WE’RE KINGS OF FINCASTLE
TWENTY-NINE years after they last won the prestigious Fincastle Trophy, No. 10 Squadron has taken top honours at the 43rd annual anti-submarine warfare competition.

A year of great accomplishment
AS I reflect on what the Air Force has achieved this year I can’t help but be impressed.

Heartfelt well done
AT the end of one of the busiest years I can remember for our Defence Force, I want to send you my best wishes for the festive season and a heartfelt well done to all of you for your terrific work this year, whether deployed on operations or providing vital support at home.

We appreciate your efforts
Christmas messages from the Ministers and Parliamentary Secretary.

Pilot’s height of achievement
SQUADRON Leader Daryl Pudney, of No. 75 Squadron, has been recognised as one of the Air Force’s exceptional fighter pilots.

Hornets strongly backed
THE F/A-18 Hornet Upgrade program (HUG) has received a major boost with the Government announcing more than $230 million would be spent to strengthen the Hornet’s airframe and purchase three new flight simulators.

That’s AAA first
A FORMER crew attendant has become the first female to graduate from the Airmen/Airwomen Access to the Academy (AAA) scheme at the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA).


Amberley accolade
AMBERLEY based members of Airfield Defence Wing (AFDW) have been awarded the Ipswich Amberley Support Group (IASG) annual trophy.

Job a privilege, says top airman
DESCRIBING his job as “trying to keep the HS748 flying”, Corporal Mike McKerrow couldn’t believe it when his efforts were rewarded with the presentation of the RAAF Beaufort Squadrons Association’s Most Proficient Airman of the Year award at No. 32 Squadron.

Wedgetail powers ahead
PROJECT Wedgetail has enjoyed successful tests of its power distribution system and its control software has received international recognition.


Command handover
AFTER a six-month stint commanding the Australian Joint Task Force in the Middle East that spanned a significant period in the region’s history, Air Commodore Graham Bentley has handed over to Commodore Cam Darby and returned to Australia.

Leaping lizards, are you friend or foe?
THERE are no plans to change the No. 36 Squadron symbol from the black stallion that adorns the tail of its C-130 aircraft despite a close encounter between a lizard and two of the Squadron’s members.

Alcohol facts
Your questions on new policy answered.


Badge of distinction
QUALIFIED Air Force members can now wear a new Military Skills Instructor (MSI) badge that recognises their skills in human resource management and drill, ceremonial, weapons and ground defence training.


PMKeys self service rollout
PMKEYS Self Service (PSS) functionality began rollout on December 8 for Air Force members.


Festive fun and games
One-year-old Erin Hicks takes her dad, No. 292 Squadron Executive Officer Squadron Leader Mike Hicks, for a drive during the RAAF Edinburgh Christmas Treat.


They’re the best in the west
THREE members of No. 25 (City of Perth) Squadron have been recognised for their outstanding Reserve service at a Defence Reserves Support Council function in Western Australia.


Hague assignment
A FORMER Specialist Reservist has followed in the footsteps of Sir Ninian Stephen and NSW Justice David Hunt in accepting a prestigious position with the United Nations.


Tassie’s finest
CORPORAL Felicity Tewson, of No. 29 (City of Hobart) Squadron, has been recognised with an inaugural award presented in Hobart.


No island holiday
I HAD just arrived back in the section after lunch on Friday, June 19, when the phone rang.


Straight shooters
THE Air Force Combat Shooting Team took to the range in Brisbane recently to contest the international component of the Australian Army Small Arms Meeting (AASAM), the first time the Air Force had competed as a team in the international combat shooting arena since 1991.


Web of power
ONE of the major tasks of the Aerospace Centre is to increase awareness regarding the issues facing Australian air power and to encourage debate and discussion within the Air Force and the wider Defence community.


Review to ensure that all is secure
COMPROMISES in security can occur from changes in personal circumstances and workplace requirements, according to Defence Security Authority (DSA) staff responsible for conducting a re-evaluation of security clearances across the ADF.


Hail, Fellow, well met
TWO CAF Fellows from 2002 have put their academic study into practice on operations in the Middle East.


Cyclists take on charity challenge
EIGHT Air Force members from Canberra took part in the recent three-day Hartley Lifecare Cycle Challenge, raising almost $3500 for the charity.


OBITUARIES
Air Force Obituaries.