Welcome to Air Force News, the official newspaper of your Air Force

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

February 28, 2002

		Home safe There were plenty of smiles and more than a few tears at RAAF Base Williamtown when the first Air Force personnel, deployed as part of Australia's commitment to the coalition against terrorism, returned home.

		Air Force mourns tragic deaths The Air Force community is in mourning following the recent deaths of two personnel in a plane crash near Williamtown Airport. Flight Lieutenant Euan Duncan, 39, and Flying Officer Luke Morrall, 23, died instantly when the vintage biplane they were flying ploughed into bushland near the airport at about 3.30pm on Saturday, 16 February.

		New era begins with ACG RAAF Base Williamtown has celebrated in traditional Air Force style, the new Air Combat Group (ACG) - which, for the first time, combines Australian fast jet combat aircraft under the one command.

		Role under review Director of the Joint Health Support Unit, Navy Captain Andrew Robinson, has confirmed that all Defence health services in Victoria, not just those provided by Air Force's No. 6 Hospital, would be tendered out this year.

		Amberley leads the way Two years ago the Base was coping with a shortage of military working dogs to meet its needs - now it's breaking new ground in Australia with a puppy breeding and training program. The bulk of Amberley's working dogs were once donated from outside sources, but a combination of factors led to a sharp decrease in the number of suitable animals winding up at the Base.

		Pushing the limits: Air Force school training survivors 'Never crash land in Australia because everything can kill you.' That was the message British troops took with them as they finished three weeks of some of the hardest military training imaginable.

		Weapons system put to the test RAAF Base Amberley is to be the site of trials of a new command and control system which, using leading edge technology and information processing, will lift job performance for Air Force people. Theatre Battle Management Core Systems (TBMCS) is an American-designed system, which runs on ACSS. Training to implement TBMCS Force Level Tools at Amberley's 82 Wing should begin by the end of the month.

		Aussie spirit alive and well in Bougainville A crab race, thong toss, football match and catwalk model parade were all part of Australia Day celebrations for Australian Defence Force personnel stationed in Bougainville as part of the Peace Monitoring Group (PMG). Festivities kicked-off early, with the national anthem played down the public address system at 7.45am - no doubt putting all concerned in a patriotic mood.

		Garden of gratitude The Remembrance Garden of the Austin and Repatriation Medical Centre in Melbourne's north-east has long been established as a special area to remember all who have served, and in particular, those who have made the supreme sacrifice. On Saturday, 2 February, members of No. 21 (City of Melbourne) Squadron and members of the 21SQN Liberator Association, marched into the Remembrance Garden to take part in a service that featured the unveiling of a special

		Pearce celebrates success Following a hectic 2001, the achievements and accomplishments of RAAF Base Pearce and its personnel were recognised at a special parade in December. Base Commander, Group Captain Wayne Johnston, presented Defence Long Service Medals to Flight Sergeant Stephen Lippinkhof (ADFRU-P) and Corporal Desmond Rogers (386ECSS).

		ADF fishes for new recruits Tuna flew, beer kegs rolled and muscles strained as members of the ADF invaded the South Australian fishing town of Port Lincoln in January to compete in tests of strength as part of the 2002 John West Tunarama Festival. The five-man Australian Defence Force Recruiting - Adelaide (ADFRU-A) team was also there to promote the benefits of a career in the Australian Defence Force, part of its extensive recruitment drive throughout the Eyre Peninsula region.