Ad Astra Aviator Podcasts

Introducing AIR COMMODORE (ret) JOHN ODDIE AM, CSC

During over 38 years’ service with the Army Reserve and the Royal Australian Air Force, John accrued substantial experience flying helicopters, heavy transport and training jets. He was a qualified flying instructor and commanded a range of units and operations in war, border protection, peace keeping, humanitarian disaster relief and for the protection of Australians in dire circumstances. John has served on the Defence Airworthiness Board and in 2013 published a book on military service, family and society – Flight Command (Allen& Unwin).

Throughout a range of Command roles John was responsible for leading or providing critical support to a wide range of security, peacekeeping, combat and humanitarian assistance missions across Asia, the Pacific and the Middle East.

Taking up duty as Director General Aerospace Development (2006 – 2008), John was responsible for over 100 projects including replacement transport aircraft, helicopters and training systems. He also held leadership of the development of Defence’s force level electronic warfare program..

Commanding Air Lift Group (2008 – 2010) John drove substantial performance reforms.

John subsequently deployed as Deputy Commander Joint Task Force 633 from early 2011 with responsibilities for operations and sustainment for Australian forces across the Middle East.

Since retiring from military service, moved to live in a very rural environment and has engaged in manufacturing and energy systems development. He has also rejoined the NSW Rural Fire Service where he recently qualified as a structural fire fighter for offensive fire attack and rescue and became Deputy Captain of the Robertson Brigade.

Air Force Association welcomes Mr Greg Hood AO to our Podcast Program.

Greg has more than 41 years’ experience in aviation, beginning his career with almost a decade of service with the Royal Australian Air Force. Post his Air Force time, he had a wide range of operational, training and leadership roles across the civil aviation industry.

From 2016, Greg served for 5 years as Chief Commissioner and CEO of the Australian Transport Safety Bureau, Australia’s national transport safety investigation agency. During this tenure, he inherited the search for MH370 producing 530 investigation reports, personally attended a number of tragic multiple fatality accidents including Essendon airport and Renmark, and attended the loss of the fire-fighting C130 near Cooma.

Greg holds qualifications as a glider and powered aircraft pilot, and is a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society, a Freeman in the Honourable Company of Air Pilots, and a Life Member of the Qantas Founders Museum.

Introducing Wing Commander Philip Eldridge. In Phil’s words, his initial claim to fame is that he successfully navigated an interesting and (at times) exciting childhood in Sydney’s western suburbs. A visit to the RAAF Richmond Air show in the 80’s sealed his fate. At the time he was a student of the excellent Hurlstone Agricultural High School, but had less than optimal academic focus resulting in barely scraping a pass in his HSC.

Phil joined the RAAF in November 1987 as a Direct Entry Pilot, graduating from No. 149 Pilots Course in December 1989. Posted to fast jets, he commenced his fighter training at 76 Squadron. This was followed by F/A-18A conversion in 1991 with his first tour, at 75 Squadron, beginning in 1992.

Fighter Combat Instructor course in 1994 was followed by tours as 75 Squadron Fighter Combat Instructor, 81 Wing as Standardisation Officer, Fighter Combat Instructor Course Director and Executive Officer 77 Squadron.

In 2005, Phil separated from Defence but served in the RAAF Active Reserve at 2 Operational Conversion Unit for the next 8 years. He then re-engaged in the RAAF in 2015 through the Specialist Aircrew scheme. Phil resumed his career as Executive Officer once more at 2 Operational Conversion Unit seeing out the FA-18 Classic before transitioning to F-35s in 2020.

Aviation highlights in his career are many but include over 3600 hrs in the Classic Hornet, operational flying tours in Operations Falconer (2003) and OKRA (2016), and now flying the F35A Lightning - which is a beast!

Warrant Officer (retired) John McDougall. John had an Air Force engineering and flying career spanning 25 years. John completed three tours on Caribous in Vietnam between August 64 and April 68. Also, John was deployed frequently to the difficult flying environment of Papua New Guinea. He had many other notable deployments over his career including Kashmir, Sumatra, Sacramento and Idaho.

He joined the RAAF in 1960 as Apprentice Engine Fitter. Within a very short time after graduation from technical training, he was serving on the first deployment of Caribous with RAAF Transport Flight in Vietnam. John’s stories about the dangers, trials and tribulations of the first few months and then his ongoing deployment for 3 Vietnam tours are fascinating and inspiring. His first 2 tours were as an Engine Fitter and his third tour was as Aircrew performing the very diverse and challenging duties of a Caribou Loadmaster/Engineer.

Following this, John became an Instructor for Pilot and Loadmaster / Engineer Conversion courses.

John was then posted to 482 Squadron. Amberley. Numerous deployments were made from there including four months in Sacramento doing Cold Proof Load Testing on F111-C aircraft and accepting four ex United States Air Force F-111A model aircraft to replace four that the Australian Air Force had lost.

In 1983, John was posted to Number 1 Sqn. as Warrant Officer Engineer. He had numerous deployments from there including Bomb Comp at Mount Home Air Force Base Idaho, then to Eglin Air Force Base Florida for aircraft trials.

An Oratory from Gareth McCray OAM for ANZAC Day 2023

Brian Richards, ex Australian Air Force Engine Fitter and Vietnam Veteran Caribou Loadmaster/Flight Engineer.

Brian graduated from the RAAF School of Technical Training in 1959. He signed up for 15 years when only 16 years old.

By August 1963, Brian had completed 4 years in aircraft maintenance jobs and then signed on as a Loadmaster on DHC4 Caribous. Brian departed for Toronto, Canada in March 1964 for Conversion course and to participate in ferrying the second three Caribous to Australia. The ferry flight took 4 weeks, arriving RAAF Base Richmond, June 1964.

In August 1964, Brian was posted for 12 months to RAAF Transport Flight Vietnam as a Loadmaster, Caribous. It was the first deployment of Caribous into Vietnam and the establishment of operations placed the unit under huge pressure where resourcefulness and hard work made what became known as Wallaby Airlines a very successful and renowned unit amongst Aussies and Allies.

In September 1965, Brian travelled to Toronto Canada again to ferry another Caribou to Richmond.

Brian began another testing adventure in January 1966 when he joined the newly formed RAAF Detachment A, PNG.

He then resumed his Air Force career as an Engine Fitter, culminating in March 1971 with a posting to RAAF School Technical Training as a Technical Training instructor. He was back where he started but this time imparting his knowledge.

Brian discharged from the RAAF in January 1973 at the end of his 15 years.

He then work with Transavia, building the Transavia Air Truck and then became a Cummins Diesel instructor.

In 1977, Brian joined the NSW Bush Fire Brigade and is still a member.

Air Marshal Mel Hupfeld AO DSC Recent Chief of Air Force Reflects

Air Marshal Mel Hupfeld, AO DSC joined the Royal Australian Air Force as an Academy Cadet in January 1980, winning the Flying Prize for his year.

Mel’s early career was spent in a variety of flying positions on Mirage and F/A-18 aircraft, before qualifying as a Fighter Combat Instructor in 1989, followed by a period of executive appointments in Fighter Squadrons.

In 1997, Mel attended the Royal Air Force Staff Course, graduating with a Master of Arts in Defence Studies from King's College in London, before taking up a post as Deputy Director in the Aerospace Development Branch.

In 2001, Mel took command of No 75 Squadron and led the Squadron in the Middle East on Operations BASTILLE and FALCONER. In 2003, he was awarded a Distinguished Service Cross in recognition of his performance as Commanding Officer 75 Squadron on Operation FALCONER, and 75 Squadron was awarded a Meritorious Unit Citation.

On promotion to Group Captain in 2004, he was appointed Director Aerospace Combat Development before accepting appointment as Officer Commanding Number 81 Wing in January 2006.

Promoted to Air Commodore in 2007, Mel became the Director of the Combined Air Operations Centre in the Middle East Area of Operations, before returning to Australia to various Senior appointments including Director General Air Command Operations, Commander of Air Combat Group and then Air Commander Australia in 2012.

In 2015, Mel was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for distinguished service to the Australian Defence Force in senior command and staff appointments.

After appointment to further very senior roles including Chief Joint Operations, he was appointed Chief of Air Force in July 2019.

Air Marshal Hupfeld is married to Louise, and his interests include mountain biking, running, fishing, light aircraft, and sailing.

Acknowledgement: This account by Mr Neil Lindsay was recorded by AVM Peter Scully (retired) on 5th December 1996.

In Part 3 of this series, Neil talks about:

His time as a Prisoner of War in Germany

His association with the Great Escape

His forced march through Germany in bitter weather before his liberation and return home.

Acknowledgement: This account by Mr Neil Lindsay was recorded by Air Vice Marshal Peter Scully (retired) on 5th December 1996.

In Part 2 of this series, Neil talks about:

Australian aircrew on RAF stations.

83 Squadron on Lancaster Bombers

106 Squadron and operations over Europe in Lancaster Bombers. An account of Flying with Wing Commander Guy Gibson, VC, DSO & Bar, DFC & Bar who was best known in connection with the famous Dambusters

This is a 3 part Podcast on the WW2 flying history and prisoner of war history of Flight Lieutenant Robert Neil LINDSAY. Neil flew with Bomber Command and after being shot down was a Prisoner of War in Germany.

The story in the recordings by Neil Lindsay in this Podcast were told to Air Vice Marshal Peter Scully (retired) on 5th December 1996.

Neil Lindsay was born in 1917 in Melbourne. Joining the RAAF was an enormous change for Neil as, prior to enlisting in December 1940, he had completed an agricultural degree and was working as a Jackeroo on Corona Station, north west of Longreach in Queensland.

He completed an Observers Course before embarking for Edmonton in Canada in March 1941. Here he joined other men training under the Empire Training Scheme.

He completed various courses as a member of No 2 Air Observers School and left Canada the following September for the United Kingdom. He then had various postings including Number 14 Officer Training Unit and 83 Squadron before he arrived at 106 Lancaster Squadron 8th October 1942.

At the time, Guy Gibson was the Commanding Officer. Wing Commander Guy Penrose Gibson, VC, DSO & Bar, DFC & Bar was a distinguished bomber pilot in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War.

At 1859 hours on the night of 12/13 March 1943, Lancaster R5749 took off from Syerston, in Nottinghamshire, detailed to bomb Essen, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take-off and it failed to return to base. The aircraft was shot down in the target area and six of the crew members were killed and Neil was taken prisoner. Neil was listed as an Air Bomber for the mission.

After his release on 15 April 1945 Neil gave a statement to authorities who were trying to piece together the experiences of POWs. In part his statement says:

“the aircraft exploded at 20,000 feet after the bombing run was completed. It was hit by flak about 5 minutes previously when passing over Dorsten, and there were no outward signs of damage after a quick check by the Engineer and the Pilot. I was the only one hit and that was in the legs. After the bomb run everything seemed alright then there was a bright yellow flash in my face and the next thing I can recall was that I was sailing through the air. I pulled my parachute cord and landed in Essen where I was picked up by the Germans. They told me the others had been killed in the crash.”

His records note that he was firstly at St Lambertus Krankenhaus Esson from 12 March to 27th March 1943. It was here he was treated for his injuries. He was subsequently moved to Dulag Frankfurt, Luft Heydekruge, Luft III Sagan and Marlag Milag.

Luft III Sagan was famous for escaping activities unlike other camps where escaping was a minority activity. In the 22 months after the camp opened, the Germans logged 262 escape attempts: most had failed.

Neil arrived at Stalag Luft III on 18 March 1944 just days before the notorious “Great Escape” on 24 March. He was not part of the escape owing to his relative late arrival at the prison and the continuing effects from the wounds that he suffered when his Lancaster crashed.

On the night of 24 March 1944, 76 Allied prisoners of Stalag Luft III German prison camp in Sagan, 100 miles southeast of Berlin, escaped through a tunnel named "Harry." Within days most were recaptured. An outraged Hitler had 50 of them shot, an appalling abrogation of the Geneva Convention, to which Germany was a signatory. Twenty-three were reincarcerated. Only three made it all the way to freedom—a Dutchman and two Norwegians, all flyers with the British Royal Air Force.

Five of the murdered prisoners were nominally Australian, although only three wore RAAF uniform.

For Neil, Christmas 1944 at Stalag Luft III was bitterly cold: 6 inches of snow fell in the night turning the camp into a white wonderland. The men had been saving tin cans and the like and flattening them to make decorations for the huts. The Messiah was performed by a choir of 80 with a full orchestra in the church/theatre which was situated in the centre compound. Food for Christmas was very scarce as supplies had not been getting through and then came a miracle when a few days before Christmas a batch of Red Cross parcels arrived with canned turkey, plum pudding, cigarettes, cigars, candles. In the western compound Santa in a red and white suit arrived to the sound of sleigh bells. Two men were dressed as reindeers and Santa tossed bundles of mail to the POWs. Mail had been allowed to accumulate for some time so that Santa had gifts for all. It was one of the “not to be forgotten” days at Sagan.

