Defence

Vice Chief of the Defence Force

Exchange takes off a RAAF Base Pearce

By Justine O'Brien

A warm and friendly welcome was on the cards for Member for Dobell, Ken Ticehurst, when he arrived at RAAF Base Pearce on the first attachment of this year's ADF Parliamentary Exchange Program (ADFPP).

Arriving in the early evening of Sunday 3 April, Ken began to get a feel for the environment of the men and women who live and work on the base as he was shown to his accommodation and then onto dinner at the Airmens' Mess.

Shadow on the Horizon

Monday dawned deceptively bright. News of the death of SQNLDR Paul McCarthy, a Senior Medical Officer from the Base, in the Sea King accident at Nias began filtering in and a shadow of sorrow fell across the Base.

In order for Ken (pictured below) to participate in flying activities, he had to have a pre-flight medical examination.

Medical staff who conducted his examination had all worked with Paul McCarthy, yet through their grief they were still able to see and attend to patients and carry out their duties.

In a sense Ken experienced the unique relationship that the Defence 'family' has, and within that 'family' the shared sorrow, support and friendship that our ADF personnel have for each other.

Onwards...

Ken was put through his paces during his tour of the facilities at the Base. He was not only shown the types of physical testing that RAAF personnel undertake every year but was also given the opportunity to show how fit he was.

Senior Physical Training Instructor SGT Stewart supervised Ken through sit-ups and chin-ups. This was followed by an introduction to the four-legged workers on the Base.

"Tia" and her handler from the Military Working Dog section displayed some of the things they do. Later that evening, Tia was joined by some of her fellow canines on night patrol and Ken observed, through night goggles, how the dogs pick up 'human' scents and guide their two-legged friends on the trail.

A full first day for our Parliamentarian but this was only a taste of the packed schedule planned for Ken.

The following day, Ken chatted with Officer Cadets over lunch about their experiences with the RAAF and with their pilot training.

It was then time to change clothes and head out to the shooting range.

His skills during the Steyr weapons training and weapons handling tests the following day, had the CO and XO of 25 Squadron commenting that Ken should contemplate a career in the RAAF Active Reserves!

...and Upwards

PC9/A training aircraft. Images supplied by WOFF Tingey

Another full day under his belt and Ken retired early to be up early for his morning brief and flying sortie with 2FTS on Wednesday.

Today was the day to experience the full spectrum of what is required to get a plane up in the air from maintenance of the aircraft through to pilot training and actual flying.

Although not piloting the plane himself, Ken was flown by FLTLT Ben Marks in a PC9/A along the coast north of Perth and out to Rottnest Island. Ben returned Ken to base where he alighted in fine form, much to the amazement of ground staff. 'First timers' usually find the two-seater PC9/A training aircraft a bit rough on the stomach.

An exciting flight undoubtedly, but there was more to come as Ken was taken to be kitted out for Thursday's flight...

The Hawk

Mr Ken Ticehurst strapped into the 79SQN Hawk 127 aircraft. Image supplied by WOFF Tingey

One of the many highlights of Ken's visit was being taken up in a Hawk 127 lead-in jet fighter.

79SQN facilitated the flight with the XO, SQNLDR Stephen O'Halloran taking the controls and piloting the plane along the coastline near Perth and around Rottnest Island.

Again, ground staff were impressed with Ken's fine form upon alighting the aircraft. Indeed, all personnel who came into contact with Ken during his attachment were impressed with him. He was patient, observant and really keen to gain an insight into the conditions of service and responsibilities of our dedicated men and women in the ADF.

He also took it on the chin when he was reprimanded for arriving late to the Sergeants Mess to attend the pay night raffles. His excuse was that he lost his way between the Officers Mess and Sergeants Mess (all of 200 metres) in the fading light.

His punishment was shouting the next round, which he did graciously.

Memorial Service

Prior to his flight in the Hawk 127 on Thursday, Ken joined approximately 400 military and civilian personnel to pay honour and respect to SQNLDR Paul McCarthy and the other crew-members killed in the Sea King accident at Nias, Indonesia.

ADFPP

Parliamentarians who participate in the Program are able to provide a more informed perspective to debate on Defence and National Security issues.

They can select from a range of ADF attachments to military exercises and activities from all three Services that run during the Autumn and Winter recesses.

For further information on the ADFPP, please contact Garry Walbrook on 02 6266 2107.

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