Going fast have you got yours a full record of 2001 all pages(weeks) are included, so catch up on all that's been happening.
Where's all those great looking chick's who where part of the Entertainment provided in Vietnam, click on the image above to see their site.
Air Force joins the race
Eyes turn skyward at Clipsal 500
11 April, 2002
Air Force played a big part in all the action and excitement of Adelaide's Clipsal 500. This montage of aerial displays at Clipsal 500 was created by 92WG Photographic.
While the 'Army uniform' may have initially confused Clipsal 500 race-goers, members of No. 1 Airfield Defence Squadron didn't take long to set the record straight.
The group of 27 enthusiastic permanent and Reserve Airfield Defence Guards and Ground Defence Officers attending the motor race succeeded in achieving their objectives.
They not only promoted their role in the Royal Australian Air Force but encouraged young South Australians to consider a career in the Australian Defence Force.
Led by A Cadre Flight Commander, Flying Officer Adam Rosen, the personnel showed off two of their quad bikes and a gun buggy, as well a wide range of weapons including the Browning, Steyr, Grenade Launcher and Minimi.
The sniper camouflage suit on display - with a person, not a dummy inside - proved to be a popular, if sometimes frightening, attraction (see photograph page 14).
The opportunity to test a pair of Ninox night vision goggles was also a highlight for many visitors to the 1AFDS site.
'This weekend has been a fantastic way for us to inform the public about Ground Defence in the Air Force,' FLGOFF Rosen said.
'Often, people are surprised that we wear cams, but once we explain our job to them, they quickly understand why.'
Thousands of people came through the display over the weekend and FLGOFF Rosen was amazed at the number of recruiting enquiries.
He added the Aircraft Research and Development Unit's aerial displays had helped generate interest in the Air Force as well.
While the days were long and hot, with many personnel working 11-hour days in 35-degree heat, there were no complaints.
'We can't wait to get back here next year and we hope to expand the display even further,' FLGOFF Rosen enthused.
Hi,
I am going to Edinburgh in June then to Amberley. From what I have read on this site there is a 60-75% failure rate on the Training course. If anyone has any info to help me get thru the course, it would but recieved with gratitude.
Many Thanks
Heath Walters
VA28 Saturday 6 April 2002
SURFING THE BEST WAY TO REACH GALLIPOLI FOR ANZAC DAY
Australians going to Gallipoli for Anzac Day 2002 should first surf the
Internet to make sure they get the most from the experience, the Minister
for Veterans' Affairs, Danna Vale, said today.
"Thousands of Australians and New Zealanders make the trip each year to see
the place where the Anzac legend was created," Minister Vale said.
"However, the Gallipoli Peninsula is a quite remote part of Turkey and
access is strictly controlled because of the historical importance of the
area.
"The Federal Government has a number of online resources available to help
Australians get to the Anzac Day services and I would encourage travellers
to visit our websites before they visit Gallipoli."
The Minister said the Department of Veterans' Affairs website at
www.dva.gov.au
www.anzacsite.gov.au
about access to the Gallipoli Peninsula, accommodation, the timing of Anzac
Day services and advice on appropriate behaviour when moving around the
battlefields and war cemeteries.
Travellers could also visit the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
website, www.dfat.gov.au
travel to Turkey.
Minister Vale said the 2002 Dawn Service would again be held at the Anzac
Commemorative Site on North Beach, followed at midday by the Australian
Memorial Service at Lone Pine.
"Other services are conducted during the day by Turkey, New Zealand, Britain
and France and it is not possible to attend all of them," she said.
"However, it is possible to attend both the Anzac Dawn Service and the
Australian Memorial Service at Lone Pine. Many visitors walk the 2-3km from
the Anzac Commemorative Site to Lone Pine, taking in the Beach, Ari Burnu,
Shrapnel Valley and Shell Green Cemeteries along the way.
"While there is limited seating for veterans at Lone Pine, the large number
of people who attend the service mean that it is best to arrive by
mid-morning to obtain the best possible view."
The Minister said many people also attended the New Zealand Memorial Service
at Chunuk Bair, an hour after the Lone Pine service. The only access from
Lone Pine to Chunuk Bair on Anzac Day is on foot, along a 3.3 kilometre
route which takes a reasonably fit person about an hour to complete.