All camps had talented men from musicians, Actors, Singers and those that taught classes in anything from theology, Latin to history and much more. The men were able to sit for exams which gained many of them entry into higher education when they returned home.

After his release in April 1945, Neil spent two weeks in hospital before boarding a ship on 8 August bound for Australia, arriving home a month later. He was discharged from the RAAF on 7 January 1946.

After discharge he returned to the United Kingdom. There is a record of the questionnaire he, as with all POWs, answered after their return to Australia lodged at the National Archives of Australia. Interesting reading.

Neil had married Joan Winifred Bardwell at Oakham, Rutland in April 1942. He and Joan came back to Australia in September 1950 travelling on the Himalaya with their two daughters, Margaret Ann and Joanna May.

Neil died in January 2001 predeceased by Joan the previous December.

His name appears on the magnificent POW Memorial at Ballarat.

In this 3-part Podcast, Neil personally relates his story. The sound quality is a little poor. It is a significant part of Australian history and deserves listening to.

Part One Intro

In Part 1 of this series, Neil briefly talks about:

1. his early adult life before joining the Australian Air Force on 6 Decenber 1940,

2. his training days in Australia in preparation for the war against Hitler,

3. his adventures in Canada for aircrew training, and

4. his final very intense preparations in the UK before starting flying:

“We went straight from our training unit to Lancasters. I went onto 83 squadron where I did my first three operations as a navigator and bomb aimer and seemed to cope OK”.

Listen in to Neil: The sound is poor quality but listenable. It is a significant part of Australian history and deserves listening to.

Introducing Ray and Pauline James

Ray and Pauline James are a husband and wife team who collaborate marvellously to provide RSL services to Veterans. Ray is active as an RSL Member in many appointments including President of RSL NSW. Pauline had contributed uniquely as State Manager for RSL NSW Auxiliaries.

They together produce an astounding contribution to veterans that is uniquely impactful. The outline follows of each of their contributions to our Australian way of life.

Introducing Ray James OAM President of RSL NSW

Ray is also appointed to the following Associated Entities: Director RSL National Chair of RSL Custodian Pty Ltd ANZAC House Trust Anzac Memorial Trust Australian Forces and Overseas Fund RSL Life Care

A Vietnam veteran, Ray James served over 20 years in the Royal Australian Navy, with another 26 years in the Royal Australian Navy Reserve, retiring with the rank of Chief Petty Officer.

He also served with the Transport Investigation Branch and NSW Police Force.

Ray has held senior positions at RSL sub-Branch and District Council levels and is currently a member of Ingleburn RSL sub-Branch.

He is also chair of RSL Custodian Pty Ltd and Vice President of the NSW Branch of the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia.

Introducing Pauline James OAM. State Co-Ordinator, RSL NSW Auxiliaries.

Pauline has been a great Vietnam Veterans supporter for many years. She lost three cousins in Vietnam and one more later.

Pauline James was born in Coonamble, country New South Wales, the oldest of 7 children.

Pauline was introduced to the life of Veterans and their needs from a young age. Her grandfather, uncles and cousins served in various Wars. Many lost their lives. Pauline married a Vietnam Veteran in the early 1970s and has witnessed first hand the struggles of those who serve.

In 2009, Pauline became an active member of Ingleburn RSL Sub-Branch Women’s Auxiliary.

Pauline was elected in 2011 as Western & Southern Metropolitan Councillor on the RSL NSW Central Council of Women’s Auxiliaries and then in 2014 was elected Deputy State President. And in 2016, she became the State President.

Pauline was the State Co- Ordinator of RSL Auxiliaries in 2019 when the auxiliaries included male members for the first time in the auxiliaries history.

During her time in these various positions Pauline has dedicated a large amount of her time to building up membership within the RSL Women’s Auxiliaries across NSW. She has also raised awareness of Veterans issues to the broader community.

In 2014 Pauline commissioned the ‘Lest We Forget Quilt Project’. Pauline with her team of ladies supported the Invictus Games held in Sydney in 2018 by donating specially made quilts. Pauline also introduced Thank You for Your Service Quilts in 2019.

Lest We Forget

“We may not have made a Rembrandt or Norman Lindsay, but what we have made has been made with love and respect for our service men and women”.

Pauline says “I look back and think about how as a young Navy Wife I boldly fronted the council at Redfern and got a building to start the first Navy playgroup, which was a great success”.

Introducing Air Commodore Tim Alsop

Air Commodore Tim Alsop currently serves as Commander Air Combat Group, based at RAAF Williamtown, near Newcastle, NSW. Air Combat Group is responsible for the development and preparation of Australia’s Air Combat force for operations. It encompasses some 2000 personnel, six aircraft types and a special operations Combat Control capability.

Tim joined the RAAF in 1993, after completing a Bachelor of Science at the University of Melbourne. He trained as a pilot and has served at all three operational F/A-18A squadrons, as well as instructing on PC-9/A, Macchi and Hawk 127 training aircraft.

He currently flies the F-35A Lightning II.

In 2009, he deployed to Afghanistan with the Australian Special Operations Task Group as the Offensive Air Support Planner. Later that year, he moved to the United Kingdom and completed the Advanced Command and Staff Course and a Masters of Arts with Kings College London.

As the embedded Director of the 609th Combined Air and Space Operations Centre, in 2018, Tim oversaw the planning and execution of all Coalition air power in the US Central Command area of responsibility, encompassing Syria, Iraq, the Arabian Gulf and Afghanistan. The geostrategic landscape during that period can best be described as ‘quite complex.’

In 2019, he completed another 12 months of study at the Australian War College and became a Fellow of the Defence Strategic Studies Course.

AIRCDRE Alsop is the Patron of both the Air Force Nordic Biathlon Association and the Royal Victorian Aero Club’s Young Eagles program – a volunteer organisation that encourages youth to pursue a career in aviation through regular presentations and free introductory flying.

Welcome to Wing Commander Tim Ireland, Commanding Officer No 77 Squadron

Tim was born in Bega, NSW, in 1980. He grew up in the country towns of Cowra and Port Macquarie before enlisting in the Royal Australian Air Force in 1998, graduating with distinction from the Australian Defence Force Academy in 2000.

Tim holds a Bachelor of Science (Mathematics and Physics) from the University of New South Wales, graduated from 190 Pilot’s Course in 2002, F/A-18A Hornet Operational Conversion in 2005, became a Qualified Flying Instructor in 2008, and converted to F-35A Lightning II in 2020.

He was awarded Category A qualification on the F-18A in 2017, has flown more than 50 missions and 350 combat hours over Iraq and Syria, and is an F-35A Mission Instructor and is Mission Command Qualified.

Tim has served at all operational fighter squadrons. He was a Flight Commander at No 3 Squadron during 2012-2015, and Executive Officer of No 75 Squadron during 2015-2017.

Tim deployed to Afghanistan as an Air Liaison Officer on Operation SLIPPER in 2008. He subsequently deployed twice to the Middle East Region throughout 2015-2016 on Operation OKRA as Executive Officer Strike Element of the Air Task Group.

Tim has staff officer experience in Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group and Air Force Headquarters as the Deputy Director Air Combat Transition Office 2018-2019.

He was Executive Officer, No 81 Wing before taking command of No 77 Squadron in December 2020. He has been selected as Staff Officer to Chief of Air Force in 2023.

Wing Commander Ireland is married to Sarah, an Air Force Legal Officer, and they enjoy caring for their rescue greyhound, Audrey. He is also keenly interested in travel, keeping fit, and music.

Introducing Brian Lawrence. ex Air Force Warrant Officer

Brian joined the Air Force in January 1961 and qualified as an Engine Mechanic and then as an Engine Fitter. He was posted to No 2 Aircraft Depot.

In July 1964, Brian was posted to 38 Squadron and then onward to Vietnam. Besides 1ots of paperwork and passports, he was issued with a World War 2 tin hat, pocket knife and lanyard

On arrival at Tan Son Nhut Airport, Brian was amazed at the number of aircraft on the ground. In his words “Thousands”. He said “A Caribou was there to take us to Vung Tau. We soon got rid of our old tin hats and were taken to the United States Army store and issued with Yankee tin hats and new M14 rifles with 4 magazine’s”.

Work was 7 days a week at first to maintain the aircraft. Later when more troops arrived a night shift was started.

After many adventures, trials and tribulations in Vietnam, Brian returned to 38 Squadron in Australia. He was again selected to go back to Vietnam in September 1965 but he then had the opportunity to go to New Guinea instead.

On return from New Guinea, he was posted to No 3 Aircraft Depot at Amberley working on Sabre Aircraft.

Brian elected discharge in January 1967 and then reenlisted in July 1969.

In January 1972, Brian was posted to 482 Squadron Amberley working on Phantom Aircraft.

In July 1973, he was attached to McClellan Air Force Base for the acceptance and the second ferry of F111’s to Amberley.

He retired as a Warrant Officer Engineer.

Introducing John Lindner, A Life of Adventure and Excitement as an Air Force and Commercial Transport Pilot.

John joined the RAAF as a trainee pilot in 1961.

Following graduation, he was posted to 38 Squadron on DC-3 Dakotas.

In 1964, John participated in the first ferry of the new Caribou aircraft from Canada to Australia.

He then joined the second Caribou Ferry later in 1964 but this aircraft was delivered to Vung Tau via Greenland, Iceland, and Europe.

John then joined the RAAF Transport Flight Vietnam in Vung Tau mid-Oct 1964, among the pilots of the first group. His tour in Vietnam provided plenty of adventures and on the edge flying. He finished this tour in June 1965.

John then did a 3rd Caribou Ferry in August 1965. This time he flew across the Pacific.

John says “Between Honolulu and Canton Island, we had to shut down an engine due to loss of oil from the propellor and then proceeded for 7 hours on one engine to Canton Island”. Stressful!!

In Sept 1966, John began flying the C-130E Hercules at 37 Squadron, Richmond. Beginning October 1966, John then participated in two ferrying flights of C130s from Atlanta to Richmond. He then flew the C-130E until he left the RAAF in late July, 1969.

John then began a life of civilian flying: Twin Otters in the Arctic for Interior Airways of Fairbanks, Alaska. Qantas 707s but left after a big lay-off of pilots in late 1971. Beech Queen Airs for Masling out of Cootamundra and a Cessna Golden Eagle, based in Cardiff, Wales, for a wealthy Welshman.

In August 1973, Qantas began taking furloughed pilots back, and he moved on to DC 4s.

In May 1774, John moved to Auckland and joined Air New Zealand. He was with them nearly 20 years on the DC-8, then the DC-10, and then the 747. He gained a command in 1986 and flew then as a Captain on the 747 until leaving Air New Zealand in late 1993.

John spent the next 10 years flying the 747 for various small operators around the world, and retired from big aeroplanes in mid 2003.

A life full of variety and challenges.

Introducing Air Commodore (retired) Kevin Henderson, Master Defence Studies.

Learning to fly on Tiger Moths and Chipmunks at Newcastle Aero Club while he was still at school, Kev had his pilot’s licence 12 months before he was legally able to drive a car.

Kev completed the RAAF pilots course in 1962 after which he gained experience on the Dakota transport aircraft.

Kev was a 22 year old flying officer when he flew into Vung Tau, South Vietnam in a Caribou short field transport aircraft as part of the original RAAF Transport Flight Vietnam. This tour was eye opening and challenging and he returned to Richmond in 1965 a changed and much more mature person than when he left in the previous year.

After Vietnam, Kev flew two ferry flights of Caribou across the Pacific – earlier ferries had been across the Atlantic.

In late 1965, he flew in Papua New Guinea establishing Caribou operations there.

A posting to 37 Squadron followed, flying the new C130E Hercules until 1970. Ken spent a lot of this time on freight shuttles and medevac flights between Vung Tau and Richmond.

1970 saw Kev on posting with the United States Air Force at Pope Air Force Base in North Carolina flying the Hercules C130E tactically. He later used that experience when he became Commanding Officer of 36 Squadron in 1979 to introduce the new C130H.

Kev spent two years with the Army’s Headquarters 1 Division at Enoggera in the mid 1970s as the Army’s first Divisional Air Liaison Officer.

Kev also spent three years in the Australian Embassy in Jakarta in the mid 80s as Air Attache.

His long and broad career saw him retire in 1992 as one of the RAAF’s most experienced tactical air transport operators.

Introducing WARRANT OFFICER RAYLEE SCOTT, AM.

Warrant Officer Raylee Scott joined the Royal Australian Air Force as a Switch Board Operator in 1986 and then re-mustered to an Electronic Data Processor Operator. Raylee later became a Communication Information Systems Controller.

In 1996, Raylee was posted to the RAAF Network Operations Agency where she was a founding member of the implementation team installing what became the Defence Restricted Network and the Defence Switched Network around Australia.

Raylee also had postings to Defence Support Group, where she worked on the strategic communication networks. and worked as a System Administrator at Williamtown, Wagga Wagga, and Townsville along with several expeditionary roles with deployable networks.

In 2008, she was posted to Headquarters Joint Operations Command where she worked for several years as the team leader for Multinational Communications Interoperability Program which focused on Humanitarian Assistance Disaster Relief with Pacific Nations.

