Air Force News, March, 2001

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Air Force News is published every month except January for the information and entertainment of members of the Air Force and their families.

From East Timor

March, 2001

		Australian International Airshow 2001 - I had a dream… A spectacular visual, auditory and multicultural feast of all things aeronautic was experienced by those who attended the Australian International Airshow from 13 to 18 February 2001 at Avalon Airport, outside Geelong, Victoria.

		New Minister outlines his vision The new Minister for Defence, Mr Peter Reith addressed a gathering of senior Defence officials recently, outlining his vision for the future and paving the way for a smooth transition of power to the top job.

		Early birthday present for RAAF To the sound of air power thundering in the background the new Minister for Defence, Mr Peter Reith, made his Air Force debut last month at the Avalon Australian International Airshow.

		Summit addresses White Paper Senior Defence leaders gathered in Canberra recently for a two-day summit aimed at building a clear plan for 'Our Strategic Journey' following the release of the Government's Defence White Paper last December.

		Help for heavy workloads A new plan to attract former personnel back to the RAAF is aiming to help alleviate high workloads in critically understaffed areas.

		Opinions sought Full-time Defence personnel and civilians will have the chance to voice their opinions on a host of issues in the 2001 Defence Attitude Survey, commissioned by the Secretary and Chief of Defence Force and sponsored by the Head Defence Personnel Executive..

		Come back and fly to new heights with RAAF The Royal Australian Air Force is to call for former serving personnel to once again consider career opportunities within the RAAF, the Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence, Mr Bruce Scott, announced last month..

		Report irregularities to Military Justice Audit say Chiefs The Chief of the Defence Force, Admiral Chris Barrie, has warned against prevention or intimidation of members of the ADF making submissions to the Military Justice Audit Team.

		RIP UP RED TAPE! say Secretary and Chief of Defence Force The Secretary for Defence and Chief of the Defence Force are looking for ways of 'ripping up' unnecessary 'red tape'. Dr Allan Hawke launched their Rip Up Red Tape campaign - inviting everyone in Defence to contribute - at a Senior Leadership Summit in Canberra.

		New Zealand Memorial - unique The New Zealand Memorial currently being built in Canberra, and scheduled for official opening on ANZAC eve, 24 April, will be unique in a number of respects.

		Something for everyone - Royal Australian Air Force 2000 The RAAF's first Annual, Royal Australian Air Force 2000, is not only a year in the life of the RAAF as told by a cross-section of Air Force personnel, but a tribute to everyone who has shaped, and who continue to shape, the modern RAAF.

		Fringe Benefits Exemption The men and women of the Australian Defence Force who are either in receipt of family allowance benefits or are required to make child support payments are set to benefit from a Federal Government decision...

		Redevelopment of the RAAF Memorial It is 'our' Memorial. If we do not support it, we can hardly expect the general public, defence companies and other corporations to donate money towards its redevelopment.

		From East Timor...

		Air Command Band hits high note in East Timor Christmas away from home was a difficult time for thousands of ADF members serving in East Timor, but troops and locals alike received a Dili dose of Christmas cheer thanks to the musical ministrations of the RAAF's own Air Command Band.

		Providing vital support - 386ECSS in Timor One of the most important roles of the RAAF's 386 Expeditionary Combat Support Squadron (ECSS) Detachment based out of Comoro Airfield in Dili is to provide Aeromedical Evacuation (AME) support for both military and civilian personnel in East Timor.

		Skills put to the test Late last year, 386 Expeditionary Combat Support Squadron (ECSS) conducted a Military Skills Competition before deploying to East Timor to take over the duties of the Comoro Airfield Support Group based in Dili. The competition included all available IDF personnel from RAAF Base Richmond.

		Air Commander visits The Air Force's Air Commander Australia, Air Vice-Marshal John Kindler, visited East Timor on 23 January. In a hectic and brief visit, the Air Commander, accompanied by his immediate staff, met with the Force Commander Peacekeeping Force and Commander Australian Contingent.

		Australia Day celebrations An Australia Day parade commemorating the Centenary of Federation, medal presentation, surf carnival and Clean-Up Comoro event were among the highlights of 386 Expeditionary Combat Support Squadron (ECSS)'s Australia Day celebrations in East Timor.

		Locals give Comoro Clean Up the thumbs up RAAF peacekeepers from Comoro Airfield Support Group (CASG) introduced an Aussie tradition of a different kind to East Timor on Australia Day this year, winning the willing support and heartfelt thanks of locals.

		RAAF peacekeepers meet Chief of Army During a recent visit to East Timor, Lieutenant General Peter Cosgrove, Chief of Army, paid an impromptu visit to Comoro Airfield Support Group (CASG) to meet Air Force members of No. 386 Expeditionary Combat Support Squadron (Detachment East Timor).

		A varied role Since arriving in East Timor last December, Maintenance Section personnel from 386 Expeditionary Combat Support Squadron (ECSS) have been busy with many and varied tasks.

		Veteran of the skies still going strong After 36 years of service the RAAF's Caribous of 86 Wing are once again on active service, this time in East Timor. The Caribou commenced its service in 1964 and was to see active service during the Vietnam War.