"Travellers to Gallipoli also need to be aware of the difficult traffic
conditions on the peninsula on Anzac Day. Some advance online planning will
certainly assist those making the trip," Minister Vale said.
..........................................................................
VA30 Sunday, 7 April 2002
RE-DEDICATION OF NATION'S FIRST GALLIPOLI MEMORIAL
The first memorial on Australian soil to commemorate the Anzac landings at
Gallipoli was re-dedicated today in Western Australia.
Anzac Cottage in Mount Hawthorn was built by the local community in
recognition of the service and sacrifice of Australian soldiers on the
Gallipoli peninsula.
Veterans' Affairs Minister Danna Vale said the building of Anzac Cottage
exemplified the community spirit and comradeship that defined Australia as a
nation.
"When word spread that a memorial to the Anzacs was to be built, the
businesses and residents of the Mount Hawthorn community rallied to the
occasion and provided materials and furnishings as well as donating their
time to the project," Minister Vale said.
"Two hundred men built the cottage on 12 February 1916. It was to remain as
a memorial to all Gallipoli veterans, but was given to the first wounded
Anzac veteran to return to Perth, for his use as a private home."
Minister Vale said in recent years the cottage had fallen into disrepair
until rediscovered by the West Australian Branch of the Vietnam Veterans
Association of Australia.
"The Vietnam Veterans Association, along with many other local groups,
worked tirelessly to ensure this memorial was preserved for the local
community and for Australians everywhere.
"Today's dedication is a tribute to these groups who worked together to
bring to life a memorial that recognises the sacrifice and strength of the
Australian spirit."
As part of the dedication ceremony, Minister Vale presented a grant of $4000
to the Vietnam Veterans Association towards fitting out a Memorial Room in
the cottage.
"The funding will assist with the cost of eight interpretive panels in the
Memorial Room, depicting the history of Anzac Cottage and Australia's
involvement in the Vietnam War.
"Anzac Cottage is a symbol that we have not forgotten the brave Australian
soldiers that fought for freedom and democracy, far from their homeland.
"It is part of the commitment we have made during the past century, to the
Anzacs and to all Australians who have served in wars and conflicts, to
ensure that their story is passed down to future generations, and always
remains a part of our identity as Australians," the Minister said.
As well as serving as a war memorial, Anzac Cottage is the West Australian
headquarters of the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia.
.........................................................................
VA29 Sunday 7 April 2002
$10,000 HELPS DOCKERS HONOUR HMAS PERTH FOR ANZAC DAY
The Fremantle Dockers AFL Club today received a Federal Government grant of
$10,000 to help stage the annual Len Hall commemorative game in the lead-up
to Anzac Day 2002.
Veterans' Affairs Minister Danna Vale presented Dockers' Chairman Rick Hart
with the funding during a visit to Perth today.
Minister Vale said the 2002 Len Hall game, to be played against Richmond at
Subiaco on Sunday 21 April, would honour the service of the Royal Australian
Navy during World War II and commemorate the sinking 60 years ago of HMAS
Perth.
"In just a few years, this match has become an important part of Western
Australia's Anzac Day commemorations, reminding the community of the
contribution made by our servicemen and women," the Minister said.
"As we mark the 60th anniversary of the defence of Australia and war in the
Pacific, it is fitting that the Dockers should choose to honour those who
were wounded, captured or killed at sea.
"The Federal Government strongly supports the Fremantle Football Club in the
staging of its Anzac Day games and I am pleased to be able to provide
financial assistance in 2002."
The inaugural Len Hall game was staged in 1996 in honour of Dockers
supporter Mr Len Hall, Western Australia's last Gallipoli veteran. Mr Hall
passed away in 1999. Each annual commemorative game has had a veteran theme,
honouring those who served at Tobruk and Kokoda, prisoners of war, Vietnam
veterans and women who have served in wartime.
Minister Vale said the 2002 Len Hall game would be marked by activities
including the lighting of the Flame of Remembrance at Kings Park on the
morning of 21 April, an Anzac service at the opening of the match and a coin
toss by a survivor from HMAS Perth.