In 2012, Raylee was posted to No 1 Combat Communications Squadron Amberley Flight, and in 2015 she took up the position of Squadron Warrant Officer. Most recently she was posted to Air Force Headquarters Cyber Warfare and Networks where she was the Mustering Capability Advisor.

In 2019, she was appointed Wing Warrant Officer 44 Wing at RAAF Base Williamtown followed by Force Element Group Warrant Officer Air Mobility Group.

During her career, Raylee’s deployments include; Operation Relex 2001, Operation Falconer 2003, Operation Catalyst 2005, Operation Slipper 2010 and 2011, Operation Southern Indian Ocean 2014, Operation Okra 2014 and Operation Accordion 2017.

Raylee was admitted as a Member (AM) in the Military Division of the Order of Australia in the Australia Day 2022 Honours List. In addition, she has received an ADF Gold Commendation, an Air Force Silver Commendation, an ADF Bronze Commendation and a Meritorious Unit Citation.

In 2022, Raylee assumed the role of Air Command Warrant Officer and Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Air Commander Australia.

Raylee enjoys the challenges, innovation and new perspective that prevails in transforming the RAAF into a technologically-advanced 5th generation Air Force.

Introducing Flight Lieutenant Suska Denham

Flight Lieutenant Suska Denham commissioned into the Royal Australian Air Force as a direct entry through Officers’ Training School in 2017. She joined as a Security Police Officer and completed her Initial Employment Training at the Defence Force School of Policing, Holsworthy Barracks.

After posting to No. 1 Security Forces Squadron, RAAF Base Williamtown, Suska performed the role of Base Security Officer before transitioning to the Squadron Operations and Plans Officer in 2019. During this time, she completed a number of broadening qualifications including a Diploma of Security Risk Management.

Suska deployed on Exercise Talisman Sabre 2019 as the Officer-in-charge Force Protection Flight, Rockhampton.

In 2020, Suska was posted to No. 2 Security Forces Squadron, RAAF Base Tindal, as the Officer-in-Charge Security Flight Tindal. This role has direct responsibility to the Regional Security Commander Northern Territory for the management of Security Forces encompassing Air Force Security Military Working Dog Handlers and Security Operations personnel, the Military Working Dog capability, Air Force Gap Year, Protective Security and Governance, and Weapons Training Section.

In 2021, Suska was selected as the Aide-de-Camp to Air Commander Australia, Air Vice-Marshal Vincent Iervasi, followed by Air Vice-Marshal Darren Goldie.

Flight Lieutenant Denham deployed on Operation COVID ASSIST19 as the Operations Officer for Joint Task Force 629.

After completing her posting at Headquarters Air Command, RAAF Base Glenbrook, Suska posted to the Joint Military Police Unit as the Executive Officer for Joint Military Police Station Brisbane, Gallipoli Barracks Enoggera.

Flight Lieutenant Denham holds a Bachelor of Education (Primary) (Honours Class 1) and prior to joining the Australian Defence Force was a teacher with the NSW Department of Education and Training. Whilst at university, she participated in a Global Exchange Program teaching English as a second language in Kerala, India.

Introducing Wing Commander (retired) Michael (Mick) Stone. Mick joined the Air Force as an apprentice in 1968. He became an electrical fitter at Williamtown working on Mirage and Sabre aircraft. In 1971, Mick went to Butterworth Malaysia working on Search and Rescue Hueys. This was his first involvement with helicopter aircrew: most were Vietnam veterans.

In 1975, Mick was selected for pilot training. He was then posted to United Nations Emergency Force 2 flying helicopters on peacekeeping duties in the Sinai Desert.

After that Mick continued flying helicopters in Australia until he was trained as a flying Instructor for new pilots. He then became a Flying Instructor on Hueys and the newly introduced Squirrel chopper.

In 1985, there were more helicopter adventures in the Sinai Desert but this time as an instructor.

Following this, Mick was posted to Fort Rucker Alabama as one of the first 2 Black Hawk instructors and then to introduce that helicopter into the RAAF at 9 Squadron.

Mick resigned from the Air Force in 1990 and took up a position with Lloyd Helicopters as a Search and Rescue captain at Williamtown flying Bell 212 helicopters. Mick was recruited to the Active Reserve as an Operations officer and Range Safety Officer.

In October 2001, Mick re-joined the Air Force and took up various position in the Air Transport world including Commanding Officer 285 SQN Richmond. 285SQN was a new concept The squadron’s responsibility was to conduct all training, both ground and aircrew, that occurred at Richmond.

Age retirement forced Mick to leave the Air Force in April 2006. He was again recruited for full time service in 2007 as Operations Officer C130s in Iraq and Afghanistan.

He was farewelled from the RAAF on 1 April 2018, 50 years and 2 1⁄2 months after joining and 1 day before his 67th birthday.

Introducing Group Captain Jason (Easty) Easthope, recent Chief of Staff, Air Combat Group

Easty joined the Royal New Zealand Air Force at the age of 18 and began flying jets at only 19 years of age. In 2002 he transferred to the Royal Australian Air Force where he spent most of his time flying and instructing on the F/A-18 Classic Hornet.

Easty flew F18 Hornet-02 in a single-ship display as a celebration of and a fitting end to the aircraft’s career of more than 35 years and 408,000 flight hours.

His first operational posting was on the A4k Skyhawk with No 75 Squadron, Royal New Zealand Air Force, based at Ohakea.

During his first tour on Skyhawks he exercised throughout South East Asia flying with the Singapore, Malaysian, Thai and Indonesian Air Forces.

In 1996 he went to the UK on exchange for 3 years with the Royal Air Force flying Jaguars. He conducted many exercises, operating the Jaguar in Norway (off the snow!), Germany, Denmark, Italy, France, Malta, Spain, Jordan, Oman, USA, Canada and Alaska. Whilst flying with the Royal Air Force, he was required to conduct operations in support of UN and NATO forces.

In 2002 he transferred to the Royal Australian Air Force

Easty has over 6000 military flying hours, mostly in single seat fast jet aircraft, and will pretty much fly anything with wings.

Military jet aircraft flown include; F/A18 Hornet, SEPCAT Jaguar, McDonald Douglas A4K Skyhawk, BAe Hawk Mk1 and 127, Aermacchi 339C and Albatros L-39C.

Easty has Commanded two Fast Jet Squadrons during his career. He was CO of Number 2 Squadron RNZAF early 2000s, a Skyhawk squadron –which was actually based at Naval Air Station Albatross, Nowra; and of course Number 77 Squadron RAAF Williamtown 2018-2020 flying the F/A-18 Classic Hornet.

Easty enjoys the opportunity to give adventure seekers a small taste of military or high performance flying while conducting adventure rides in aircraft like the Strikemaster, L39 Albatross, Extra300. He is also a qualified low level aerobatic display pilot and enjoys show casing various aircraft at air shows around Australia.

Easty is happily married to Gillian (his school sweet-heart!) and has adult boys.

Unsurprisingly, in his spare time, his hobby is flying planes.

Introducing Wing Commander Don Pollock.

Don joined 41 Pilots Course, RAAF in 1961. Previously he had been an Industrial Arts Teacher in NSW.

After graduation Don was posted to Transport Aircraft and in 1964 joined the first Air Force contingent to Vietnam on Caribous. He has some tales to tell about those early days in Vietnam. A lot of “by the seat of your pants get the job done”, short or almost non existent runways, plenty bullets, long hours, lots of flying, often scary, and a very different social life.

From Vietnam then to New Guinea. Similar flying to Vietnam except no bullets.

Don had a big change of pace in 1967 when he became a flying instructor on jets.

After that a few more adventures were in store on choppers at RAAF Fairbairn including how Don describes it as “one and a half crashes”.

Don then had a series of postings on choppers and finally Air Force Staff College.

From 1979 to 1982, he was Advisor to Chief of Air Force on Air Transport Operations.

Don resigned from the Air Force in 1982 with the rank of Wing Commander.

His time after leaving the Air Force reads like a whirlwind from School Teacher to Managing Snack Bars to Ag Pilot (more crashes) to Flight Instructor, managing many Air Displays and Flight Safety.

Don’s other Interests are Bushwalking, Gold Prospecting, Aviation History, Aviation Stamps, Flying Displays, Collector of Aviation Memorabilia, Skiing (Cross Country), Reading History and Survival training.

Air Commodore Chris Sawade, CSC, joined the Royal Australian Air Force in January 1974 and on graduation from pilot training he was posted to fly helicopters with No 5 Squadron.

Between 1976 and 1988, Chris completed operational and flying instructional tours throughout Australia, the South West Pacific and the Middle East, flying Huey and Squirrel helicopters and CT4 and Macchi Trainers.

In 1988, Chris was posted to No. 38 Squadron where he served as Training Flight Commander and Executive Officer flying Caribou.

He served as the Australian Member of the Air Standardization Coordinating Committee located with the United States Air Force Headquarters in Washington DC from 1997 to 2000.

Chris Sawade was promoted into the position of Deputy Director Aviation Capability Improvement Team in February 2003. In March 2004 he took over the position of Director of Flying Safety - ADF / Director of Air Force Safety.

He was awarded the Conspicuous Service Cross in the 2006 for his efforts in the introduction of the Safety Management System into the Air Force.

In January 2006 he was appointed to Officer Commanding Air Training Wing.

Air Commodore Sawade was then appointed as Commander of Combat Support Group in 2008.

From March to November 2012, he deployed to the Middle East Area of Operations as the Deputy Commander of Joint Task Force 633 covering an area of joint operations from Afghanistan, through the Middle East and Indian Ocean to the Seychelles. He was awarded a Commendation for Distinguished Service for his efforts in that position

He retired from the Permanent Air Force in Feb 2013 and took up the Reserve position as Head of Air Shows

Introducing Air Commodore (retired) Chris Beatty DFC. AFC. A Notable Flying Career

Chris’ flying career started when he learnt to fly light aircraft with the Air Force cadets at Parafield in 1963. He joined the Royal Australian Air Force in 1966 graduating on No 64 Pilots.

In 1968, Chris saw a significant expansion of the Australian Forces in Vietnam which included No 9 squadron’s helicopters. Half of his pilots course were converted onto helicopters and all posted to fly Iroquois helicopters in South Vietnam. The Squadron was based in Vung Tau Phuoc Tuy Province as part of the 1ST Australian Task Force.

In Vietnam, Chris flew both Assault and gunship versions of the Huey sometimes under interesting combat conditions.

He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross as a helicopter Gunship pilot with No 9 Squadron in the Vietnam conflict

In 1975, Chris had a three year assignment as a flying training advisor to the newly established Singapore Air Force.

Chris has flown in three aerobatic and formation display teams including the Roulettes as Roulette 4 on Macchi jets and was leader of the 1981 Chinook Diamond Jubilee Display Team.

He introduced the RAAF Balloon into service in 1990.

He left the permanent Air Force in 1987 to take up a position as Chief Pilot for Bell Helicopter but rejoined the RAAF in 1989.

He spent five years in the Operational Requirements/Force Development Branch of the ADF which included a three year assignment to the Pentagon in USAF Plans and Operations Division.

Throughout his military career he held a number of senior appointments most notably as the Director of Flying Safety for the Air Force and ADF and the Commanding Officer No 12 Chinook Squadron. He was awarded an Air Force Cross flying Chinooks with No 12 Squadron.

In 1999 he was promoted to Air Commodore to take command of the RAAF’s Combat Support Group which was responsible for operating Dili and Bacau airfields during the East Timor campaign.

His final assignment was as the Commander Air Forces Training Command.

Group Captain Peter (Spike) R Davies, CSC, Chief of Staff, Air Combat Group

Peter Davies enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force in May 1988 as a direct entrant Air Defence Officer.

Following Air Defence Controller Course, he served with No 3 Control and Reporting Unit and No 114 Mobile Control and Reporting Unit before qualifying as a Fighter Combat Controller in 1992. After instructing at 3 Control and Reporting Unit, Peter was selected for Airborne Warning and Control System training with No 8 Squadron RAF, qualifying as an Boeing E-3D Sentry Airborne Warning And Control System Weapons Controller and Fighter Allocator.

Peter commanded No 1 Radar Surveillance Unit from 2009 to 2012, receiving a Conspicuous Service Cross in the 2013 Australia Day honours. He later commanded No 41 Wing, responsible for the Air Defence Ground Environment, Over-the-Horizon Radar and emerging space surveillance capabilities.

Peter’s operational service includes flying as AWACS aircrew on NATO operations for the independence of Bosnia-Herzegovina, completing over 100 missions and receiving the NATO Medal with Former Republic of Yugoslavia clasp.

Staff appointments include wing-level appointments, Capability Development Group, Headquarters Surveillance and Response Group, and Air Force Headquarters.

Peter also has overseas experience serving with the Royal Air Force and the United States Air Force.

He is a Distinguished Graduate with a Master of Science in National Security Strategy from the United States National War College at Fort McNair, Washington DC. GPCAPT Davies is married to Catherine and has three adult children.

