End of year message – Group captain Nigel Ward
ON behalf of everyone at RAAF Base East Sale, I would like to wish you all, our local community of Sale and the broader Gippsland region, a very happy and safe Christmas period, and an exciting New Year as we head into 2023.
This year has again been busy on many fronts, with an increasing focus on aviation training at RAAF Base East Sale.
Initial officer training continues to grow, and is another core part of our role here at East Sale.
There were also many opportunities for the base to continue our relationship with the community, and with Wellington Shire Council, most notably with our support of the West Sale Air Show.
Next year will see the return of the Avalon Air Show after it was cancelled in 2021, so mark that in your calendar for the beginning of March.
As with any year, postings will see some of our Defence personnel and families leave the area, with new members and their families arriving in Sale on posting. As always, I know they will feel as welcome as I have when I moved back to Sale.
After three years, my tenure as the Senior ADF Officer, and as Officer Commanding Air Academy, has come to an end.
I have been very proud to have served in both these roles over the last three years, which has seen us endure bushfires and COVID, among a range of challenges.
I have thoroughly enjoyed what has been my second posting to Sale, and the beautiful Gippsland region. It is quite fittingly known as the Middle of Everywhere.
The people I have met along the way have always been warm and friendly, which is what makes it such a great community to be part of.
Again, on behalf of RAAF Base East Sale, thank you for making us all feel so welcome.
Bellenger Bell Award – Mr Frank Jones
ON November 4, Mr Frank Jones was awarded the Bellenger Bell Award for 2022 for his exemplary performance at the School of Air Traffic Control (SATC), and his voluntary contribution to the Sale community and surrounding areas.
The Bellenger Bell is awarded annually to a member of Air Academy who pursues excellence in all their endeavours.
It is based on Air Force values, by always going above and beyond the call of duty and embodying the concept that “how we work is as important as the work we do”.
Commander Air Force Training Group Air Commodore, Greg Frisina, introduced the award, which honours the memory of Wing Commander Sean (Blowie) Bellenger, whose memory lives on through the lives and careers of those he directly and indirectly influenced.
Each year, the Bellenger family review the nominations and makes the decision on the successful recipient.
Air Academy’s Officer Commanding Group Captain, Nigel Ward, announced Mr Jones as the award winner.
Mr Jones reflected on Wing Commander Bellenger, and said he was honoured to be selected for the award.
“He was extremely hard working and honest,” Mr Jones said.
“If you ever wanted a role model for junior officers, Blowie would be right up there with the best of them.”
Mr Jones has been working at SATC since 1996.
He has filled many roles over the years, including Temporary Commanding Officer, and his wealth of experience has contributed significantly to SATC’s ability to meet training requirements.
Mr Jones volunteers his time and considerable effort to those around him, both through the ADF and in the local community. You might have seen him as he volunteers at Uniting Sale in Raymond St.
No 32 Squadron 80th Anniversary
NO 32 Squadron recently commemorated the 80th Anniversary of the squadron on November 4, after some delay due to COVID, as the unit was formed at Port Moresby in February 1942, flying Lockheed Hudson aircraft in a reconnaissance and bomber operational role.
Current No 32 Squadron King Air aircraft and a No 100 Squadron Lockheed Hudson flew in formation over Sale in the afternoon and later during an open day for families of those currently serving and past squadron members.
Today, No 32 Squadron supports the training of Mission Aircrew at East Sale, as well as providing an airlift capability for the wider Defence community.
Visitors to the area – Air Force static display area
IF you have visitors to the Sale area over the Christmas and New Year period, you might want to show them our RAAF Base East Sale Static Display Aircraft.
Just follow Raglan St down and drive to the end of Aerodrome Rd. Just before the front gate of RAAF Base East Sale, you will find this history and heritage area, and the aircraft have just had a clean and polish, ready for the tourist season.
There are signs explaining the history of the base as well as the background of the three aircraft on display.
We also have signs representing each of the major units of the base.
Don’t forget to have a look at the World War 2 Operations Bunker behind that area as well, near the picnic tables.
Beards in the Air Force
TRADITIONALLY, males within Air Force have not been allowed to have beards while in uniform, although this was relaxed when participating in some charity fundraisers.
Two units on base have recently supported veteran related charities. No 30 Squadron supported Bravery Trust and Central Flying School is nearly finished fundraising for Soldier On, with $2800 raised to date.
Unbeknown to either unit, Air Force then announced a change to grooming requirements in the dress manual that governs uniform requirements, in a move to “evolve and modernise’ our uniform requirements. You may have noticed this change has been well received by males at RAAF Base East Sale, because as of November 1, 2022, males are allowed to have “facial hair” as long as it meets health and safety requirements and a neat and professional appearance is maintained.
What’s on at Dutson Range
DUTSON Training Area will be active during the period listed for Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Field Training Exercises. This may involve demolition practices and, as such, explosions may be heard between the hours of 9am and 4pm each day. Public recreational usage of Lake Wellington will not be affected by these exercises.
December 14-15 – Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Training.
While RAAF personnel strive to inform the public of all activities conduced at Dutson Training Area, explosions may be heard outside the dates listed above if dictated by operational requirements.
For further information, phone Flight Sergeant Matthew Hall on (03) 5146 7383 or 0429 402 049
Aircraft Operations at East Sale
IF you are interested in learning more about the role of RAAF Base East Sale, flying operations and flying areas, you can visit: www.defence.gov.au/aircraftnoise/EastSale.
This includes a link to the RAAF East Sale Noise Management Plan. The Defence approach to noise mitigation can also be found through the ‘Understanding Noise’ site.
Members of 32SQN RAAF Base East Sale, with Commanding Officer 32SQN SQNLDR Andrew Daley and Ted McConchie during the 80th anniversary celebrations and family open day at RAAF Base East Sale. Photo: Rick Prideaux