"The sinking of Perth in March 1942 was the second greatest wartime loss
suffered by the Royal Australian Navy, after the loss of HMAS Sydney," the
Minister said.
"Of the ship's complement of 680, 352 officers and ratings were killed. Of
the remainder who became prisoners of the Japanese, almost one-third died in
captivity.
"The Len Hall commemorative game will be an opportunity for the thousands of
Dockers and Richmond fans - and the whole community - to remember and honour
the service and sacrifice of these men and all of those who have served
Australia in wars and conflicts."
..........................................................................
SUBMISSION
Veterans' Review 2002
By Geoff Rose
Subject: Vietnam Veteran Status for Service 1973 - 1975
All Australians recognise 25th of April as ANZAC Day, but how many are aware of another very historic event that occurred on this date. The 60th anniversary of ANZAC Day was 25th April 1975, and this was the day on which Australia closed its Embassy in Saigon and evacuated its remaining Government and Defence Force personnel from South Vietnam. Thus, finally bringing an end to the long and painful episode of Australia's involvement in the Vietnam War.
In the hectic weeks leading up to this withdrawal, a small contingent of RAAF personnel was dispatched to Saigon. The South Vietnamese government had made an urgent request for Australia to provide transport assistance to evacuate the northern city of Da Nang. A Veterans' Review in 1997 recognised this, and the men and women involved were granted coverage under the Veterans' Entitlements Act, for Warlike Service. Their previously awarded Australian Service Medal was upgraded to Active Service Medal, with Clasp 'VIETNAM 1975'. Their service classified 'Operational' and they are now regarded as Veterans of Vietnam.
However, Introduction to the Department of Veterans' Affairs publication, 'The Nominal Roll of Vietnam Veterans', specifically mentions the RAAF evacuation personnel as not being included. That is, they are regarded by DVA as being Veterans of Vietnam, but not Vietnam Veterans!
Present DVA policy states the Vietnam War concluded with signing of the Paris Peace Accord and the coming into effect of an Agreed Cease-fire, on 28th January 1973. Because of this, those who served in Vietnam after that date cannot be regarded as Vietnam Veterans. There is however, a further anomaly, in that coverage of the Nominal Roll of Vietnam Veterans extends to 1st July 1973! This embraces the period of service of Saigon Embassy Guards, who remained until the end of June. The 1997 Veterans' Review granted the same VEA Entitlements to these Embassy Guards as it did to the RAAF evacuation personnel.
My case is that the Vietnam War did not finish on the day officially recognised by Australian Government Departments. Withdrawal of Australian troops by 1973 was, at the time, perceived to coincide with the end of hostilities. However, events of the following years over-ride that original perception.
On 4th January 1974, South Vietnamese President Thieu declared the War in Vietnam had resumed. Desperate fighting continued until 30th April 1975, when communist tanks crashed through the gates of Saigon's Presidential Palace, forcing unconditional surrender of the South Vietnamese Government. The present Government of Vietnam celebrates this day as 'Victory Day', and the Vietnamese people acknowledge 30th April as anniversary for end of the War.
'The Fall of Saigon', with images of helicopters on rooftop of the US Embassy, is one of the most recognised events of America's involvement in Vietnam. It is accepted in the US as their dramatic, and final role of the Vietnam War. The last US casualties in Vietnam occurred during April 1975, and the names of those who died are included on 'The National Vietnam Veterans' Memorial Wall' in Washington DC. The US accepts and honours as Vietnam Veterans all who served at that time.
RAAF personnel were also in Vietnam during those final weeks. The Australian Embassy in Saigon was evacuated on ANZAC Day, and the last RAAF flight from South Vietnam departed on the evening of 25th April 1975. This last flight was in fact, a rescue mission, to extract four Airfield Defence Guards who had been forced to remain behind after departure of the last evacuation aircraft.
DVA considers the deployment was an operation, totally separate from the original Australian involvement, and therefore not part of 'a major conflict'. I agree, it was a separate operation, but it was a return, to the same 'major conflict'. Consider the following two questions. If the RAAF contingent had suffered casualties during this time, they would be classified as victims, of which conflict? The service is already accepted as Warlike Service, for having 'incurred danger from hostile enemy forces'. Which enemy forces? Surely, the answers are, the same conflict and the same enemy, which confronted our original commitment.
