Festive fun and games

Queensland Governor Quentin Bryce chats with Corporal Estelle Peters, of No. 1 Squadron, while reviewing an Australia Day parade at Southbank, Brisbane. More than 150 ADF personnel provided colour and pageantry at the flag-raising ceremony, which included a flypast by two F-111s. The event was one of many that Air Force members participated in across the nation and in deployed locations overseas on January 26. Photo by LAC Steve Hobbs

OFFICER (AO) OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA IN THE MILITARY DIVISION

Air Vice-Marshal Christopher Geoffrey SPENCE, AM

For distinguished service to the RAAF as Chief of Staff, Support Command Australia, as Commander Training - Air Force and as Deputy Chief of Air Force.

AVM Spence has demonstrated outstanding leadership and management throughout his career in the RAAF. His excellent interpersonal skills and outstanding intellect make him a natural leader. As Deputy Chief of Air Force, AVM Spence has demonstrated superior values-based leadership and been responsible for the management of Air Force doctrine, policy and planning and the provision of support for current and future Air Force activities and priorities. Despite these many challenges, he has maintained his focus on the important issues to be addressed and has achieved excellent outcomes for both the Air Force and the ADF.

MEMBER (AM) OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA IN THE MILITARY DIVISION

Air Vice-Marshal Julie Margaret HAMMER, CSC

For exceptional service in the fields of electronics engineering in Defence, and military education as the Commandant of ADFA.

AVM Hammer has consistently demonstrated outstanding leadership and management throughout her career in the RAAF. She is both an outstanding engineer and leader. She has applied these talents to achieve very significant benefits for both the ADF and the Department of Defence. As Commandant of ADFA, she achieved exceptional results in improving the delivery of military education and improved the collaboration and cooperation between the military and academic sides of the Academy. Her demonstrated professionalism and exceptional performance reflect great credit on both her and the Air Force.

Air Commodore Alfred John QUAIFE

For exceptional service to the ADF as the fast-jet specialist officer in the fields of Air Combat Capability Development and Force Structuring and the application of Air Combat power.

AIRCDRE Quaife is an exceptional and inspirational officer, displaying outstanding dedication to duty and enduring excellence and leadership. He has tirelessly led, developed and implemented the core capabilities fundamental to Australia’s air combat force, and managed the development of the lead-in fighter aircraft options for the Air Force and the identification of weapon system upgrades that were vital to Australia’s air combat capability. As a result of his efforts, Australia has been able to successfully contribute significant air combat elements to recent international contingencies and has set a firm foundation for the future air combat capability.

MEDAL (OAM) OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA IN THE MILITARY DIVISION

Warrant Officer Stephen Scott FINCH

For meritorious service as the Warrant Officer Engineer No. 38 Squadron and member of the No. 501 Wing Market Testing and Transition Management Team.

No details at request of member.

Squadron Leader Gary GIBBS

For meritorious service in the field of explosive ordnance policy, capability, safety and training as Officer-in-Charge of the RAAF School of Technical Training’s Explosives Ordnance Training Squadron.

SQNLDR Gibbs has been intimately involved with the ongoing strategic development of explosive ordnance disposal capability within the ADF for over 10 years. An outstanding officer displaying selfless dedication, inspirational leadership, and boundless energy and enthusiasm whose exceptional efforts have materially contributed to development of Defence explosive ordnance policy, improved explosive capability ordnance capability, safety and training standards and achieved long-lasting benefits for the ADF.

Flight Sergeant Adam Edmund SMITH

For meritorious performance as Senior Non-Commissioned Officer-In-Charge of Armament Sections at No. 3 Squadron and No. 2 Operational Conversion Unit, and while deployed on Operation Slipper with No. 77 Squadron.

FSGT Smith is a dedicated and diligent technical airman whose professionalism and devotion has inspired armament sections at three fighter squadrons to meet operations despite low level proficiency levels within the armament specialisation. During his employment with 77SQN for Operation Slipper he played an integral role in ensuring that the Squadron was able to fully deploy mission capable aircraft. His selfless contributions to his mustering, maintenance standards and morale in his squadron and to the wider community reflect great credit upon himself and the RAAF.

Praise from CAF

CAF Air Marshal Angus Houston has congratulated Air Force men and women honoured with an Australia Day Award. “Your outstanding service in support of technical and logistic excellence, across a range of engineering roles, in training and education and the demanding staff and headquarters environments, reflect your commitment to Air Force Values and the achievement of our Vision,” AIRMSHL Houston said. “You have displayed professionalism, dedication and motivation that is deserving of such high public recognition. “When honours such as these are announced, it is important to remember that we are a team, and our successes rely on us working together with a common purpose. With every member of the Air Force team focused on our Vision, I am sure that the challenges that lie ahead in 2004 will be met with the same adaptability, flexibility and responsiveness that has been displayed in the past.” While not wishing to single out any one person, he thanked Deputy Chief of Air Force Air Vice-Marshal Chris Spence, who was made an Officer in the Order of Australia, for his capable support. AVM Spence’s tenure as DCAF finishes in March when he takes up the position of Head Strategic Operations Division.

