Cape escape

Volume 48, No. 22, November 30, 2006

ROUGH AND READY: (above) Driver training in difficult conditions on the old telegraph track, and (below), around the camp fire after a hard day’s work. Photos by CPL Shane Gidall

By Andrew Stackpool

CAPE York resounded to the thunder of Air Force wheels, and long-range HF communications worked well when 27SQN’s drivers and communicators went bush recently.

It was part of the Reserve squadron’s annual communications exercise – Exercise Cape Thunder.

The aim of the exercise was to conduct and prove the communications elements of a major search and rescue mission, including missions overseas.

Twenty-one personnel from the communications flight, three fitters from 44WG and student drivers and instructors took part.

Senior NCO COMMS, SGT Nathan Best, said the squadron chose Bamaga at Cape York this year as a change of venue.

“We practise SAR comms procedures and long-range HF and VHF communications. [Under the scenario] we use an old aircraft crash site to represent a SAR emergency,” he said.

“We deploy to the site and then set up our communications networks and practice our emergency and other procedures.

“We run long-range HF comms back to Townsville morning and evening, as well as practise local VHF comms.”

Ex Cape Thunder included two ‘firsts’. The three 44WG fitters were included to obtain their long-range HF competencies and the exercise combined with the squadron’s driver training course.

“The trainee drivers got excellent experience and were definitely challenged by the environment up there,” SGT Best said.

“It was also fine for the communicators. We achieved all our aims and proved the equipment under rugged conditions.

“It was also a great experience for the fitters as they got to see how hard it is to manage comms in the field.

“We did find some camp sites for a couple of nights and the only real facilities were at the Bamaga army base and in Cooktown. The rest of the time was hard lines, so showers were welcome when we got them.”

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