The Vietnamese know the War continued. The US acknowledges the War continued.
Why does Australia still accept 27th January 1973 as the end of war in Vietnam?
January 1973 was not the end of the Vietnam War, nor was it the end of Australia's involvement. ADF personnel returned to the Vietnam War in April 1975. These members, witnessed, and participated in one the most volatile, tense and dangerous periods of the entire Conflict. Official Australian War Memorial Publication 'The RAAF in Vietnam: Australian Air Involvement in the Vietnam War 1962-1975', includes a chapter describing activities of the RAAF contingent in Vietnam during April 1975. During a four- week period, they operated over one hundred missions into, or within the Active War Zone of South Vietnam.
DVA also considers the RAAF was dispatched to Vietnam as part of a UNICEF Commitment. As previously mentioned, this was not the reason for deployment. The original task was, at the request of the South Vietnamese government, to evacuate refugees from the rapidly advancing Northern Forces. However, rapidly changing events involved the RAAF personnel in various roles, including evacuation of refugees from Phan Rang, 'Operation Baby-lift', the UNICEF support, and culminating in the final withdrawal of Australian Government personnel from South Vietnam. The contingent remained under control of the Australian Government, and each task was required to be personally approved by the Prime Minister. The aircraft operated using the callsign "Australian (and tail number of the aircraft)". At no time was the Vietnam contingent under the control of UN or UNICEF.
The Vietnam deployment should not be confused with another, totally separate commitment, which began operations later in the month. Two 37 Squadron C130s, with all RAAF markings removed and operating in UN livery, were offered by the Australian Government, for use, under the control of UNICEF and UNHC for Refugees. They flew missions from Bangkok, mainly into Laos, for a period of 20 days, from late April 1975. It was a separate operation, with a separate Detachment Commander. The crews wore UN Blue Berets and UN Arm Bands.
The current list of Vietnam Veterans includes Qantas crews, entertainers and Foreign Affairs personnel, who qualify, not as Defence Force members on Active Service, but because their visit was in support of Australia's commitment, prior to 1973. RAAF C130 crews, who may have operated a single flight, during the 'relatively safe' withdrawal phase, are also included. Intention is not to degrade the aforementioned veterans in any way, but to highlight the anomaly regarding that small group of ADF personnel, who served in the tense, hostile and unpredictable environment of Vietnam during April 1975.
Anyone who served in, or visited, South Vietnam during the period of conflict, knows there was no safe place. To be there, was to be a part of the Vietnam War. The RAAF contingent in April 1975 should be recognised as Australia's final involvement in that War. The men and women who served in that contingent are presently classified as 'Veterans of Vietnam', but not eligible for inclusion in The Nominal Roll of Vietnam Veterans. Official acknowledgement would provide these 'Veterans of Vietnam', final acceptance, and the right to be included as Vietnam Veterans. Possibly, even entitlement to further Vietnam Medals.
I therefore, respectfully request consideration to extend recognition of Australia's involvement in the Vietnam War to include the period up to 30th April 1975. This would unite the separate groups of ADF personnel who served in South Vietnam, and bring Australia into line with other countries in acknowledging the true, historical end-date of the Vietnam War.
Yours sincerely,
Geoff Rose
G'day Pommie,
As discussed on the phone yesterday, attached is a copy of my 3 page
submission. It contains all the information, I hope, necessary to gain a
positive outcome.
I have already sent copies of all my DVA correspondance to Jim Gable, and
look forward to your Association supporting this cause. Of course, I'm
sure if any of the blokes feel strongly enough, they should also consider
putting in a 'individual effort'. No doubt, the more input the Committee
receives, the more chance there is of influencing the outcome.
All info regarding the Veterans' Review is available on website:
www.veteransreview.gov.au or from the March edition of 'Vetaffairs'.
Unfortuntely, time is short, and anyone intersted in supporting this will
have to act quickly. All submissions must be received by 18th April.
