COMPO CHANGES
Defence members may soon have one of the most comprehensive, innovative and beneficial compensation schemes in Australia if recently released draft legislation is passed by Parliament.

It’s official — 150,000 guarantee warm welcome
Up to 150,000 people, some standing 40 deep and others throwing “ticker tape”, gave 1,400 uniformed and civilian Defence personnel a rousing “welcome home and well done” when they marched proudly through the streets of Sydney on June 18.


VALE
VADM Sir James Willis KBE AO RAN Retd
ADM Sir James (Guido) Willis KBE, AO, RAN (Rtd), former Chief of the Naval Staff, passed away in Adelaide late last month.


Gascoyne refuels stalled fishermen
When the lookouts on the coastal minehunter HMAS Gascoyne (CMDR Jay Bannister) spotted people on a Type 3 fishing boat waving a white flag, they knew they had a job to do.


Bravery and daring honoured
A sailor and an Australian Naval Cadet who saved three boys, one just six years old, from an upturned “tinny” in 40-knot winds on Tuggerah Lake last year, have been formally commended for their actions.


Eden facility to complete in September
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence, Fran Bailey, has announced that construction of the navy ammunitioning facility at Twofold Bay is scheduled for completion in September this year.

Reserve forces to march
Reservists from five nations will take to the streets of Sydney on Sunday July 6, for the annual Reserve Forces Day National Parade. More than 3,000 personnel accompanied by several bands (one flown out especially from the US Navy), will step off from College Street at 11.30am.


Reminder light restored
Technicians at FIMA/Sydney are working to restore a World War II searchlight to be exhibited at the National Artillery Museum at North Head in Sydney.


History a voluntary job
Head, Defence Perso nnel Executive, RADM Brian Adams recently launched the Member’s Guide to ADF Pay and Conditions of Service 2003-2004.

Naval Research receives boost
Research into naval and maritime issues has just got easier with the opening of the Naval Reference Collection at Campbell Park.


Task books complete at Creswell
New Entry Naval officers of NEOC 28, RANC staff and Navy stewards came together recently on the occasion of the Officers Training Mess Dinner, held in the historic and culturally significant College Dining Hall, HMAS Creswell (CAPT Andrew Cawley).

Centenary medals recognise hard work
Three men who have worked tirelessly to safely pilot arriving and departing warships at Fleet Base East...

Navy’s major group at 2FTS
Not since the mid 1980’s has No. 2 Flight Training School had so many Navy student pilots. The 12 young men and women are from 194 to 197 Pilot’s Courses.


Brunei takes top billing
The ship’s company of landing craft HMAS Brunei (LCDR Jeff WIlliams) had a pleasant surprise during a visit to Port Douglas in Far North Queensland last month.


Micronesia puts surveillance on map
The Maritime Surveillance Adviser (MSA) to the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), LCDR Greg Rochester, and Technical Adviser (Electrical), CPO Bob Connelly conducted a series of maritime surveillance workshops throughout FSM’s Outer Islands in April and May this year.


Cairns walks for cancer research
For 18 hours sailors, officers and civilians from HMAS Cairns (CMDR Niel Wark) walked around Barlow Park to raise money and awareness for the Queensland Cancer Fund.


Employer support payments are revised
The ESP Scheme was introduced in June 2001. It provides direct financial support to eligible employers who discharge their obligations to release Reservists to attend continuous Defence service.


When you’re entitled to your benefits
IF you resign from ADF service before turning 55 you can immediately take a lump sum payment of your Military Superannuation Benefits Scheme member benefit up to the amount that had accrued (including interest) at June 30, 1999.

Health quality improved
“Adrenaline 1:1000 1ml given intravenously at time 10:08” repeats the ABMED.

Base and community involvement reaps national rewards
SMNATV Deborah Allen, now posted to 723 Squadron (LCDR Allen Whittaker), joined the RAN in February 2001 and soon after began training at the RAAF School of Technical Training.

Geraldton’s find not quite the full squid
While patrolling the Australian Fishing Zone on June 8 , HMAS Geraldton (LCDR Terry Morrison) stopped in the water to conduct a main machinery room damage control exercise (DCEX).

Years of training pays off for Chiefs
Authorisation as a Flight Senior Maintenance Sailor (FSMS) represents the culmination of years of training and dedicated work and is considered a significant achievement in the AT branch.

Massive reunion planned
While naval personnel are busy with operational requirements in 2003 a dedicated group is busy behind the scenes preparing for a National Naval Reunion in 2004.

New Gotheburg launched
On Friday June 6, to the Swedish equivalent of “Take up the slack” and “Out Chocks” a replica of the Swedish East Indiaman Gotheborg slid majestically down the ways and entered the water for the first time at her home city of Gothenborg.

C1 is in orbit
Defence is heading towards a new era of operational communications following the successful launch of the C1 satellite from French Guiana on June 12.