Introducing Air Chief Marshal Sir Angus Houston AK, AFC (Retired)

Air Chief Marshal Sir Angus (Allan) Houston was born in West Kilbride, a very small place to the south-west of Glasgow in Scotland overlooking the Firth of Clyde.

His father was a Royal Air Force officer who was shot down at a place called Handzame in 1943. He was captured by Belgian collaborators and was handed over to the Germans. He became a prisoner of war in Stalag Luft III, “The Great Escape” camp.

Sir Angus saw an Australian Air Force life of Rotary Wing Flying in many types and operated in many challenging and sometimes dangerous roles.

Sir Angus was promoted to Air Marshal and took over as Chief of Air Force on 19 June 2001. Over four years, he led an extensive change in culture to put ‘People First’. He was also the first Chief of Air Force to achieve a zero fatal accident rate during his tenure.

Sir Angus was promoted to the rank of Air Chief Marshal and appointed as Chief of the Defence Force in July 2005. During this time, he oversaw the successful deployment of 65,000 defence force personnel over 58 different operations.

Sir Angus retired from the military, as Chief of the Defence Force, in July 2011 after 41 years of service.

On his retirement from the Defence Force, the Government appointed Sir Angus as Chair of the Anzac Centenary Advisory Board which provided strategic advice to the Australian Government in relation to the planning and implementation of the Anzac Centenary 2014-2018.

In 2012, he was appointed as Chair of Air Services Australia, a role he held until mid- 2018 and Chair of the Defence SA Advisory Board, replacing the role held previously by General Peter Cosgrove.

In 2014, Sir Angus was appointed as the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy to lead Australia’s efforts to help recover, identify and repatriate Australians killed in the Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 disaster.

Today, Sir Angus continues to work in a number of major roles including as Chancellor of the University of the Sunshine Coast and Chair of the Murray Darling Basin Authority.

Sir Angus is also the Patron/Ambassador for numerous not-for-profit and charitable organisations, which he generously provides his time.

Sir Angus is married to Liz and they have three sons and three granddaughters.

AUSTRALIAN HONOURS 1980 - Awarded the Air Force Cross for an open sea rescue in gale force winds in 1979.

2001 - Centenary Medal for outstanding service as Chief of Air Force.

2015 - Knight of the Order of Australia for extraordinary and pre-eminent achievement and merit in service to Australia, through distinguished service in the Australian Defence Force, continued commitment to serve the nation in leadership roles, particularly the national responses to the MH370 and MH17 disasters, and in a variety of roles in the community.

Air Marshal (retired) Geoff Brown AO

Air Marshal Geoff Brown joined the RAAF in February 1980 after completing an Engineering degree.

He graduated from No.111 Pilots' Course in 1981 and has since had many and varied flying roles.

He has operated Chinooks, been a Flying Instructor, been a member of the Roulettes aerobatic display team, operated Hornets in the roles of squadron pilot, flight commander and executive officer and Commanding Officer 3 Squadron.

He then completed F-111 conversion and assumed the position of Officer Commanding No.82 Wing in December 2000.

In 2003 he commanded all F/A-18 and C-130 operations in Operation Iraqi Freedom and was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia and a Legion of Merit for his service in the operation.

He commanded Air Combat Group throughout 2006 and then from Jan 2007 until Jun 2008 he was Director-General Capability Planning in Air Force Headquarters. He was the Deputy Chief of Air Force from 30 June 2008 to 3 Jul 2011.

Air Marshal Brown was appointed Chief of Air Force on the 4 July 2011 and served in that role until July 2015. He was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) during his term as Chief of the Air Force.

His main sporting passion is Sailplane racing.

AIR VICE-MARSHAL (retired) Bob RICHARDSON AO AFC

Bob Richardson qualified as an RAAF fighter pilot in 1962, and flew Sabre aircraft with 77 Squadron in Malaysia, Singapore, and Labuan North Borneo for nearly three years during the Indonesian Confrontation crisis.

He was also attached to 79 Fighter Squadron in Thailand four times for SEATO air defence operations.

After a tour as a flying instructor, he qualified at the United Kingdom Empire Test Pilots' School in 1968, and subsequently spent 13 years on experimental and developmental test flying activities and supervision at the RAAF Aircraft Research and Development Unit, including several years on Sabre, Mirage and Macchi acceptance testing.

He was actively involved in the evaluation of the Mirage replacement, culminating in the selection of the F/A 18 Hornet fighter in 1981. He was the first Australian to fly the prototype Hornet in 1980.

He was promoted to Director-General Manning-Air Force 1988, after which he completed the 1991 Royal College of Defence Studies course in London. He was then appointed Air Officer Commanding Training Command in 1992, leaving early in late 1983 to be the sole military author of the 1994 Defence White Paper ‘Defending Australia’ for the Keating Government, working directly to Defence Minister Robert Ray. After further appointments as Chief of Air Force Personnel and Budget and Deputy Chief of the Air Staff, he transferred to the Air Force Reserve in 1997 and retired after 41 years in 2002.

Bob flew over 5000 hours in 25 RAAF, Army and foreign military aircraft, and 250 hours in sailplanes.

Air Marshal Gavin Neil "Leo" Davies, AO, CSC is a retired Chief of the Royal Australian Air Force.

Born and raised in country Victoria, Air Marshal Leo Davies was attracted to aviation from primary school and consequently pursued the Air Force for pilot training.

He joined the RAAF in 1979, as a navigator and flew P3B and P3C Orions for six years, learning a lot about airmanship and real world maritime operations. He then retrained as a pilot, flying F111s of all types. He commanded No. 1 Squadron and No. 82 Wing.

In Sep 1990, Leo was posted to the 523rd Tactical Fighter Squadron at Cannon Air Force Base to fly F-111D with the USAF and then back to Amberley in Dec 1992.

In 2007, Leo was posted on operational deployment to the Combined Air Operations Centre (CAOC) in the Middle East.

Air Marshal Davies was posted as Air Attache to Washington DC in June 2010 and on returning to Australia became Deputy Chief of Air Force in December 2011. He was promoted into the Chief of Air Force position on 4 Jul 2015.

He retired from the RAAF in 2019.

Air Marshal Davies has been awarded an Officer in the Order of Australia, a Conspicuous Service Cross, a Singapore Meritorious Service Medal, the US Legion of Merit - Commander and the French Legion of Honour.

Air Marshal Davies retired in Sep 2019 after 40 years in uniform and he says he owes a heck of a lot to his wife Rhonda, daughter Erin and son Jacob.

Air Vice Marshal DAVE ROGERS AM RAAF (Retd)

Dave Rogers from Cadet Under Officer in to Deputy Chief of the Air Staff.

In between these two events he had many different adventures from:

Flying Sabres on operational missions during Confrontation with Indonesia.

Serving in Ubon, Thailand as part of Australia's contribution to SEATO and Vietnam.

Instructing on Vampires in Perth.

Completing the first F-111 training in the USA.

Converting to the F-4E Phantom and flying the delivery flight from St Louis to Amberley.

Commanding Officer of 6 Squadron on the F-111 and the newly-modified RF-111 reconnaissance version.

Ejecting from the F-111 near Auckland NZ.

Going back to the USA as the Hornet Project Manager in Washington DC.

And in 1994 his final appointments were on promotion to Air Vice Marshal being appointed as Deputy Chief Air Staff and Assistant Chief of the Defence Force (Development) until he retired in July 1998.

Since then he has served as Patron of the Pathfinders, 30SQN Beaufighters, a five year term as the Chairman of the Air Force Cadets National Council and other organizations. He is currently enmeshed in the historic car movement in the ACT.

Introducing Group Captain Terry Wilson, AM AFC

Terry grew up in the Swan Valley. Vampires from Pearce Air Force Base constantly flew overhead and along with the prevalence of lots of material about World War II air exploits (not to mention Biggles books), Terry was bound to be very keen on all things aviation.

Terry graduated the dux of his Air Force apprentice engine fitter course in December 1960,

In 1964, Terry start his long-coveted pilot training. He felt at home when he got to do flying training on the same Vampires from his childhood.

Terry’s squadron flying on Sabres started out at RAAF Butterworth with 3 Squadron. Terry was lucky enough to be one of two ‘boggies’ selected to fly one of of eight 3 SQN Sabres from Butterworth back to Williamtown in February 1967.

His Sabre flying at Butterworth also involved detachments to No 79 Squadron at Ubon in north-east Thailand, associated with the Vietnam War.

After conversion to the Mirage in 1968 Terry continued flying fighters through until the end of 1973 when by then he was a Category A Mirage Fighter Combat Instructor.

Surprise, surprise, Terry then moved to a career on Iroquois helicopters. He was awarded the Air Force Cross for flood rescue work.

In November 1977 Terry started a six-month stint on peacekeeping helicopter operations in Egypt as Executive officer with AUSTAIR UNEF at Ismailia on the Suez Canal in Egypt.

In late 1981 Terry began working as the chief planner and commander-elect for a possible ADF deployment to a peacekeeping operation with the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) in the Sinai. When that deployment was confirmed in early 1982, Terry had to form a new joint unit comprising eight Iroquois helicopters and get it to the Sinai to be ready by 25 April 1982.

Terry was made a member of the Order of Australia for his work on this operation.

Terry then became Commanding officer of No 9 Squadron at RAAF Amberley.

After leaving the RAAF in October 1990, Terry spent six years at the Bureau of Air Safety Investigation in Canberra. He then moved to a senior management position in the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Terry was then asked to be Head of Flying Operations for Impulse Airlines (now Jetstar Airways).

Since 2008 Terry has been a volunteer member of the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS).

Introducing Warrant Officer Gerry Mapstone OAM.

Gerry joined the RAAF 1966 and in 1967 became an Airfield Defence Guard and was posted to South Vietnam.

On arrival in Vietnam, having previously lead an Aussie life, Gerry was told that the weather was fine and there was only light to moderate ground fire.

He was given the opportunity to become an Iroquois Door Gunner with 9 Squadron. His duties were to assist in medical evacuation, loading and unloading of stores and personnel and to protect, by the use of twin M60 machine guns, his side of the aircraft. He flew missions such as sniffer missions, psychological warfare, leaflet dropping, VlP missions, Command and Control, Special Air Service patrol insertions and extractions and generaI hash and trash.

The highlights of that time were flying in support of the Tet Offensive near Saigon and the battles of Fire Support Bases Coral and Balmoral.

Gerry particularly enjoyed dustoffs as he felt that 9 Squadron did some great work retrieving soldiers and civilians from the battlefield and taking them to safety and to hospitals.

In early 1973, he again joined 9 Squadron who had returned from Vietnam. 9 Squadron were known as the nomadic ninth as they shifted from one place to another. Main tasking was Army operations, Search and Rescue, and Survey operations from Sumatra to lrian Jaya. Gerry also flew in Papua New Guinea with the Pacific lsland Regiment.

Gerry flew in weather from the tropics to the snow.

ln 1974, he was involved in flood rescues all around lpswich, Brisbane and the areas up to Toowoomba. The rescues consisted of rooftop rescues, ferrying people and goods to and from areas which were inundated and “flying past our families who were trapped by floodwaters in the married quarters”.

Operations were often dangerous but it was satisfying work. “We lost a pilot in a crash in lrian jaya in the seventies”.

I was twice posted to United Nations Emergency Force in Sinai Egypt.

These are snippets to the life of a helicopter crewman. Listen to Gerry for his accounts of a dangerous but thrilling life.

Air Commodore Nick Osborne

Recent Commander Surveillance and Response Group

AIR COMMODORE Nick Osborne joined the RAAF in 2002 having served 20 years in the Royal New Zealand Air Force as a pilot. While in the New Zealand Air Force he flew Skyhawk and Macchi jets and served on exchange at RAAF Pearce flying Macchi and PC-9 aircraft.

During his flying career, he accumulated over 5500 hours mostly in jets. He joined the RAAF following the disbandment of the Air Combat Force in New Zealand.

During his time in the RAAF, Nick flew Hawks at Williamtown, and from 2008 to 2010 he was appointed as the Commanding Officer of 76 Squadron.

Following a three year tour as the Executive Office of 78 Wing, he was posted to Headquarters Air Command where he served as the Director of Capability. Nick was posted to Surveillance and Response Group as Chief of Staff in October 2018 before taking up the position of Commander Surveillance and Response Group on 28 May 2021.

Nick served as the Special Assistant to the Deputy Head of the United Nations Mission in Kosovo in 2000.

He also served in Afghanistan as the Commander of the Heron Remotely Piloted Aircraft detachment in Kandahar in 2012/13.

Nick Osborne enjoys supporting the All Blacks, he coaches and umpires netball, and is President of the ADF Netball Association. He is married to Sue and has two daughters and two grandchildren.

Introducing AIR VICE-MARSHAL JOE ‘VINNY’ IERVASI, AM, CSC,

Air Vice Marshal Joe Iervasi completed flying training in 1989, and converted onto the FA-18 Hornet in 1991.

He then, during his Air Force career as a fighter pilot, served in junior pilot roles through to Flight Commander appointments and then Commanding Officer of 3 Squadron.