Address: Committee for Review of Veterans' Entitlements
PO Box 9563
Deakin ACT 2600
Thanks again for your support. Let's hope we can help to make a
difference, and gain proper recognition for all who served in Vietnam during
the time of conlfict.
Hi guys
I would just like to say this is not a bad website for the RAAF AKA ( Public servants in Uniform or Terradactyl Airlines)its good to see you blokes are doing well in the supporting role for the Army and Navy.
Regards Dougie
Gday Darryl,
Well old mate just been though the Vietnam Veterans Nominal roll and found you listed under
1 OSU
A118863 Darryl John Shipp
11-6-70....10-6-71
No listing of your time at Phan-Rang ?
Or was your attachment to Phan-Rang of a short duration eg 2 or so weeks as these attachments are not listed in the nominal roll.
Sorry that you were not listed but as you have proberly noticed the V.V. Nominal Roll doen't say or associate musterings with the names.
No doubt i have missed some others as well, but with time they will be added.
Again regards
The POM
----- Original Message -----
From: "Darryl Shipp"
To:
Sent: Monday, April 08, 2002 12:01 PM
Subject: Details
> Hi Pom,
>
> Notice that some details on the Nominal roll are not complete, my name does
> not appear?
>
> I served in Vung Tau and Phang Rang the same time as Geoff Phillips.
>
> Thanks also, I have been able to catch up with Geoff.
>
> Regards,
>
> Darryl
>
> Darryl Shipp
> PO Box 924
> Biloela Q4715
> Ph. 07 49923876
> Fax 07 49926882
> Email: dshipp@dcnet.com.au
Hello John
Thanks for your email about the RAAF Airfield Defence Guards.
The Airfield Defence Guard (ADG) mustering was formed in the RAAF in 1945
and was originally known as the Aerodrome Defence Regiment, later changed to
Aerodrome Defence Guards. It was disbanded in the late forties although a
number of members of the mustering were retained as Ground Defence
Instructors and Drill Instructors. It was re-activated in the mid 1960's
when Australia first became involved in South Vietnam and has gone on from
strength to strength since.
It is now at Wing strength and based at the Amberley RAAF Base in
Queensland, near Ipswich.
Personally I think it is drawing a fairly long bow for our webmaster to list
Egypt and Kuwait as "battle honours". Unfortunately there is a little bit of
wishful thinking sometimes, and our man has "campaigns" confused with
"battle honours". The situation on both cases came about because RAAF Ground
Defence Officers and Senior NCOs were involved as observers and in some
cases attached to UK or US Units in Kuwait during Desert Shield/Storm, as
well as forming part of the peacekeeping forces in Egypt and Somalia. Excuse
the mistake - to the best of my knowledge none of our guys were involved in
actual combat, although I may be wrong.
We are currently re-designing our Association banner and one of the things
we are taking great pains to correct are our actual compared to our
"wannabe" battle honours.
As far as the Wing strength is concerned, there are currently three
squadrons of ADGs, one based with the Wing Headquarters at Amberley, another
in South Australia near Adelaide and the third at RAAF Tindal in the
Northern Territory near Darwin. According to the Wing Commander, after the
tremendous effort by the lads in the recent Interfet operations in East
Timor, the ADG mustering is flavour of them month at RAAF HQ and it looks as
though there is going to be a pretty big expansion in the near future.
We don't have an Airborne Squadron as such - para training ids pretty much
standard for most of the lads, and the Wing is generally designed similarly
to an Infantry Battalion, although we like to think that they are much
better and broadly trained, similar in some ways to the SAS but not fully
into chicken strangling.
I believe that the highest ranking Ground Defence Officer at present is a
Group Captain, although we are starting to get a bit top[-heavy with Wing
Commanders, so I hear.
Hope this answers some of your questions. Thanks for your inquiry and please
keep in touch.
Warmest regards
Jim Gable
National Secretary/Treasurer
AIRFIELD DEFENCE ASSOCIATION AUSTRALIA Ink.
Dear John
Thankyou you for your enquiry about my people, about whom I will be writing more comprehensively in the very near future.
