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Warrant Officer of the Air Force WOFF-AF Ray Woolnough

Volume 49, No. 1, February 8, 2007
Commendation winners

Chief of Air Force – Gold

WGCDR Brett Newell – for his passionate and unstinting performance in the development of an effective Information Operations Capability for the Air Force.

WOFF Simon Hall – for his outstanding service as WOD at ALG.

Air Commander Australia – Silver

GPCAPT Anthony Needham – for his tireless and exemplary leadership of the Air Operations Centre Transition Working Group.

WGCDR Greg Murrell and SQNLDR Tania Hunter – for their tireless, committed and professional performance as members of the HQAC Transition Team.

SGT Peter Jackson and CPL Robert Donaldson – for their outstanding contribution to the redevelopment of Conference Room One at HQAC.

Air Commander Australia – Bronze

Ms Tracey Hansell – commended for her outstanding contributions as Staff Officer Honours and Awards at HQAC.
 
 
Welcome back one and all.

GREETINGS, Airmen and Airwomen of the Air Force.

Compliments of the season to you, one and all. It’s going to be another very busy year, and if last year’s results are anything to go by, the great airmen and airwomen of our Air Force will no doubt once again prove their worth.

Now, what did I do at the end of last year?

On November 2 and 3, the SNCO Leadership Forum was held in Canberra. To the 25 Air Force members who attended – thank you. Initial feedback indicated that the 2006 SNCO Leadership Forum was highly regarded by all.

In November, after ‘Force Prep’ training, I was part of CAF’s small team that visited the Middle East. I spoke to as many personnel as possible, and was impressed with them all. Their smiles made the morale clock look very healthy. Everywhere I went I was made to feel most welcome. Thank you to everyone, not only for the hospitality shown, but for the tremendous work you have all done to date.

On November 17, I was invited to attend the 36 and 37SQN Change of Command parade at RAAF Base Richmond. The parade choreography was not only apt, but moving as well. 36SQN marched off the parade ground signifying that they were now on their way to their new base – RAAF Base Amberley.

I had the privilege of speaking to 109/110 Sergeants’ course and 56 Flight Sergeants’ course at RAAF Base Wagga on November 21. Again, what a fabulous bunch of people. The vast majority of the members mentioned that they really enjoyed the course, not only for the camaraderie, but also for the course content.

On November 22, I attended the National Clothing Steering Committee at Victoria Barracks in Melbourne. Please be assured that we are very aware of the shortfalls with regards to clothing, and the committee is doing all it can do to remedy the clothing problems. I have been assured that the clothing supplies in the New Year are looking good.

On November 23, I was invited to attend the FEG WOFF conference at RAAF Base Richmond. The conference was chaired by the Air Command WOFF, WOFF David Woods. One of the many pleasing aspects of the conference was that the information being given by, and to, the FEG WOFFs was the same information that had been released by Air Force HQ. There was no ‘watering down’ of facts or figures.

I spoke to the sergeant and flight sergeant courses at RAAF Base Wagga on December 5, and the graduating military service instructors at 1RTU on December 6.

News flash – I would like to congratulate Simone Liebelt for winning selection for the position of AIR FORCE News Editor. I would like all readers to be aware that AIR FORCE News is under the excellent management of an ex-airwoman. On behalf of the Air Force – well done, Simone, and we all look forward to each edition as it hits the streets and gives us valuable information on current issues.

I would also like to congratulate the personnel (listed left) awarded Air Force Commendations.
Till next time, please keep on smiling. Be prepared for a new format for my messages next time around.