The Activity Hub
With the completion of Phase 2 of RAAF Base Townsville’s redevelopment, LACW Simone Liebelt takes a look at what’s new and improved about one of Australia’s major exercise staging points.

 

Photo by CPL Craig Sharp

38SQN aircraft technician CPL Alec Brink conducts maintenance on a Caribou.

Photo by LACW Simone Liebelt

WGCDR David Thiele and Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence Mal Brough officially open the new mess at the conclusion of Phase 2 of the base redevelopment.

Photo by CPL Craig Sharp

Firefighters LAC Daniel Horne and LAC John Willingham practise their firefighting technique during a routine training exercise.

Photo by LACW Simone Liebelt

Aircraft technician LACW Jodie Viero works on a Caribou in the 38SQN Detachment B hangar.

Communications Electronics Technician LAC Scott Turner checks the main distribution frame at 44WG Air Traffic Control Ground Electronic Services.

WOFF Alison Cann, 27SQN active reservist, undertakes her daily fitness routine in the weights room of the new base gym.

NDI technician CPL Tony Edwards from the Technical Support Squadron performs an eddy current inspection on a Black Hawk helicopter at 5 Aviation Regiment.

A multi-million dollar facelift for RAAF Base Townsville reflects the base’s increasing role as a hub for regular exercises.

With new state-of-the-art operational and transit facilities, the small but busy base has played host to a string of exercises since the beginning of the year, involving Army and US Marine forces as well as our own F/A-18, F-111 and C-130 squadrons.

The most recent was Exercise Sharp Dagger, an F/A-18 close air support exercise involving No. 75 Squadron and No. 3 Brigade from April 29-May 10.

Next to arrive will be No. 6 Squadron for Exercise Northern Challenge, an F-111 bombing camp to be held from May 28-June 17.

With only three No. 38 Squadron Caribous stationed at Townsville, the base’s main function is to provide around-the-clock support to transitory personnel and aircraft, including accommodation, security, maintenance, supply and air traffic control services.

Base Commander Wing Commander David Thiele said the normal state of operations had been elevated because of the base’s busy exercise schedule, which had tested available personnel and resources.

“We exist here for transitory operations, however when they happen four out of six months of the year they start to become normal operations,” he said.

“We put all of our efforts into achieving our mission, which is to keep the airfield open and operating. It’s just a matter of keeping a balance so that we’re not driving our people too hard while focusing on the end aim.”

Over the past months, the base has also been abuzz with construction during the second phase of the base redevelopment program.

Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence Mal Brough marked completion of this phase on April 16 with the official opening of the new combined mess facility.

The occasion also celebrated RAAF Base Townsville’s achievement in becoming the first defence establishment to be officially recognised for its comprehensive environmental management system.

The Australian and New Zealand standard ISO 14001 accreditation was awarded last November in recognition of the base’s commitment to protecting and sustaining the diverse range of eco systems typical of North Queensland.

The redevelopment program began in 1995 when a decision was made to upgrade the base’s 1960s infrastructure over three phases.

Starting in 2000, Phase 1 included the construction of new ordnance loading areas with technical and operational bunkers, and vehicle and tanker maintenance facilities. Phase 2 followed with an air movements terminal, accommodation blocks, combined mess facility, gymnasium, security police building with new front entrance, No. 27 Squadron headquarters building and emergency power station.

At a cost of more than $140 million for both phases, the program also incorporated upgraded sewerage, water and electricity services.

The final phase, anticipated to include about 30 building upgrades and replacement facilities including a new headquarters, is not due to begin until 2009.

WGCDR Thiele said the firstclass facilities were a major asset to local and visiting personnel because of Townsville’s significant role as a mounting base for ADF operations.

“We have a large exercise contingent continually coming through, which is the bread and butter of why we’re here,” he said.

“The facilities have been really well received but it’s also because everything in Townsville is within reach. The training areas are within half an hour’s flying from here, and then there’s Magnetic Island for the social side. So when people come here they can not only enjoy our state-of-the-art facilities but the great support and attractions the local area has to offer.”

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