Yours sincerely
Alan Giltrap
Airfield Defence Association
Heritage Cell
My Reference: WA0177/D4/02
Dear John
In answer to your questionnaire on our people regarding:
1. Similarities. I believe it fair to say our aspects of our Airfield Defence Wing are probably similar to those of the RAF Regiment. Indeed, at the onset of World War II RAF Regiment Defence Officers were seconded to our fledgling Aerodrome Defence Force and were responsible for a lot of the work in our wartime training schools. One name that comes to mind is that of Squadron Leader Lionel Smith, who came to us as at Hamilton (in Victoria), early in 1942, who at war's end stayed on to become a member of our Permanent (peace time), Air Force reverting to the rank of Flight Lieutenant to do so, served with the occupation force in Japan and later (we believe), saw active service with 77 Fighter Squadron RAAF in Korea as Defence Officer.
2. Also, several of our people have been sent to the United Kingdom for 12 months qualifying service with the RAF Regiment prior to commissioning add to that, a number of the Senior Non Commissioned Officers in the mid to late 1960s were Englishman and pretty hard taskmasters as I recall. There have been other instances that connect the two, but I think you get my drift.
3. Battle Honours. This may seem like a cop out, but what appeared as a letterhead to my Heritage Column in our quarterly Association newsletter the "Blue Beret", somehow found it's way onto the internet site and is now being interpreted as battle honours. The letterhead was to serve two purposes, the first a list to show the lads where our fellows had served since Sept' 1940, at that time of writing the list was incomplete and has been updated as research proceeded. The second thought was that the list would eventually serve as a design for a banner, behind which our people could march of an ANZAC Day and get drunk under afterwards at the pub. There are places named on the list were men were lost and gallant deeds done ... but not all.
4. With Regards Egypt. During United Nations peace keeping operations (in 1976 I think), at Sweet Water Canal in Egypt, our fellows were cross trained as Helicopter Gunners and were posted in as part of the unit The idea being they could carryout their primary roll as ADGs or put on flying kit as required. Prior to that I believe the closest to Egypt, would have been Benina, with 3 Fighter Squadron RAAF who was providing air cover for Benghazi and the Australian 6th Division during the North African Campaign as early as 1941.
5. With Regards Kuwait. During the Gulf War, the RAAF had a small number of units involved and there was a requirement for specialised training teams of Ground Defence Officers to tour the region, updating and training our personnel in NBC aspects of their operations.
6. Airfield Defence Squadrons. Last time I looked there were three RAAF Airfield Defence Squadrons, with Numbers 2 and 3 at RAAF Amberley in Queensland, home of the ADG, where the Service has maintained it's training school since the early 1950s, Number 1 Airfield Defence Squadron is based at RAAF Edinburgh in South Australia, 1 and 3 Squadrons are reserve units with a Permanent Air Force Cadre, 2 Airfield Defence Squadron is the Permanent Air Force unit, both 1 and 2 Squadrons took their identities from wartime units, while 3 Airfield Defence Squadron has a strong connection with the Vietnam era, all come under the command and control of Number 1 Airfield Defence Wing Headquarters, also at RAAF Amberley.
7. Rank: Airfield Defence Guards are all non commissioned personnel, with the exception of the rank of Warrant Officer, Aircraftman and Leading Aircraftman are pay classifications, while the rank of Corporal through to Warrant Officer is attained on promotion. The highest of our ranking Defence Officers is that of Wing Commander, of whom we have a number in operational and administrative rolls. These are supported by an even larger number of Squadron Leaders and all rotate fairly regularly.
8. Parachute Training: I understand there is no parachute squadron as such, only para' qualified personnel who's tasking and training probably varies with each Commanding Officer.
Thank you for your interest and if there are any further questions please let me know.
Yours Sincerley
Alan Giltrap
Airfield Defence Association
Heritage Cell
Sluggo Wheat informed me the other day that Young or not so young Mic Brodie has done a bit of a stint in Hospital something to do with that old ticker we wish Mic all the best for a speedy recovery, fellas drop Mic a line or two.
Regards The POM
John.
The listing on our Banner are not 'Battle Honors as such, Battle Honors as listed on a Queen's Colour or Unit Colour refer to that area of operations that may incorporate several particular battles. In this case our Banner simply depicts all areas of operations that the ADGs served in from WWII to present.
