New RAAF fire fighting capability

Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel at Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base East Sale today welcomed the arrival of a new Broadspectrum Panther-S firefighting vehicle and the increased capability it will bring.

In a media release, Minister for Defence Personnel Darren Chester welcomed the addition of the Panther-S and applauded the efforts of Broadspectrum employees during the recent bushfire emergency.

“The new Panther-S model is being introduced by as part of Broadspectrum’s investment and commitment to firefighting and airfield safety,” Mr Chester said.

“This investment is an example of the continued commitment of Broadspectrum to provide our ADF personnel with high-quality, state-of-the-art products and services.

“I also thank Broadspectrum and the support they provided during the bushfires, where they provided extensive services to Defence personnel and evacuees, as well as being involved in the firefighting.”

Today’s event included demonstrations of the new vehicle’s capability. Along with Mr Chester, representatives from Defence, Broadspectrum and the vehicle manufacturer, Rosenbauer Australia will attend the launch at the RAAF East Sale Fire Station.

Defence has had a partnership with Broadspectrum to deliver base services products at a large number of bases for more than 15 years.

RAAF Base East Sale provides a training environment for novice pilots, as well as important operational capabilities for Defence. The firefighting service is an important component of the ground support that enables the safe operation of aircraft.

 

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Kym Bergmann
Kym Bergmann has more than 35 years of experience in journalism and Australian and international defence industry. After graduating with Honors from the Australian National University, he joined Capital 7 television, holding several positions including foreign news editor and chief political correspondent. After 2 years on the staff of a Federal Minister, he moved to the defence sector and held senior positions in several companies, including Blohm+Voss, Thales, Celsius and Saab. In 1997 he was one of 2 Australians selected for the Thomson CSF 'Preparation for Senior Management' MBA course, the other being Chris Jenkins - formerly the CEO of Thales Australia. He has also worked as a consultant for a number of companies, including Raytheon, Tenix (now part of BAES) and Martin Marrietta (now part of Lockheed Martin). He had several board appointments, including Thomson Sintra Pacific (1994 - 96) and Saab Pacific (1998 - 2003). He retains good personal links with senior figures in Government, as well as in industry and the media. He decided to return to journalism in May 2008, and holds the position of editor for Asia Pacific Defence Reporter (APDR) and Defence Review Asia (DRA). He is also a podcaster and commentator on defence and national security issues.

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