Air Force News, Month, 2001

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

January 2002

		Got them spotted Amer Sports One, a yacht competing in the around the world Volvo Ocean Race only had 48 hours worth of intravenous drip, antibiotics and painkillers, including pethidine and morphine when Keith Kilpatrick fell ill with severe abdominal pain, cramps and vomiting. Mr Kilpatrick, 40, was one of 12 crew members on board.

		Green RAAFies turn blue again After three-and-a-half years spinning spanners for the Army, three RAAF Aircraft Technicians have this year headed back to their home base.

		Heavenly new recruit Philip Freier, the Anglican Bishop of Darwin, was a little concerned about the level of pastoral care that might be available for the increasing numbers of Defence personnel in Darwin and RAAF Tindal near Katherine.

		Chief proud of work in Timor Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Angus Houston, visited East Timor to see as many Air Force people as possible before Christmas.

		Eagle lands in Stan's hand The Rolls-Royce 'Eagle' Trophy has a new home - in the hands of Royal Australian Air Force Flight Sergeant Stan Szczygiel. Established in 1996 to recognise outstanding achievement in the technical and maintenance fields of the Air Force, the 'Eagle' was presented by Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Angus Houston at a dinner held in Canberra on 19 November.

		Airmen in fire fight The fighting spirit of the Royal Australian Air Force was alive and well over Christmas as fire ravaged parts of NSW. Men and women from RAAF Glenbrook and Richmond were called in from leave and separated from loved ones, to provide vital support in the 'Black Christmas' bushfire emergency.

		White Paper - one year on A design review for the Airborne Early Warning and Control Aircraft, upgrades of the F/A-18 Hornet fleet and testing of the new AGM 142 air-to-surface missiles are among major White Paper initiatives in its first year.

		2OCU leads the way No. 2 Operational Conversion Unit has received congratulations for being the first maintenance group in the Air Force to be awarded its certification as an Authorised Maintenance Organisation.

		AFG here to stay The AFG has been confirmed as a permanent unit as a result of its success promoting the ADF. The 120-strong unit was primarily raised to support activities associated with the Centenary of Federation for a two-year period. Supervising Officer of the AFG Lieutenant Colonel David Stevens said the motivation of the AFG personnel was largely responsible for its success.

		Roulettes spread safety message Wear a helmet and keep your head in one piece is an important message Linda Stevens from the Bike Safety Awareness Program wants every child to understand. Linda was involved in a serious cycle accident 10 years ago, suffering loss of memory and brain damage because she was not wearing a helmet at the time.

		Life is Bob's passion Bob Piper lives by simple rules - don't waste a single day and don't be afraid of anything. And it's this basic philosophy that has seen him experience more so far than many people do in a lifetime.

		RAAF's culture on show The Royal Australian Air Force boasts a culture rich in community, humanity and diversity; these strengths are highlighted in the Fairbairn exhibition commemorating 60 years of service to the RAAF and Canberra region.

		Air Force sailor tilts at Hobart Flight Lieutenant Rob Saunders doesn't look confused; however, his 23-year open-ocean and coastal racing experience, on vessels from sabots to yachts, is in marked contrast to his professional life.