Air Force News, 9 May, 2002

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

9 May, 2002

		ANZAC spirit shines Band strikes chord at Gallipoli. Air Force personnel from the Air Command Band have taken pride of place in Gallipoli as thousands of Australian airmen and airwomen, soldiers and sailors celebrated ANZAC Day in locations far and wide around the globe.

		Thankless task Injured Vietnam veteran in search for a life saver. David Kirkpatrick's memories of 26 April 1970 are hazy at best. What he does know is that he would have died on that day if not for the efforts of an Air Force medic who he's been trying to thank for the best part of three decades.

		Postcard from Manas The Royal Australian Air Force presence in Afghanistan has commenced flying operations, with Australian 707 Air-to-Air Refuellers refuelling the French Mirage 2000-D aircraft and the FA-18 aircraft from the US Navy and United States Marine Corps.

		DFRT approves tempo top-up Airmen and airwomen are the beneficiaries of a major win recently following the introduction of a 20 per cent increase in field allowance. The Defence Force Remuneration Tribunal (DFRT) agreed to the increase, which took effect on March 14, based on arguments that...

		Eighty-one years of achievements On 31 March, 1921, the formation of the 'Australian Air Force' was officially gazetted by the Government of the time. The word 'Royal' was duly added five months down the track and the RAAF was born.

		Welcome back for Cadets The Chief of the Defence Force, ADML Chris Barrie has welcomed the Australian Defence Force cadets 'back into the Defence Force'. His welcome came when he addressed an honour guard of Army, Navy and Air Force, formed up in front of him at the SuperDome at Homebush...

		ANZAC legend lives on in Afghanistan Australian servicemen and women of the No. 84 Wing Detachment in Kyrgyzstan this year commemorated Anzac Day at Ganci Air Base, attending a dawn service before launching the Australian B-707 air-to-air refuelling tanker on an operational mission.

		Air Command Band makes history The Air Command Band made history recently when it played for the first time at the ANZAC Commemorative site at North Beach, Gallipoli. The 13-piece ensemble under the command of FLTLT John Buckley played to crowds in excess of 15,000 at both the Dawn Service and...

		Letters to the Editor ADF insecure in security role at Olympic Games, Thanks for memories.

		Sixty years for fighter squadrons Amongst some of Australia's darkest days, three of Australia's brightest and best fighter squadrons were formed. As a response to Japanese aerial attacks on Darwin on 19 February 1942, 75 Squadron, 76 Squadron and 77 Squadron were formed in March 1942.

		SPORT

		Air Force rugby wins respect Team shows improvement at national carnival. Their record might read two losses from two games, but the coach of the Air Force rugby union side, Sergeant Chris Filmer, was encouraged by his side's performance in the recent Australian Services Rugby Union Carnival, held in Canberra.

		When it comes to ironmen there's Nunn tougher Corporal Jason Nunn, from RAAF Williamtown, was crowned ADF Ironman after crossing the line ahead of his Defence Force rivals at the recent Australian Ironman Triathlon, held at Forster on the NSW mid-north coast. CPL Nunn completed the 3.8km swim, 180km cycle...