A notable posting was on exchange to 5 Squadron RAF flying the Tornado F3. He deployed on Operation Deny Flight enforcing the no fly zone over Bosnia-Herzigovnia (1995).

In staff and command appointments, Air Vice Marshal Iervasi served with Capability Systems, 81 Wing as Senior Operations Officer and Officer Commanding, and Chiefs of Staff positions to Air Combat Group and to the Vice Chief of the Defence Force.

Air Vice-Marshal Iervasi was promoted to Air Commodore and deployed to the Middle East as the Director, US Central Command 609th Combined Air Operations Centre at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

He returned to Australia in July 2014 and was appointed to the position of Director General Air Command Operations and Director General Air where he commanded global air operations including Operation OKRA.

This posting was followed in December 2016 with a two year appointment as Commander Air Warfare Centre.

In December 2018, on promotion to Air Vice-Marshal, he was appointed Commander Joint Task Force 633 and deployed again to the Middle East this time stationed in Al Minhad Air Base, in Dubai.

Air Vice-Marshal Iervasi took up his current role as Air Commander Australia in Jul 2019.

Air Vice-Marshal Iervasi has over 3000 hours flying fast jets. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree, a Masters of Management in Defence Studies and a Graduate Diploma in Strategic Studies

He has been awarded the Medal in the Order of Australia (2009), Australian Active Service Medal, Afghanistan Medal, Defence Long Service Medal with Third Clasp, and the Australian Defence Medal. He was appointed as a Member in the Order of Australia in 2016 and in June 2020 was awarded a Conspicuous Service Cross for outstanding achievement as the Commander Joint Task Force 633.

Introducing AIR COMMODORE BENJAMIN SLEEMAN, CSC, DSM, Deputy Air Commander Australia

Ben Sleeman joined the Australian Air Force in January 1990 and after attending the Defence Force Academy proceeded to pilot training.

Ben then completed fast jet training and was posted to 75 Squadron in Tindal on the F/A-18 Hornet.

In 1999 Ben completed 26 Fighter Combat Instructor Course.

Ben then deployed on Operation Slipper with 3 Squadron in early 2002. In 2003 he deployed again on Operations Bastille and Falconer.

In 2004, Ben was promoted to Squadron Leader and completed postings at 75 Squadron as a Flight Commander and then Executive Officer.

Ben was promoted to Wing Commander and in 2011 he attended the US Air Force Air War College in Alabama, graduating with a Master of Strategic Studies.

In 2013 Ben assumed command of 77 Squadron, during which he deployed on Operation Okra.

Ben was then posted as the Director of the Air and Space Operations Centre in Joint Operations Command on promotion to Group Captain in June 2016.

In January 2018 Ben assumed command of 81 Wing, overseeing the transition of the Wing from the F/A-18A to the F-35A aircraft.

In December 2019, Ben was promoted to Air Commodore and again deployed to the Middle East Region as Combined Air Operations Centre Director in Qatar at USAF 609th Air Operations Centre.

In November 2020 Ben assumed his current role as the Deputy Air Commander Australia based at RAAF Glenbrook.

Introducing Michael Lea who is the current Collection and Content Manager at the Anzac Memorial.

Michael has been a professional museum curator and collection manager for over thirty years. He has worked on numerous exhibitions and with a variety of collections in several cultural institutions including the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences, Sydney, the Australiana Fund and the Anzac Memorial, Sydney. As a keen student of Australian history, he is in the final stages of writing up his PhD thesis at the University of Sydney.

Michael is going to talk about his Father’s history in the Australian Air Force during WW 2: His father was Flying Officer Clement Victor Lea who trained in Canada under the Empire Air Training Scheme (EATS).

His father served in an RAF squadron which was part of the Second Tactical Air Force. He completed 42 operational sorties including those on D-Day.

He largely flew the North American Mitchell Bomber with 98 Squadron: RAF, Dunsfold.

Michael’s father had some exciting and dangerous moments in his life whilst operating Mitchell bombers:

On his fourth op with the squadron, now as a Warrant Officer, a piece of flack smashed the perspex before his eyes during a raid on construction works in the Beauvoir area of Normandy, France.

“We were just turning from the target when a piece of flak smashed a glass panel of the bomb sight and sent a shower of glass splinters into the compartment. This piece of molten shrapnel was kept for many years as a souvenir.”

Despite the drama of this experience, he was again in the air at 18.15 for a second operation on the same day, in the same aircraft which received two more holes due to “heavy accurate flak”.

Michael’s dad was also involved in D-Day operations. His Log book notes sightings of jet aircraft during an operation. CVL remembered that one jet flew so fast that it was out of sight in seconds.

Just before Dad left the squadron, a Flt Lt PA Stanford, the squadron’s Navigation Officer wrote in his log book in the section headed “Proficiency Assessments”:

“This navigator has been the leading navigator on many operations, his bombing has been of a high order and he has been an asset to the Squadron both operationally and on the ground.”

Listen as Michael explores with you his Fathers World War 2 experiences.

Introducing Squadron Leader (ret) Ian Woods. Ian gained substantial experience on Caribous during his time in the Air Force. Caribous were of the famed Wallaby Airlines operated by the Air Force during the Vietnam war and revered elsewhere as one of the best Short Take Off and Landing aircraft in history.

Ian learnt not only a lot about Caribous during his time but they were the catalyst for the gaining of a bit of wisdom.

From Ian: “I flew over seven hundred hours in the first twelve months. I also learned quite a lot about what Navigators did. A Caribou Squadron included maintenance and administrative personnel. Good insight into what it takes to keep pilots in the air and an understanding that helped keep my feet on the ground, even when my head was elsewhere.”

“I found the need to figure out how to collaborate with people and manage circumstances whilst staying within service limits turned out to be the most valuable lesson the Air Force taught me. In the beginning it was a baptism of fire, but in the end, I had learnt enough to be able to live the courage of my convictions. I often thought to myself – just keep living the attitudes and values of your life in Rockhampton and the Air Force instilled and you will get there.”

“I found flying in Papua New Guinea really challenging. Being a co-pilot to pilots with wartime service put me on a steep learning curve. Good for flying experience.” I also was posted to Air Movement Training Development Unit where I experienced the bigger picture of flying transport aircraft.” End of quote.

Ian left the full time Air Force in 1977 to join TAA in Melbourne as a Fokker co-pilot.”

Ian explored continuing to fly Caribous as a Reserve Pilot. Not easy to do. It was a new concept for this era. Meanwhile Ian left TAA to join QANTAS in Sydney.

Quite unexpectedly Qantas arranged secondments to Singapore Airlines and the opportunity to relocate to Singapore for 3 years was accepted.

Ian then blinked and all of a sudden it was his 65th birthday. He got an email from Civil Aviation Safety Authority asking if he was interested in joining them. He started working for CASA two months later.

These days Ian is helping develop Policy and Rules for operating large aeroplanes. Quote” Something I would not have been qualified to do if I had not been a Project Officer at Air Movement Training Development Unit and a Caribou Examiner.

“Funny how life turns out. PER ARDUA AD ASTRA.”

Introducing Wing Commander (ret) Chris Mirow:

“We dropped out of the overcast at about eight hundred feet. I glanced to my right and Fergie was nicely tucked into echelon. I waved him out to combat and looked ahead to get my bearings. It looked like Keddah Peak disappearing up into the clouds just up to the north and we were rapidly closing the Malaysian coast. I was thinking that we had been well positioned by our Ground Control Intercept controller so that we could turn to join for a right initial and special Visual approach to runway one eight at Butterworth. But something didn’t look right. As we crossed the coast I looked down and thought, this isn’t bloody right!!

Listen to Chris’ podcast to hear the rest of this challenging situation.

Chris Mirow also tells us about his life flying Sabres and Mirages in the Australian Air Force.

His Sabre flying consisted of operations in Williamtown, Malaysia and in Thailand, on air defence related to the Vietnam War.

His Mirage flying included an aerobatic display team to mark the 50th anniversary of the RAAF.

In May 1971, Chris was posted to Vietnam and attached to the Eleventh Brigade of the twenty third Infantry Division as a Forward Air Controller.

Chris will tell you that they were later to be more than disappointed with their welcome home to Australia.

He continued his fighter operations for some years including becoming a Fighter Combat Instructor, possibly the pinnacle of fighter flying.

Introducing Squadron Leader (ret) Peter Armstrong. The Australian Air Force needs personnel who can adapt to whatever type of demanding operations that they are chosen for. Peter Armstrong, and his mate Peter Bradford, who features in a fellow Podcast, represent the best in pilots who were chosen to fly many different aeroplane types and operated them in a manner that excelled.

In this Podcast, listen in as Peter Armstrong describes is life flying Iroquois helicopters in Vietnam where the sound of the Huey was not only a welcome sound but on occasions for Army personnel was the difference between life and death.

Peter also talks about his stint on C130 Hercules followed by stints on fast jet instruction, Boeing 707s, DC8s and then to Qantas.

Pete joined RAAF in Aug 68 and ended up on the first all through jet training on the Macchi which was brand new.

He left the Air Force in May 85 after which I joined the Air Force Reserve with 33Sqn again and requalified as Qualified Flying Instructor on Boeing 707s.

He retired from the RAAF Reserve in October 94

Pete then worked in Qantas as a Boeing 747 simulator instructor for 3 years before becoming Second officer flying Kerry Packer’s DC8. He then rejoined Qantas as simulator instructor on Boeing 767s and Airbus A330s until retirement.

RAY SEAVER: KOREAN WAR FIGHTER PILOT

Ray was born in Forbes 1931 during the depression.

By 1950/51, Ray was working as a Cadet Engineer in the Blue Mountains Shire but found it did not suit his temperament when he saw an Air Force advert recruiting Pilots. He joined the Air Force and was sent for Pilot Training. In July 1952, he was awarded his Wings and was posted to Fighters learning to fly Mustangs and Vampires.

Ray was then posted to 77 Squadron, Iwakuni, Japan via Hong Kong, for further training on twin engine Meteors and then to Korea. Korea was blistering cold after Australia.

At this stage he had less than 300 hrs flying and felt like Aero Club pilots had more hours.

77 Sqn operations were out of a very busy military airfield. Their accommodation was in tents of 6 people each and was heated by a big central burner but was still freezing.

The new arrivals of which he was one were largely about 21 years old and were there to learn the Art of War though interdiction. We had very little knowledge of why were in Korea. We had all lived sheltered lives and here we were fighting a war.

We either bombed, rocketed or straffed – all very challenging for novice pilots. If they were shooting at us in the dive we could see the “golf balls” going past us, hopefully

On the dives, misjudging the height and hills could lead to ground collisions, which happened. Sometimes if we pressed in to adjust our aim we would get hit by debris from the explosions. Additionally you could get target fixation and fly into the ground.

Enemy aircraft were sometimes a problem that needed good tactics to survive. Ray has a few good stories about encountering Migs.

Crashes and deaths were a fact of life but people in 77 Sqn just kept getting on with it.

When you flew 40 combat missions with 77 Sqn, you had earned a medal from the Americans. When you flew 80 missions with 77 Sqn, your medal was upgraded. But then the powers that be in Australia decided against Aussies accepting foreign decorations and banned us from wearing them.

Listen to Ray as he talks mainly about life in Korea.

Introducing Squadron Leader (ret) Peter Bradford.

The Australian Air Force needs personnel who can adapt to whatever type of demanding operations that they are chosen for. Peter Bradford, and his mate Peter Armstrong, who features in a fellow Podcast, represent the best in pilots who were chosen to fly many different aircraft types and operated them in a manner that excelled.

In this Podcast, listen in as Peter Bradford describes is life flying Iroquois helicopters in Vietnam where the sound of the Huey was not only a welcome sound but on occasions for Army personnel was the difference between life and death. Then listen again as Peter describes his stint on C130 Hercules followed by stints on fast jet instruction, VIP BAC 1-11, DC8s and then to Qantas.

In Peter’s words: As I age, I sometimes have to pinch myself to realise what a fortunate life I have had.

For a boy from the bush and humble background, flying Prime Ministers, Governor Generals, Heads of State, and the late Duke of Edinburgh who was endorsed on the BAC1-11. I was to offer him to fly the aircraft. I also admit to flying Prime Minister Mugabe for 5 days.

I accepted an offer of a position with QANTAS. Instructing on the B747-200/300 was a challenge. In 1990, I was given the opportunity to line fly on the B744.

At the beginning of 1996 the opportunity to leave QANTAS and crew a Douglas DC-8 for Kerry Packer was too good to refuse. What an adventure!! Saw lots of Las Vegas. Not long after the death of Kerry, I returned to QANTAS.

In my 77th year, a fortunate life indeed.

Introducing Brad Manera, the Senior Historian and Curator of the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park, Sydney.

His career began at the Western Australian Museum and has included foundation curatorial work for the National Museum of Australia, gallery development at the Australian War Memorial and the World Heritage listing submission for the Hyde Park Barracks Museum.

A keen public historian, he has led battlefield tours around the world and featured in a range of documentaries.

