Sago

A large part of the Squadron recently deployed on Exercise Puk Puk, a joint initiative between the Australian and Papua New Guinean Defence Forces that is conducted each year by one of the Army's two construction squadrons. The Unit deployed to Wewak, PNG in from July to September 2004. The exercise took place in and around Moem Barracks. The Units mission for the exercise was as follows:



"To conduct a light scale engineer deployment to PNG and undertake a combined PNGDF/ADF engineer training exercise in order to enhance interoperability and improve Moem Barracks."

The deployment was an excellent opportunity to develop joint Australian and PNG 'Sapper' trade skills as well as the co-operation and friendship that is developed between the two countries. This is achieved by integrating PNGDF engineers into all areas of the Squadron, developing skills, ownership and pride in the construction projects undertaken.

The scope of works included:

• The construction of a new Head Quarters Building
• The construction of ablutions blocks
• Renovation of the Moem Barracks Hospital
• Renovation of the Moen Barracks Soldiers' Club
• Renovation of the Chapel
• Renovation of the Moem Barracks Gym
• Tasks of opportunity including the repair and renovation of the following:
  • Watermains
  • Sewerage system
  • Toilets
  • Sporting facilities
  • Training facilities
  • School Classrooms
  • Street lighting, and
  • Electrical repairs.

The scope of works has demanded a hectic workload which the Unit has not failed to come to terms with. Members of the Unit are working extremely hard in the hot and humid conditions and should be proud of their achievements in what will be an unforgettable experience for all involved.

With this large workload also comes the opportunity to experience PNG. While deployed the Squadron will take time to explore the Sepik River, Passam Waterfall and some of the picturesque islands close to the area.

Defence Co-operation Program

FIJI 23 April - 30 July 2004

As part of the Defence Cooperation Program (DCP) 13 personnel from 17th Construction Squadron commanded by LT Simon Webb deployed to Fiji for three months on Exercise Fiji Chief 04. The intent of the Exercise was to construct a reinforced concrete armoury at Queen Elizabeth Barracks in Suva and provide training to Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) Engineers.




The aim of EX FIJI CHIEF 04 was to exercise military engineering cooperation between the AS Army and the RFMF through the conduct of a combined construction exercise. The exercise objectives were to:

• Enhance AS Engineer/RFMF interoperability;
• Practice an ADF light scale engineer deployment to the South-West Pacific;
• Develop reciprocal ADF/RFMF project planning and construction management skills;
• Construct an armoury at the Queen Elizabeth Barracks (QEB) in Suva, Fiji
• Conduct a training course to prepare selected candidates for the Australian Construction Foreman's Course; and
• Improve levels of understanding of culture and customs among individual members of the RFMF and the AS Army.

The exercise was conducted over the period 23 April 04 to 30 July 04. On arrival the unpredictable weather of a tropical island took its toll, delaying works by one month and at one point turning parts of the work site into a quagmire. This made for a difficult working environment, but undaunted, the Sappers of 17 Const Sqn and the RFMF braved these conditions and continued to complete work almost to schedule.

In addition to the construction of the armoury, many tasks of opportunity were undertaken including the following:

• fixing the beer fridge at the ORs Mess
• installing smoke detectors in the ORs accommodation
• treadmills in the gym
• toilet cubicles in the SGTs Mess, and
• cleaning the ORs kitchen

Training also occured on site where the RFMF tradesmen are shown how to use equipment we brought with us. The majority of training was on quality procedures, concrete finishing and site safety. The training was reciprocal however, the RFMF tradesmen were able to use their extensive experience to teach the Australian tradesmen many trade secrets they had acquired over their career.

The relationship between the Australians and Fijians is fantastic. Whether it's working on site or sharing a bowl of kava after a hard day's work, the Sappers were inseparable and enjoyed working, eating and living together. This affinity has been noticed by all who had visited the site, including Brigadier Crane and the RFMF Commander Land Forces, Colonel Naivalurua.

The work completed during this period was due to the tenacity and dedication of the Sappers on site. It is a tribute to them that so much was completed in such testing conditions. The success of this exercise encapsulates the true intent of the Defence Co-operation Program and highlighted the importance of the relationship.

AACAP 04

PALM ISLAND 27 APR - 27 JUN 2004

CAPT EVANS oversees the construction of a box culvert

Elements from 17 Const Sqn were tasked to deploy to Palm Island in early 2004 with the objective of rectifying work done on AACAP 03 that had been damaged during the heavy rains of the wet season over the Christmas period. Plant Troop provided the bulk of the members for deployment in the form of Plant operators and drivers with Resources Troop sending a section of FE s and Workshops a Small repair team.

There was a great deal of work to be done and consequently the work hours were long and harsh. There was only one weekend off the Island during the deployment where most people took the opportunity to visit Townsville.

A completed box culvert

The major Scope of Work Items included:

• Wallaby Point road Drainage Works
• Installing 2 x Box Culverts , 2 Barrel Culverts and 3 x Subsurface Drains, and
• Drainage Works & Gabion Basket Walls on Reserviour Ridge Road

The amount of work achieved by the relatively small deployment was a credit to those on the job, and was proven by the fact that no additional time was needed despite large variations in the original SOW.

AACAP 05

KADJINA AND YAKANARRA COMMUNITIES APR-SEP 2005

CAPT Reynolds oversees construction of the Airfield

AACAP 2005 saw the squadron deploy to the remote communities of Kadjina and Yakanarra, about 150 kilometres from Fitzroy Crossing in Northern Western Australia.

Plant Troop constructed an all weather airstrip at Yakanarra to provide the members of the community and surrounding area with year round access to the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Ensuring that people in the area are able to receive prompt medical assistance when it is required. The airstrip also provides access for food and supplies to be flown in when the communities are cut-off by flooding.

The Kadjina Community

8 Troop, the squadron's primary vertical construction component, provided the community of Kadjina with three new houses. The troop took around 15 weeks to build two 3-bedroom houses and one 4-bedroom house. The project was completed in late September

Resource Troop laying the foundations for the medical clinic

Resource Troop, just to prove that field engineers can build too, provided the community of Yakanarra with a new medical clinic. The construction members of 17 were reinforced with members from the ARMY Reserve units in the area, and additional engineer troops form both the Pupua New Guinea and Tongan Defence Forces during AACAP 05.
Whilst 17 Construction Squadron primarily concentrated on the construction effect during AACAP, there were many other units involved with the project. Transport of personnel and equipment was provided by the NAVY and AIR FORCE, with the Australian ARMY Transport Corps assisting with the road move. ARMY Reserve members worked alongside full time members participating in the delivery of construction, health, and training effects. While members form the Signals Corps provided the vital communications link back to family and loved ones and RAEME kept everything moving.