In Egypt and Kuwait ADGs and Ground Defence Officers served as part of Peace Keeping and Desert Storm.
Currently there are four Sqns in the ADG Wing with highest rank being WGCDR.
One Sqn is PAF whilst the other three are staffed by PAF members but consist mainly of reservists.
There is no particular Airborne Sqn but there are many members who are airborne trained and make up Airborne Recon unit.
Hope this helps.
TEX
Australia bids 707 crews farewell
March 28, 2002
The Royal Australian Air Force's Boeing 707 crews, which left Australian shores recently to join the international coalition against terrorism, were officially farewelled at a ceremony at RAAF Base Richmond on 15 March.
Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Angus Houston, the Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence, Danna Vale, and Member for Macquarie, Kerry Bartlett, joined family and friends of the deploying 707 air and ground crew members to wish them a successful and safe mission.
'All Australians should be proud of the airmen and airwomen who are representing our country...' - CAF
Australia has sent a 707 air-to-air refuelling aircraft, which can embark Squadron support personnel and equipment, as well as rendezvous with fighter aircraft for refuelling operations.
The aircraft and personnel are based in Manas, Kyrgyzstan, where they will play an important role in Australia's commitment to fighting terrorism.
The deployment is a detachment from No.84 Wing and is made up of Air Force personnel drawn from across the country, including No. 33 Squadron, No. 1 Combat Support Group and No. 3 Hospital.
Members from No. 2 Airfield Defence Squadron, the RAAF Security and Fire School, Headquarters Combat Support Group, No. 32 Squadron and No. 322 Combat Support Squadron are also involved.
In farewelling the crew, AIRMSHL Houston paid tribute to the courage of all Air Force personnel involved in the coalition's operations.
'All Australians should be proud of the airmen and airwomen who are representing our country, whether they be involved in F/A-18 Hornet operations, the 707 deployment or in a support capacity here at home,' he said.
'I'd also like to take this opportunity to recognise the families of deployed personnel who make their own quiet commitment to this important effort.'
Hi my name is John Cotton from England and I have recently found your web site about the Airfield defence Guards which I belive are the same as the RAF Regiment over here.
I was wondering if you could tell me what the battle Honours EGYPT 1976 and KUWAIT 1998 were awarded for?
Also how many squardons are there?
What is the highest rank in the ADG?, the highest rank in the RAF regiment is Air commorde.
Do you have an airborne SQN like we have (No. 2 Sqn)?
I hope you can help me and hope to get an E-mail off you very soon.
THANK YOU
Thanks for your enquiry John i will get an answer for you from our members.
Regards the POM
JOHN COTTON.
RPG-7
Description: The RPG7 is an 85 mm Soviet infantry anti-tank weapon. It is shoulder -launched, portable, and capable of penetrating 12 inches of armor plate. As the motor-equipped rocket flies from the barrel, fins spring out to steady it for travel up to 500 meters.
Background:
The Soviet army began using the RPG7 in 1962, and the Chinese and North Korean armies soon followed suit. The weapon, known for its simplicity and effectiveness, spread throughout the Middle East as the Soviets trained and equipped friendly countries, and after the Israel seized some enemy RPG7s the Israeli Defense Force began using them as well. RPG7s crop up in most major armed conflicts of the last decade. Somali factions used the RPG7 to shoot down a U.S. Blackhawk helicopter in 1993, and the U.N. seized hundreds during their mission in Bosnia. Anti-Taliban mujahadeen in Afghanistan were kitted out with RPG7s, and the U.S. has speculated that Iraq has designed chemically filled grenades for their version of the weapon.
Manufacturers: Kovrov Mechanical Plant, Vladimir Region, Russia and SRPE Bazalt, Moscow, Russia
Length Overall: 950 mm
Weight
Launcher with sight: 6.9 kg
Maximum Effective Range: 500 m
Maximum Flight Velocity: 300 m/s
Muzzle Velocity: 120 m/s
Function: Fire support and security for forward and rear area forces, point target/anti-armor, anti-helicopter, armed escort, supporting arms control and coordination, point and limited area air defense from enemy fixed-wing aircraft, armed and visual reconnaissance.
