Splashdown!
Challenging water exercise

By WOFF Shane Jensen

The thumbs up is given to begin winching a member of No. 3 Squadron Ancillary Maintenance Section from a life raft during Exercise Broadwater Challenge. Photos by LAC Steve Duncan

Aircraftman Nicholas Vince shows paddle power.

Corporal Steven Watt is winched aboard the chopper.

MEMBERS of No. 3 Squadron Ancillary Maintenance Section (AMS) at RAAF Base Williamtown experienced a form of “water torture” during Exercise Broadwater Challenge in the Bombah Broadwater region of the Myall Lakes, NSW.

The exercise’s aim was to provide physically and mentally challenging activities that required teamwork, resourcefulness and leadership.

Before starting all personnel passed the Air Force Swimming Proficiency Test. After that, getting wet became a regular feature of the exercise.

Each day began with a 2.4km dirt track run from camp to the main road and back. Then, to build on their fitness and water-borne skills the first two days consisted of a 22km canoeing expedition.

To finish this phase, the intrepid canoeists exited the Myall River into Bombah Broadwater and paddled to the Mungo Brush Boat Ramp several kilometres away.

As the Broadwater was awash with white caps, it was not surprising that on arrival at the boat ramp many personnel lay exhausted as they awaited the recovery truck to take them back to camp.

Day three began on solid ground with a community service activity. A densely overgrown 3km bush track leading to an emergency helicopter landing pad was cleared using a variety of “weapons” supplied by National Parks rangers.

In the afternoon, members were back in the water for a search and rescue exercise involving the RAAF Base Williamtown SAR helicopter.

The exercise involved the tethering of a 10-person life raft and four single-person life rafts in gale force winds. Aircraft Life Support personnel vectored in the chopper and a diver was lowered to brief participants on wet winching.

Nine members were winched before the exercise was aborted when the helicopter returned to base with technical problems.

Exercise Broadwater Challenge was an outstanding success with highly enthusiastic participation. The teams seized the chance to get to work together and took this team spirit back to Williamtown.

3SQN AMS would like to extend their thanks to the external agencies that supported the exercise.

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