His latest book, In That Rich Earth (2020), is a study of the battlefields on which men and women of New South Wales have served from colonial times to the present.

Today the Anzac Memorial stands proudly as one of the state’s most significant cultural and commemorative institutions, continuing in its original purpose as a war memorial and as a place of commemoration, remembrance, education and reflection.

The Anzac Memorial holds a significant historical collection of approximately 7,000 objects that tell the personal stories of servicemen and servicewomen, and their families. The collection includes the heritage building and its sculptures, as well as objects of material culture, such as medals, badges, uniforms, field equipment, photographs, documents, manuscripts, framed works and books.

Introducing Huck Ennis DFC (Garry Ennis)

Huck says: “I spent 15yrs growing up on Tamborine Mt, riding a horse to school, the longest being some 9 miles from Camp Cable to Logan Village aged 8yo. Thank God I am a Country Boy."

After, becoming an Apprentice in the Post Master General's Department in 59, I lasted 2 years and joined the Air Force.”

In 1961, Huck joined the RAAF, 10 Squadron, as a Rad Tech Air.

In 1965 he applied for Pilots Course, graduating to Fighters in 1966.

He spent the next 5 yrs as a Single man bouncing between Williamtown and Butterworth flying Sabres and then Mirages.

He was posted to Vietnam in 69 as a Forward Air Controller, flying the O-1 Birddog, then OV-10.

Huck was awarded the British DFC for his efforts.

Posted to RAF College of Air Warfare at Manby, Linc, to undertake the 6 month course in Weapons Employment!

Joined Aircraft Research and Development Unit, Laverton as the Weapons Officer to assist in assessing two Mirage Projects.

Huck spent the next about 10 years flying and on projects associated with Fighters.

He resigned in 1996 to join Pel-Air Target towing out of HMAS Albatross Nowra.

CAPT the Hon PETER COLLINS AM RFD QC

Peter Collins joined the ARES (then CMF) aged 17 yrs and served 5years finishing as a Commando officer. His then CO was the legendary Harry Smith SG MC ( Delta Company commander at Long Tan). He earned his Parachute wings in 1969.

He joined the Naval Reserve in I975 where he would serve 37 years, mostly in Intelligence and Legal.

After leaving the NSW Parliament in 2003, he became the first reservist to act as Fleet Legal Officer for five months in 2003&2004.

In 2007 , he became the first former Minister-State or Federal- to see active service in Iraq where he led an ADF legal team in Baghdad.

He also served as Honorary Colonel of 1st Commando Regiment, the first postwar Special Forces unit in the Australian Army, from 1995-2000. He is the only serving Naval officer- permanent or reserve-to have this honour accorded by the Army.

He wrote the history of Australian Commandos STRIKE SWIFTLY in 2005.

He left the Navy as a Captain in 2012.

His lifelong interest in the ADF includes his time as a television journalist at ABCTV where he was the first journalist to fly in the F-111 in Australia; also flying in the Navy’s A-4 Skyhawk and S-2Tracker; several types of naval helicopter.

He has been aboard over 250 warships, Australian and foreign; this includes four carrier landings and catapault launches on US carriers. He witnessed the last broadside fired from a battleship off the Australian coast ( USS NEW JERSEY 1988).

He went to sea on the two most recent classes of Australian submarine; also to sea on 33 other surface warships.

The Services run in the Collins family:

Grandfather Charles Collins served in battleships 1904-8; uncle Keith served in HMAS ANZAC off Korea; cousin Gordon survived HMAS VOYAGER sinking off Jervis Bay in 1964.

Peter’s father Ron served with No 22 Squadron ( Richmond NSW) as a Navigator in Beaufighters 1944-46 operating from Morotai through to the Occupation of Japan. Ron Collins was demobilised as a Flying Officer in 1946 after returning from Japan.

Introducing Wing Commander (ret'd) Pete Bennetts

In 1966, Pete Bennetts joined the Australian Air Force as an Air Traffic Controller. Air Traffic Control is a vital function in keeping the Air Force Fleet safe and operational. It is often edge of the seat work and on occasions extremely demanding.

He served as an Air Traffic Controller at many locations including Sydney International.

He was well promoted and served in many senior officer postings including Examining/Standardisation Officer, Operational Requirements, Senior Air Traffic Control Officer, Air Force Office, Monash/Mt Eliza Business School, Joint Services Staff College and Management Development Branch. He retired from the RAAF in 1993

He then worked with the Civil Aviation Authority and Air Services Australia until he again retired in 2005.

He then started a career in volunteering, joining Rotary, Chamber of Commerce, National Seniors Australia (Coffs Coast Branch) and Air Force Association Coffs Harbour & District Branch. As with his Air Force Career, he was very active, earning respect and many accolades and awards, gaining a NSW Government Community Service Award in 2019.

Onya Pete

Introducing Flight Lieutenant Peter Nuske

In 1961, Peter started work as a trainee Metallurgist at BHP Newcastle.

Peter could see Mirages taking off at Williamtown and in 1967, he joined the RAAF as a trainee pilot and graduated to fly Canberra Bombers.

Peter was posted to 2 Squadron in Phan Rang, Vietnam in 1969. He flew 233 bombing missions.

In 1970, he returned to Williamtown for fighter training, and got married. He was posted to 76 Squadron on Mirages. He completed an Advanced Navigation course and then joined 77 Squadron.

After this, he completed the much sort after Fighter Combat Instructor course, and then instructed new fighter pilots at Operational Conversion Unit Williamtown.

In 1976, he flew an F15 Eagle at Williamtown. Yes an F15 at Williamtown.

In 1977, Pete resigned and bought a banana plantation in Coffs Harbour. He also built his own house using recycled materials.

Pete then took a job managing a galvanising plant in Coffs Harbour and commenced a degree in Mathematics and Computing. Subsequently he joined Commonwealth Public Service in Coffs Harbour, finished his degree and secured a job in Canberra as an IT programmer.

In 2002, he took retirement, built a home in Coffs, restarted a previous job as a contractor, commuting Coffs – Canberra for 12 months before in 2005 taking permanent retirement at Coffs.

Over the last 12 years he has been a Rural Fire Service volunteer, and 3 years ago joined Veterans Centre Mid North Coast as Secretary.

Introducing the Hon David Elliott MP.

In 1995, David Elliott joined the Australian Army and commenced his officer training at Royal Military College, Duntroon, attaining the rank of Captain.

Taking 18 months' leave, he worked as Press Secretary for the Hon. Peter Collins, QC MP who was the NSW Leader of the Opposition.

During 1999, David was Director for the Australians for Constitutional Monarchy campaign against the referendum for Australia to become a republic; for which he was awarded the Centenary Medal on 1 January 2001 for service to the constitutional reform debate.

Returning to the Army in 2000, David served in peace-keeping forces in Bouganville, Papua New Guinea and was awarded the Australian Service Medal.

David then worked as State Operations manager in Saint John Ambulance (NSW), before commencing as Executive Officer and then Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Hotels Association. In 2008, David Elliott became Chief Executive officer of the Civil Contractors Federation and held this position until his election to Parliament.

From 2015 and on to 2022, David Elliott held Ministerial portfolios in the Baird Ministry, Berejiklian Ministry and finally the Perrottet Ministry. These. Included Veterans Affairs, in which he was active in the refurbishment of the Hyde Park War Memorial and inviting Prince Harry to bring the Invictus Games to Sydney, Police, Emergency Services, Corrections, Counter-Terrorism and Transport.

Wing Commander Al Taylor. Flying is in his Blood. Fighter Pilot Extraordinaire

Al grew up during WW2 years: Blackout curtains, gas bags on buses, coupons. In 1942, he saw 4 x P-39 Air Cobras carry out mock attacks against the Lithgow Small Arms Factory. He was five and very, very impressed. Growing up, he built and flew control line model aircraft and studied model radio controlled aircraft. In 1952, Al had a Joy ride in a Tiger Moth.”

By 1958, Al had joined No 22 City of Sydney Squadron operating Wirraway, Vampire and Meteor followed by Sabres F86 operating in Malaya.

Then twice the speed of sound Mirages fighters came into his life. This culminated in him leading the Mirage display team.

Al was appointed Commanding Officer of the renowned 77 Squadron

In 1981, Al joined civilian Aerospace contractors.

Still seeking adventure, Al bought a powered hang glider and attempted to fly around Australia for Fred Hollows Foundation.

He followed this with more fun and games on Model radio controlled aircraft together with Flight simulation on computers linked with pilots around the world: Spitfires in a Battle of Britain scenario, F/A18 from carriers and UH-1H in a Middle East scenario

All good stuff.

Introducing Wing Commander John Landale AFC.

John started his working life as a maths/science teacher at Gulargambone Central School but after 18 months, applied for RAAF pilot training, graduated to fly helicopters and was soon with 9 Sqn Huey Helicopters in Vietnam where he served for 12 months.

He then had a change of pace and after a Search and Recuse stint, took up flying instructional duties in both Australia and Singapore. He then continued his service with choppers at 5 and 9 Sqns in Senior Squadron positions.

After attending the RAAF Staff College in 1980, he was posted to Defence in Canberra as managing Operational Requirements for Helicopters before a posting to the Sinai Desert in 1984 as Australian Contingent Commander.

Another change of pace took him to Central Studies Establishment in Defence Central where he also completed his BSc majoring in Computing Science.

In another significant change, he joined the Commonwealth Public Service in a middle management systems analysis role and served in a number of Departments before finishing with the Health Insurance Commission leading teams to restructure claims processing systems for Medibank Private and Pharmaceutical Benefits.

Retired in 2001 and moved back to Coffs Harbour to become a 'tree hugger' and mediocre golfer.

Introducing Wing Commander Peter Spurgin (Retired). Peter has had a wide variety of Air Force Operations from flying fighters in Malaysia and Thailand to peacekeeping operations in the Sinai Desert and lastly with Care Flight.

He joined the RAAF in 1963 and graduated as a Fighter Pilot.

He was posted on 3 occasions to Malaysia serving on Sabres and Mirages.

Pete also served in Ubon, Thailand during the Vietnam War on fighter alert for incursions from Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia and was also on fighter duty during Indonesian Confrontation.

In 1970, he completed the sort after Fighter Combat Instructor Course but then in 1974, he had a huge change of direction and was posted to Huey choppers.

He served with the United Nations in the Sinai Desert twice. One as Commanding Officer Austair UNEF 2 and for the second time with Multinational Force and Observers both involved with Huey Helicopters patrolling the Sinai Desert

In 1980, he continued his chopper career as Commanding Officer of 9 Squadron, well known for its vital operations in Vietnam.

Peter retired from the RAAF in 1985.

He has spent the rest of his flying career as Chief pilot Careflight (now Lifeflight) and then as Safety & Risk Manager.

Introducing Group Captain Paul McLeod, Intelligence Officer.

Paul was born in Melbourne into an Air Force family. After attending a number of schools across Australia and overseas, he completed his secondary education at Erina High School and later attended Sydney University, where he studied economics, philosophy, and a little Japanese.

After a short time as an infantryman in the Sydney University Regiment, Paul joined the RAAF in1978 for training on 105 Pilot’s Course.

Paul was later commissioned into the Intelligence category. In 1981 he completed basic Chinese language training at the ADF School of Languages and was later posted for advanced language study at Hong Kong University.

During his career, Paul was seconded to the British garrison in Hong Kong where he worked with British and PLA forces to support the reversion of sovereignty to China.

He also served as Australia’s Defence Attaché in Vietnam and Laos (2003-05), and China (2008 to 2010).

Since retiring from the RAAF, Paul moved to Coffs Harbour, where he keeps busy with volunteer work as a boat crew member and radio operator with Marine Rescue. He is also President at a local Rotary Club, Vice-President of the local RAAF Association, and he is President at the Veterans’ Centre Mid-North Coast.

INTRODUCING WARRANT OFFICER KEN ROBERTSON, OAM

Meet Warrant Officer Ken Robertson, OAM. Ken enlisted into the Royal Australian Air Force in 1995 from Western Australia as a Personnel Capability Specialist.

Warrant Officers have a very important role in the Air Force as they are the catalyst for communication across all ranks and officers. Ken’s career has exemplified that role.

During his career in the Air Force, Ken Robertson has had many diverse roles. He has been an Administrator, a Weapons Instructor, a Military Skills Instructor, a Personnel Capabilities Specialist Instructor and performed these roles in Fighter Squadrons, in Technical Training establishments, in Combat Support Group, in Surveillance Group and on various bases at a Senior Level.

Ken was deployed on Operation Slipper at the Multi-National Base Tarin Kot.

Ken was awarded an Air Force Silver Level Commendation.

Ken was a student on the Australian Army, Regimental Sergeant Major Course in 2016 and subsequently deployed to the Middle East Region in 2017 for twelve months as the Command Warrant Officer (CWO) of Joint Task Force 633. Ken Robertson was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia in recognition of his efforts on this deployment.

In 2019, Ken deployed to Nellis AFB (Nevada, USA) as the Australian Task Group WOFF for Exercise Red Flag.

