Tower
of strength
By
CPL Damian Shovell
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Flight
Lieutenant Ken Carroll and Squadron Leader Nick Dyce-McGowan
control air traffic from Baghdad International Airport.
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Photo
by LCPL Neil Ruskin
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Wing
Commander Sheryl Steele
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Members
of No. 1 Combat Logistics Squadron (1CLS) battled torrential rain
and a fictitious enemy while participating in Exercise Woomera
Strike recently.
The annual induction training deployment was held for new members
recently posted into the unit.
The first phase of the exercise involved a week of training sessions
at RAAF Base Townsville in weapon handling, fitness testing, fire
fighting, first aid, fraud awareness, security and OH&S.
More than 90 personnel from 1CLS and support units around the
base then deployed in a convoy of 30 vehicles to the Townsville
Field Training Area to set up camp for the ground defence phase.
On arrival, the area became a fictitious island nation where rebels
had damaged an airfield that was required for use by the local
authorities.
The exercise scenario started with a low level threat, escalating
to increased enemy activity over the week.
Squadron members, consisting of airfield engineers, plant operators,
carpenters, electricians, plumbers and various support personnel,
established camp amenities, including a unit headquarters, maintenance,
supply and medical flight, before beginning battle damage assessment
and repairs of the training area.
Craters placed on the runway to simulate the effect of 500 pound
bombs were repaired, a buried command post was trialled, and a
nearby Star airfield was cleared and equipped with approach lighting
to prepare for the impending arrival of a Caribou.
Weapon pits were dug, wire barricades were erected and ground
combat training was conducted as the rebels taunted their enemy
beyond the lines during the exercise scenario.
In the meantime, Cyclone Fritz began brewing up north, with heavy
rainfall turning the camp into a muddy wash-out.
After two days of downfall, the exercise was cut short when reports
of the rising water level threatened the only exit road out of
the training area.
Herc
contingent’s royal occasion
By
SQNLDR Tim Shaw
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FLTLT
Jeremy Elias, XO of the Combat Support Element, introduces
Prince Andrew to SGT Phil Simmons while LACW Alison Donald
and SGT Damo Holding await their turn.
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Photo
by SQNLDR Tim Shaw
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THE
C-130 Detachment in the MEAO has had a royal visit.
Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, was hosted by an RAF contingent
that ensured he met personnel from all Commonwealth countries
represented on the air base.
After a tour of the Combined Air Operations Centre, Prince Andrew
met with RAAF Forward Command Element members, under Wing Commander
Tim Innes.
He showed a strong interest in the various roles of those he met.
However, the UK hosts appeared a bit twitchy about their timetable
once he was locked in conversation with the RAAF unit’s WOD, Warrant
Officer Peter Evans.
After visiting the RAF Tornado detachment, Prince Andrew was given
an Australian C-130 MEAO operations briefing by Flight Lieutenant
Sean Holden and Flying Officer Scott Tavasci.
“The Prince was quite interested in our operations and the threats
that our crews encountered flying in this environment,” FLTLT
Holden said.
Prince Andrew viewed several aircraft operating from the base
and met with their aircrew, maintenance and support personnel.
On review was a USAF F-16C Fighting Falcon, F-15E Strike Eagle,
RAF GR4 Tornado and a C-130H Hercules from No. 36 Squadron.
The Prince was able to relate to the deployed personnel as he
served as a Sea King helicopter pilot during the Falkland Islands
War in 1982.
Corporal Leisa Phillips and Leading Aircraftman Emma Ramsdale,
who opened the vehicle doors for the Prince, said: “He was extremely
polite and friendly at all times.”
Sweating
on blood delivery
AN
RAAF C-130 has delivered much-needed blood supplies to an airfield
in northern Iraq at short notice.
The tasking occurred after an attack on the airfield forced the
diversion of an inbound US C-130.
“The changed task took our aircraft and crew on a completely different
route and destination than originally planned,” said C-130 Tasking
Officer Squadron Leader Tim Shaw. “The re-planning was quickly
conducted and the aircraft departed only 40 minutes later than
the original planned time – a credit to all.”
Coalition partners praised the air and ground crews for the efficient
turnaround.