History: The Marine Corps deployed four of six active force squadrons (48 AH-1Ws) to Southwest Asia during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm. These helicopters destroyed 97 tanks, 104 armored personnel carriers and vehicles, 16 bunkers and two antiaircraft artillery sites without the loss of any aircraft. The deployment required no additional augmentation to squadron support personnel and only one Bell Helicopter technical representative.
Description: The AH-1W Super Cobra is a day/night marginal weather Marine Corps attack helicopter that provides enroute escort for our assault helicopters and their embarked forces. The AH-1W is a two-place, tandem-seat, twin-engine helicopter capable of land- or sea-based operations. The AH-1W provides fire support and fire support coordination to the landing force during amphibious assaults and subsequent operations ashore. The AH-1W is operated in eight composite HMLA squadrons composed of 18 AH-1 and 9 UH-1 aircraft. The AH-1W is curretnly being outfitted with a Night Targeting System/Forward Looking Infrared Radar that provides laser rangefinding/designating and camera capabilities.
General Characteristics, AH-1W Super Cobra
Manufacturer:
Bell Helicopter Textron
Unit Cost:
$10.7 million
Power Plant:
Two General Electric T700-GE-401 engines
Thrust:
Full: 2082 shaft horsepower for 30 minutes (transmission limited)
Continuous: 1775 shaft horsepower
Length:
58 feet (17.67 meters)
Height:
13.7 feet (4.17 meters)
Rotor Diameter:
48 feet (14.62 meters)
Maximum Take-off Weight:
14,750 pounds (6,696.50 kilograms)
Maximum Speed:
180 knots
Ceiling:
18,700 feet (5703.5 meters) in basic combat attack configuration (limited to 10,000 feet (3050 kilometers) by oxygen requirements)
Range:
256 nautical miles (294.4 miles) in basic combat attack configuration
Crew:
Two officers
Armament:
One 20MM turreted cannon with 750 rounds
Four external wing stations that can fire 2.75"/5.0" rockets and a wide variety of precision guided missiles, including TOW/Hellfire (point target/anti-armor), Sidewinder (anti-air), Sidearm (anti-radar)
Introduction Date:
1986
I spoke to our old mate Paul Tuck yesterday afternoon and he tells me he,s throughing in the towel with his pension, he reakons that he's had enough, maybe someone with more experiance might care to help Paul as regards his TPI pension application as this has dragged on to long after being told that he was a stand up case, 5yrs in the making is just to bloody long by anyones measure.
Pauls Phone Number is 02 49 911964
And he said he would love to hear from a few old mates as well.
The Fellas at the above site have been kind enough to add a link from their site to ours, so pop over fellas and have a squint at their's.
The Australian Defence Association
Pom,
Thought I'd drop a short note. I'm currently sitting at home after
having a hernia operation a week and a half ago. With sick leave and
additional recreation leave, I'm not going back to work until 13th May but I
will be seeing the Doc soon about getting my left knee fixed up.
We are looking at getting in to our own house soon. Jessie is doing well at
High School (3rd year) and I don't want to disrupt that so we will probably
settle around here for a while. They boot me out the door in September of
next year and I'm not looking forward to it but am starting to work on the
rest of my lifes programme. What's been happenimng with you? In good
health I hope.
Regards to you and all.
Vic.
Col Davies John King Boomer Sloanes and Hoges spent a week holidaying at Tin Can Bay, i look forward to having for inclusion on site a report by ace reporter Col Davies in the not to distant future, sounds as if the boys had a great time doing what old adgies do, so keep an eye open for this future update.
A note from Col.
POM
COULD YOU PLEASE FIND OUT ABOUT ANY AIRFIELD DEFENCE GUARDS WHO WERE ON
ATTACHMENT IN AFRICA IN THE LATE SEVENTIE'S
REGARDS COL. DAVIES
Well i for one got to spend a few weeks in downtown Penang Malaya the photo above is dated 29th November 1970 and was taken in front of the Temple of the Recling Buddha. My trishaw boy was called Moses bloody great fella he would sit in that trishaw all day and night just in case i needed him . Below are a couple of pic's of the Merlin Hotel, i occupied room 7 on the 7th floor
I wonder if this first class hotel is still in existance today ?