In Sep 2019, Ken was appointed ‘Air Command Warrant Officer’ with responsibility to Air Commander Australia as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader & Advisor.

In 2022, WOFF Robertson will take up the appointment of ‘Warrant Officer Joint Operations’ with responsibility to Commander Joint Operations as the Joint Operations Command, Senior Enlisted

Ken enjoys West Coast Eagles, Basketball and spending time with his family.

Sandy Main has unique experiences on Helicopters from Vietnam to Papua New Guinea and then with the Royal Malaysian Air Force. He did 2 tours with the United Nations on Helicopters

He was also involved with the introduction of the Black Hawk into the Australian Army. He finally flew choppers commercially.

Sandy Main joined the RAAF as a pilot in 1968 and was posted to fly Iroquois (Hueys) at 5 Squadron.

In 1969, was posted to 9 Squadron Vietnam flying mostly Gunships.

Vietnam was a big and exciting challenge. His next challenge was different and in Papua New Guinea Sep choppering bridge materiel. Papua New Guinea is renowned for very difficult terrain to fly in. These were the start of a long career in helicopters.

Listen to Sandy as he tells you about the challenging, exciting and sometimes dangerous life of a Chopper Pilot.

JACK LYNCH, MBE, Wing Commander (Ret)

Jack Lynch a Fighter Pilot, Huey Gunship pilot, RF 4C Phantom and F111 pilot, and Aviation Services business owner. A life of aviation with many sometimes dangerous, always exciting, challenges but also with a lot of job satisfaction.

In the Australian Air Force, Jack operationally flew:

· Iroquois helicopters (1 year in Vietnam, mainly on gunships);

· Sabre and Mirage jet fighters;

· RF 4C Phantom jets with the United States Air Force; and

· F/RF-111C jets.

In his business, he specialised in aerial photography, charter/commuter, and aviation consulting.

He now lives in Brisbane, pursuing a career as a writer, aviation consultant and pilot mentor. He is now in the process of qualifying as a Remote Pilot for commercial drone operations.

For contributions to Aviation, Jack was awarded an MBE and a Master Air Pilot Certificate by the Honourable Company of Air Pilots, London.

RICHARD “Dick” CRESSWELL DFC - 1920 to 2006. Fighter Pilot.

Dick, was a pilot in the Royal Australian Air Force. He held command of No. 77 (Fighter) Squadron during World War II and again during the Korean War.

He was credited with being the first RAAF pilot to shoot down enemy aircraft at night over Australian soil,

The only person to serve as Commanding Officer of an RAAF Squadron on 3 occasions during wartime,

The first person to lead a jet-equipped Australian squadron in combat.

His performance in Korea earned him both the Commonwealth and the United States Distinguished Flying Crosses.

Dick joined the RAAF at Point Cook in July 1938. By 1942, he was promoted to Squadron Leader and commanded the newly formed 77 Squadron at Pearce, Western Australia. The Squadron was flying P-40 Kittyhawks.

At 21, he was younger than most of his personnel.

Initially, he was responsible for the air defence of Perth. 77 Squadron then transferred to Batchelor Airfield near Darwin in August 1942, becoming the first RAAF fighter unit to be stationed in the North-Western Area.

77 Squadron then moved to another of Darwin's satellite airfields, Livingstone.

Dick led the squadron in the defence of Darwin against Japanese raiders and claimed the first aerial victory just after 5 a.m. on 23 November 1942, when he destroyed a Mitsubishi "Betty" bomber.

It was the first "kill" for an Australian squadron over the mainland, and the first night victory over land.

In February 1943, 77 Squadron was transferred to Milne Bay in New Guinea. The Japanese attacked Milne Bay on 14 April, and Cresswell claimed one of four bombers credited to 77 Squadron.

The next month, 77 Squadron began island hopping, firstly to Goodenough Island.

He was Wing Leader of 81 (Fighter) Wing in New Guinea from May 1944 to March 1945, simultaneously commanding No. 77 Squadron for a second time between September and December 1944. During this command, the wing flew 1,125 sorties against Japanese buildings, stores and transport.

The Late Ken Wilkinson recalled his first encounter with Dick Cresswell: “We were told that Wing Commander Cresswell the C.O. wanted us to report to him in his tent. He was sitting in a director style chair, dressed in non-regulation clothing and black high boots [not flying boots].

He said, ‘You have joined the best fighter squadron in the R.A.A.F., you have received the best training possible in a wartime situation and we have recently been equipped with the latest model Kittyhawk P40-N25 and N30, aircraft, so if any of you dare prang one of them, back home to your mother's you will go”.

After World War 2, 77 Squadron moved to Japan as part of the British Commonwealth Occupation Force (BCOF) and were still there on the declaration of hostilities between North and South Korea. After the death of the CO of 77 Squadron, Lou Spence, on 9th September 1950, Dick was sent to replace him and became the Squadron’s longest serving commanding officer in the Korean War and commander of 77 Squadron in combat for the third time.

He oversaw its conversion from P-51 Mustangs to Gloster Meteors, becoming the first RAAF commander of a jet squadron in war. As well as Meteors, Dick flew F-80 Shooting Star and F-86 Sabre jets in combat while on attachment to the United States Air Force in Korea. He handed over command of No. 77 Squadron for the last time in August 1951, but flew six more missions as a Meteor pilot in 1953.

Dick resigned from the RAAF in December 1956 and was discharged on 30 April 1957 so ending the service career of one of Australia’s finest.

Dick Cresswell holds a special place in the RAAF historical record.

In 2006 He was the guest speaker at an Aviation Club Lunch. He gives a very modest account of his exploits in the Air Force containing humour, drama and frankness.

Wing Commander (retired) Ken Mitchell, DFC. He flew Big Beasts, Fast Beasts and Slower Little Beasts

Ken kicked off his Air Force Career flying Lincolns, Dakotas and Neptunes.

He then totally changed his flying career when he was posted to Fighters. This included flying Sabres in Malaysia during Indonesian Confrontation and in Ubon, Thailand during the Vietnam War. He then completed a tour on Mirages at 76 Squadron. In 1968, he was posted to Vietnam as a Forward Air Controller returning to fly Mirages again including a tour in Malaysia. He then had a series of ground jobs in Airforce Office Canberra, at Staff College and at the Joint Intelligence Organisation. Ken joined Customs in 1984 to introduce 3 Nomad Aircraft into service. After this, he bought a business in Coffs Harbour and finally retired there.

Ruth Taylor, Wing Commander (ret) has lived a very different life to most. She has travelled the World succeeding in many challenges, taken on a role in, at that time, a male dominated Australian Air Force, flown frequently in fast jets, escorted Royalty, been promoted to Senior Rank, worked closely with the, at that time, Chief of the Air Force and mixed up in all these challenges, been a Mum.

Later in her career, Ruth filled the position of Special Projects Officer in the Office of the Chief of Air Staff. She regarded this position as the pinnacle of her career as she was in charge of all Special Projects involving the Chief both in Australia and Overseas. She organized the RAAF 70th Birthday Celebrations including:

· launching the RAAF Hot Air Balloon,

· organizing RAAF Events in every capital city,

· setting up RAAF involvement in the Grand Prix,

· setting up the RAAF Art Awards,

· liaising with a Publisher for books on RAAF history,

· escorted Senior RAAF Officers to the Paris and Farnborough Airshows and

· the most rewarding project of taking the Battle of Britain Pilots to the UK for their 50th Anniversary Celebrations. This latter task has remained a highlight of Ruth’s life in meeting these wonderful pilots and their ladies, managing their trip on the RAAF 707 via Hawaii, Canada and Washington until they were presented to Her Majesty the Queen in the front of the Palace. The Red Arrows and the Spitfire commenced a parade of aircraft up the Mall to the Palace. After the Church Service, she went to the Cliffs of Dover to witness the mock air battle. This brought tears to the eyes.

“Listen up” to find out from Ruth more about her adventures.

Wing Commander (retired) David Robson

David was born in1944 in suburban London. Kept in a crate under the kitchen table when the ‘Doodlebugs’ were overhead. He was left with a visual memory of the Spitfires and later revelled in the stories of the fighter pilots.

His family migrated to Australia in 1950.

He loved Comics and radio serials - Biggles, Hop Harrigan and made Balsa models

With his family, he returned to UK in 1958.

He attended the Farnborough Air Show and watched 111 Squadron flying black Hawker Hunter aircraft (the Black Arrows). He saw prototype Vulcan, Victor and Valiant aircraft flying as well as Javelin and Sea Vixen and many others.

He joined the Air Training Corps and went gliding and flying and parachuting.

He won a flying scholarship and learnt to fly up to solo standard in Chipmunks at RAF Biggin Hill (the most famous fighter base from the Battle of Britain).

David’s family returned to Australia in 1962.

He could not stay out of the air and in 1964, he joined the RAAF as Aircrew.

Listen in: David has had an astounding and colourful life in Aviation and associated roles, including being a Test Pilot,. More varied than a patchwork quilt.

Group Captain RICHARD NEIL KELLOWAY AM

Richard on his entry into the RAAF flew fighters, both Sabre and Mirage.

In October 1968, he was posted to Vietnam as a Forward Air Controller with the United States Air Force flying the O-1 Birddog.

After further time flying Mirages in Butterworth and then Flying Instruction, he was posted the 442nd Tactical Fighter Squadron, USAF, Nellis Air Force Base on F-111As. Following this, he became an F-111C, Aircrew Instructor at Amberley.

He then completed RAAF Staff College and became Staff Officer to Deputy Chief of Air Force

After that He then had a succession of postings: Commanding Officer of No 1 Flying Training School, Personnel Plans (Officers), Air War College with the United States Air Force; Director of Trainer Aircraft Project, Director of Studies, Joint Services Staff College.

He had a change of pace between 1989-1994 and joined the Department of Prime Minister and Australian Development Assistance Bureau.

This lead to Private Consultancy work specialising in Aboriginal Community Development.

Richard’s reflections say he is more a thinker than a do-er. He likes being at the vanguard of organisational change. Richard says “I sense intuitively the need for change and my mind winnows possible pathways of change from the complexities in the organisational environment. As a change agent, I am committed to participatory change but reflexively pragmatic.

Bert Milne has had a very adventurous life from growing up in Manangatang where he lived and worked on the family wheat/sheep property to flying Caribou Tactical Transport in Vietnam, where he had a major incident, to flying large jets with Qantas.

He was introduced to love of flying through his father who prior to taking up farming served in the Middle East in W.W.2 as an Aircraft Engineer. His Engineers licence number was 773. His Pilots licence issued in October 1929 was Number 395.

In summary after Caribous in Vietnam, Bert

· flew Hercules C130A,

· Was Aide- de- Camp to 2 Chiefs of the Air Force

· Flying Instructor Air Force pilot training school and Royal Malaysian Air Force.

· Was involved with Flight Safety at Directorate of Air Force Safety,

· Joined Qantas as a Pilot instructor Flight Simulator and then

· flew B-747 and B767 Aircraft.

Bert says “A wonderful 20 years of my life filled with outstanding memories and events which as a kid on the farm in Manangatang I could not have ever imagined would actually happen. Guess that is what life is though: “its just the way your mum puts your hat on”.

Highlights of flying career:

*Being selected for pilot training and Surviving pilot training,

*Having those Wings pinned on in front of my family,

*Graduation day/night,

*Throughout my flying career the Exceptional opportunities to be trained and educated in a wide variety of skills and Leadership,

*Lifelong friends made along the way. A bonding experience unique to the military way of life, both socially and professionally,

*The thrill of my first jet flight…... in the Vampire,

*First Op. Conversion Flying the "Queen of the skies", the C7A Caribou…….S.T.O.L. ops.

*Operations in P.N.G.-- particularly the challenge of high altitude short/steep slope runway ops,

*Operations in Vietnam: the scale and intensity of wartime ops,

*Surviving being mortared 29 March 70 during delivery of a cargo of fuel drums at That Son (aircraft destroyed / extremely lucky to have no loss of crew)

*Next big event was getting out of there and coming home to my fiancé …..

*Flying C130-A Hercules , PNG OPS, Air delivery ops and flood relief operations.

*Experience as A.D.C. working for 2 Chiefs of the Air Staff (Air Marshals Reid and Rowling)……both great men to work for and observe in action,

*Following Flying Instructor training the challenge of Student Pilot training on the Macchi,

As a new Q.F.I.,successfully completing an engine out forced landing into Gin Gin airfield following engine failure during a spinning training exercise,

*To Malaysia instructing on the Bulldog and CESSNA 402B, First exposure to foreign Air Force training ops and thinking……v good students ,

*posted back to becoming the B Flt Commander at 2 FTS …...my first real exposure into" leadership and control" as a new Sqn Ldr,

*After considerable study and effort gained my A1 Flying instructors Rating …….the pinnacle of my instructing career.*

*Posted as C.O. No 27 (City of Townsville Squadron), tasked with setting up and integration of 27 Sqn into RAAF Base Townsville, Awarded The Queens Commendation for Valuable Service in the Air in the Queens Honours list .