CONSPICUOUS SERVICE CROSS (CSC)

Squadron Leader Mark Wayne COOK

For outstanding achievement in management and engineering over successive postings as the F-111 Aircraft Stores Compatibility Design Engineer, Senior Armament Test Engineer at the Aircraft Research and Development Unit and as Staff Officer Engineering at No. 82 Wing.

An inspirational and innovative armament officer, SQNLDR Cook has consistently displayed superior engineering and managerial skills, and exemplary devotion to duty under extremely challenging and demanding situations. He has applied his engineering skills as the 82WG Staff Officer to achieve a timely resolution of several critical technical problems that adversely affected F-111 aircraft availability in 2002. His outstanding management of flight test, instrumentation and aircraft stores clearance activities at ARDU and his contribution to the improvement in on-line F-111 aircraft availability has significantly contributed to the operational capability of the RAAF.

Wing Commander Graham John EDWARDS

For outstanding achievement in engineering support improvement as Chief Engineer at Tactical Fighter Systems Program Office in support of aircraft operations and capability upgrades.

WGCDR Edwards has made an outstanding contribution to the Tactical Fighter Systems Program Office in his capacity as Chief Engineer. In this position, he introduced several innovative procedures that have significantly improved the engineering support for both Hawk and Hornet operations and capability upgrades. His actions ensured that important technical information is managed as a priority and enhanced the safety and operational availability of the F/A-18. His leadership, professionalism and sustained engineering excellence have significantly improved Hornet and Hawk aircraft operations.

Warrant Officer Russell George KENNEDY

For outstanding achievement in Professional Military Education and Training as the Programming Officer at Officers’ Training School.

WOFF Kennedy’s solutions to complex scheduling problems have positively benefited his unit, as well as higher Air Force elements. His revised training schedule has resulted in a 22 per cent increase to the maximum potential training throughput of Officers’ Training School without increasing staffing requirements. His solutions allow Air Force personnel directorates greater flexibility in placing former airmen and reservists on to officer training courses. WOFF Kennedy’s dedication to duty and work ethic reflect the highest traditions of the Service.

CONSPICUOUS SERVICE MEDAL (CSM)

Flight Sergeant Christopher Allan BROOKE

For outstanding service and technical expertise as the P-3 Orion Electronic Surveillance Measures Systems Logistics Engineer at Maritime Patrol Systems Program Office.

FSGT Brooke has displayed the highest qualities of professionalism and technical mastery in his performance as the P-3 Orion Electronic Surveillance Measures Systems Logistics Engineer. His exemplary application of knowledge, coupled with outstanding effort, has improved maintenance and material costs, increased component reliability, and placed No. 92 Wing at the highest level of Electronic Surveillance Measures System preparedness since its introduction into service. FSGT Brooke is an exemplary reference for logistics endeavour and an ideal ambassador for the Air Force.

Flight Lieutenant Dean COLLINS, OAM

For outstanding service and technical expertise as Officer-in-Charge Operational Flight Program Engineering within Defence Materiel Organisation in support of capability development.

As Officer-in-Charge Operational Flight Program Engineering for the Hornet aircraft, FLTLT Collins has made an outstanding contribution by increasing the self-reliance of the ADF through the development of an indigenous capability to adapt the Hornet mission system for urgent and unique Australian requirements. He has taken a leading role in the development of engineering teams, software solutions, task schedules, and fostered the development of Engineering Authority competencies within his team and the unit.

Squadron Leader Andrew Phillip DOYLE

For outstanding achievement as a member of the Hornet Upgrade Project within the Tactical Fighter Project Management Unit in support of the upgrade to the F/A-18 Hornet aircraft.

SQNLDR Doyle has made a significant contribution to the Hornet Upgrade Project. He has been particularly responsible for establishing a collaborative program with the Canadian Forces for the development of state-of-the-art cockpit displays for the RAAF F/A-18 and Canadian CF-18 Hornet aircraft. This initiative has resulted in the saving of over $80 million to the Australian F/A-18 Hornet Upgrade Project, and the establishment of a Memorandum of Understanding between Australia and Canada.

Warrant Officer Daniel John POWERS

For outstanding achievement in training development as the Acting Officer-in-Charge Training Development Flight at No. 285 Squadron.

WOFF Powers has achieved outstanding results as acting Flight Commander at 285SQN. He was responsible for liaison with Australian Defence Industries for all sections of curriculum courseware development for C-130H Hercules aircraft maintenance training. His achievements have resulted in the establishment of a training development system of very high standard. His contributions to the improvement of training documentation have enhanced the capability of Air Lift Group to conduct operations and have resulted in lasting benefits to the RAAF.

Squadron Leader David Brian ROGER

For outstanding service in capability development at the RAAF Aeronautical Information Service.

An exceptional officer displaying consistent professional excellence, inspirational leadership and dedication in developing aeronautical information technology capability for the benefit of military air operations. SQNLDR Roger has been singularly responsible for developing Defence interoperability with associated national and international aeronautical information agencies. His devotion to duty reflects great credit on himself and is in the finest traditions of the RAAF.

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