*Became on posting the Chief Flying Instructor at Central Flying School RAAF Base East Sale. Quite simply the best flying job in the RAAF. Able to actually drive change for the better. Also able to get to fly and examine on any aircraft within the RAAF Inventory. Flew with extremely talented and dedicated pilots and was intimately involved with the Roulettes. A wonderful CO of Wing Cdr Terry Body.

*The end of my flying career in the RAAF with posting to RAAF Staff College and promotion to Wg Cdr.

We were so lucky to have served in what I believe was a period in RAAF history that preserved the tenets of professional operations, whilst retaining the trust of the senior ranks to achieve the task at hand. I am not totally convinced that this freedom still exists today. The big book of "Can't do's”…... seems to me vastly larger and more imposing than that which was entrusted to Good Airmanship and Officer Qualities of the past, but who knows………….

Welcome to Air Commodore Dave Pietsch (retired) AM

David Pietsch joined the Royal Australian Air Force in 1969.

As a fighter pilot he flew the Sabre and Mirage prior to a tour as a flying instructor.

He was subsequently one of the first RAAF pilots to undergo F/A-18 training in the United States.

In 1990 he was appointed Commanding Officer of No 3 Squadron operating the F/A-18.

He then had senior Defence roles included Command of 81 Wing, Command of Surveillance and Control Group and senior roles in Capability Development Division.

In 1999 he was awarded the Order of Australia for his contributions to aerospace development.

David retired from full time service as an Air Commodore in 2004, remaining on the active reserve list,

In his Reserve capacity he over sighted Flying Operations for Defence Airshows and lead the Defence Planning Team for the biennial Australian International Airshows.

His only involvement now with the RAAF is providing guidance on the return to flight status of the RAAF Sabre at the Temora Aviation museum.

Introducing Ken Semmler - Fighter Pilot, Vietnam Veteran and Aid De Comp.

Ken says he had10 happy years in the RAAF from 1963 to 1973.

Initially, after training, he was on Sabres at Williamtown. He spent time in Darwin during Indonesian Confrontation before being posted to Mirages.

Ken then participated in Operation Fast Caravan flying Mirages from Williamtown to Butterworth in 1967.

As an aside, in RAAF Base Butterworth and in Singapore, he had great experiences as ‘gear and flap’ man with Transport Support Flight on C-47 Dakotas.

Ken was posted as a Forward Air Controller in Vietnam to the 19th Tactical Air Support Squadron USAF from Jan - Nov 70.

Then a change of pace, he became ADC to His Excellency the late Sir Paul Hasluck to from Feb 71 to mid 72.

He resigned from the RAAF in late 1972 when his Dad passed away.

Ken says he could never repay the Air Force for what it did for him in those 10 years.

He then became involved in Grape Industry and the community in the Barossa Valley when he now lives running Saint Jakobi Vineyards with wife Helen.

GROUP CAPTAIN (retired) BRUCE MOUATT

Fighter Pilot, Vietnam Veteran, Fighter Combat Instructor.

In 68/69, Bruce flew Sabres operationally in Butterworth, Malaysia and in Ubon, Thailand.

In 1969, he transferred to Mirages at Williamtown and also trained as a Forward Air Controller. As a result, in 1971, Bruce was posted to Vietnam as a Forward Air Controller flying OV10 Broncos.

Returning to flying duties on Mirages, Bruce was posted to the UK for a Weapons Course followed by a Fighter Combat Instructors Course at Williamtown. He then trained new fighter pilots.

Bruce then had a change of pace and did an exchange tour with the USAF flying A7D Corsair 2 aircraft out of Davis Monthan Air Force Base at Tucson Arizona.

In 1977, now a Squadron Leader, Bruce returned to Mirages, Williamtown and in 1979-1980, his skills were used to set up the RAAF Weapons School.

In 1981 Bruce completed the RAAF Staff College and was promoted to Wing Commander.

Then came a long association with F18 Hornets. In 1982 to 1985, Bruce joined the F/A18 Hornet Acquisition Project and in 1986 became the Commanding Officer of the first RAAF operational Hornet squadron. In 1988, he returned to Canberra as a Group Captain to run the F/A18 Hornet project, and finally in mid 1990, he commanded the new Hornet Base at Tindal in the NT.

Bruce left the RAAF in August 1994 after more than 30 years, and joined the world of private enterprise.

Introducing Wing Commander (retired) Norm Goodall

Norm went solo at 16 years old and 10 days which was the youngest pilot in Australia at that time.

In 1962 , Norm joined the RAAF, graduated as a pilot and was posted to Williamtown on Fighters. He was then attached to No 77 Squadron in Malaysia in 1964 during Confrontation.

In 1965 he started flying Mirages. A highlight of which was participating in 1967 “Operation Fast Caravan” .

He went to Vietnam in 1970 as a Flight Commander with Huey Gunships.

In 1972 he had a change of pace and became a Flying Instructor on Macchi’s at the Advanced Flying Training School in Western Australia.

From 1974, Norm had a series of significant postings: Assistant Defence Attaché Thailand, Operations Officer No 77 Sqn, Integrated Air Defence System Butterworth., HQ OPCOM as Staff Officer Reconnaissance then posted to Recruit Training Unit, Edinburgh as Commanding Officer.

He retired from the RAAF on the 4thJuly 1985.

He Joined Lloyd Helicopters and eventually flew twin engine helicopters with the Off Shore Oil Industry.

In 1990, he began a life as a sailor quote “in our yacht “Mirage” sailing from Adelaide to Darwin. Then in 1992, he sailed heading West out of Darwin and eventually arriving in Bundaberg in November 1997. He visited 36 countries and sailed 37,000+ nautical miles.

Norm now has a cattle farm in the Adelaide Hills and is involved with the Community.

Flight Sergeant Marion Hamilton is a Communications and Information’s Systems Operator, now known as Network Technician. Throughout her career, Flight Sergeant Hamilton has enjoyed a number of exciting and challenging roles and has been fortunate to have deployed on multiple operations abroad including one to the Middle East where she was responsible for providing technical support to the deployed elements throughout the Middle East.

She has developed significant experience in the Combat Support environment.

Flight Sergeant Hamilton also has been an instructor in Deployable Local Area Networks and Cyber Security for Navy, Army and Air Force.

She is now responsible for the provision of technical support functions to air operations at No 2 Air Borne Early Warning and Control Squadron.

Flight Sergeant Hamilton enjoys endurance sports and has participated in a number of Ironman’s across Australia.

SGT Paul Gallaway. Air Force Enthusiast and Motivated Technician

Paul joined the Air Force 1996 after working in the horse, cattle and transport industries and a copper refinery. Paul became a qualified Aircraft Life Support Fitter. He then worked on C 130 Hercules before moving onto the Boeing 707.

Paul had a very interesting outcome when he volunteered for a Search and Rescue mission to try and find survivors from a sailing boat off the north of Australia.

He says he enjoyed working on the B 707 with 33SQN because he visited every capital city in Australia as well as a trip to Japan.

2001 saw him working on the J model Hercules.

He joined the Combat Survival Training School in Jan 2006.

Paul became the Life Support section head for Hawk, Hornet and Super Hornet aircraft.

Paul became involved with the F35. It was definitely a new way of doing business.

He says that at 53 years of age he needs to think about life after the Air Force.

He sometimes wishes he had joined earlier.

High Points

Phil Frawley is a human who was truly born to fly. As a young boy he spent countless hours building model airplanes and dreaming of the day when he would get to control an aircraft. After five years as an aircraft technician, he was accepted into the Royal Australian Air Force 92 Pilots Course in July 1974.

49 1/2 years later, Phil is retired from the RAAF. He was inducted into the Guinness World Records as having been the oldest active fighter pilot in history.

Phil is also a qualified low-level demonstration pilot. He also holds a civilian commercial pilots license with a civilian level two flying instructor rating.

Phil currently resides in the beautiful city of Newcastle and enjoys surfing the pristine beaches along the North coast of New South Wales.

Joined the RAAF in Feb 1980 and trained as an Education Assistant.

After a posting to Officer Training School, he deployed to SINAI Desert with the Multi Force Observers in 1983.

Sailed around the Greek Islands with a boatload of Kiwis.

He then had a series of postings: 3 Control and Reporting Unit, 481 Maintenance Squadron, Amberley, School of Languages and Training Command.

In 1995, Bernie was commissioned to Flying Officer rank and had a series of Administrative Officer postings.

He again deployed to Middle East Area of Operations in 2004 as Executive Officer C130 Combat Support Squadron.

He was promoted to SQNLDR in 2005 and in 2007 joined the Air Force Active Reserve.

He then joined the Public Service in Nov 2010 working with Airborne Early Warning. He then was appointed as Enterprise Manager AEWC in Jul 2017

He returned to the Active Reserve in Jan 2019 with the Air Force Centenary Team.

He is now the Manager of Fighter World, Aviation Heritage Centre at Williamtown.

High Lights

Steve Low AM Wing Commander (ret).

Steve wrote some background for us so I will use his words to introduce him.

Aged 19 years, our pilots course at RAAF Pearce would do all our training on the newly acquired Macchi jet.

It was very exciting strapping into the front seat on my first flight in full flight gear (G suit, helmet, oxy mask and life jacket). It was great fun for a kid almost straight out of school.

The flying course was demanding and went at a pace that kept you studying and learning to put theory into practice. We had excellent instructors and I loved playing pranks on them.

I wanted to fly fighters and in November 1969 when we arrived at RAAF Williamtown the thunderous sound of Mirages in full afterburner on take off hurt your ears. What a blast to be strapped into such a beast that went so damned fast and had so much power!

Flying formation was amazing as you looked across at a beautiful sleek machine as it raced along whatever you were doing and felt solid and steady in the air. I was in heaven and it was hard to believe you were getting paid for doing it.

Eventually after I became experienced, I joined a 77 Sqn four ship aerobatic team and I flew the slot.

In April 1972, I was posted to 75 Squadron Butterworth and spent two years there. The Communist insurgency was still active in parts of the country. One night a sub machine gun was fired at insurgents near the main gate across from our quarters.

I was pleased to leave the place and was posted to Melbourne as Aide De Camp to the Governor of Victoria for two most interesting years in which we toured Victoria and met many visiting heads of state and members of the Royal family etc. It is the most impressive residence in Australia and I was treated like a Prince.

I was promoted to Sqn Ldr in January 1981 and was posted back to 77Sqn which put me in charge of the photo recon flying. One of my pilots had to eject when the undercarriage would not lock down.

For the RAAF Diamond Jubilee Air Show I was given the task of leading a two ship aerobatic team.

We flew out of RAAF Richmond for the Schofields Air Show and the public saw the red white and blue colour scheme for the first time.

The RAAF Diamond Jubilee Air Show was at Amberley on 5th April. We began the display with an opposed take off and hugged the airfield with gear down for an opposed garbage roll before synchronised aeros began. In some manouvres we passed each other at over 1000 kts closing speed.

At the end of that year I was posted to Directorate Air Force Safety and spent three months at USC Norton AFB Campus doing the USAF Flight Safety Officers Course. I investigated three mid air collisions, two of which involved the deaths of each pilot, and I knew them.

For my efforts in this posting I was awarded a AM.

My final posting was CO 77 Squadron on Hornets but I left the RAAF after 20 year’s service. It was a very satisfying and enjoyable career but it was time for me to move on. The people I flew and worked with made it very special and I can certainly state that I have lived a very fortunate life.

Life after RAAF Service.

in 1988 I began a new chapter of my life as a beef cattle grazier.

By 1999, Dungog Shire our local Council had become very unpopular with ratepayers demanding significant change. This prompted me to seek election. I felt compelled to participate and give something back to the community for all the wonderful things I had achieved in my life.

I had seven years as Mayor and two as Deputy; at State level I was Senior Vice President of the Shires Association, and served on two Ministerial Advisory Councils, the NSW Roads and Transport Directorate and numerous other committees.

After dedicating so much time and effort in local government I felt that I should get back on top of my own affairs. So I did not stand for re-election in 2008.

I watched with disdain as the Council gradually lost its way again and was very disappointed. I went back onto Council in 2017 and so we come to the present where I still enjoy helping people through the maze of ever increasing bureaucracy that has become such an essential part of life in Australia and NSW in particular.

I left the RAAF over 32 years ago and I am a member of the fighter branch of the RAAF Association. I have visited RAAF Williamtown many times with young people interested in a flying career and of course Fighter World with family and visitors. One can never lose the effects on your persona of having been a fighter pilot, and nor would I want to.

Listen to Barry relates his stories about Mirage Fighters, and as a Fighter Combat Instructor, Capture his life as on F18 Hornets with carrier qualifications at Strike Fighter Squadron VFA-125, also known as the "Rough Raiders" based at Naval Air Station Lemoore. And then Exchange duties at Marine Corp Air Station El Toro, California.

Listen to his reflections on being a RAAF Hornet low level display pilot.

Then a change of pace as he flies with Cathay Pacific Airways in Hong Kong.

And finally, Boeing E7A Wedgetail pilot trainer.

Bronwyn Marchant - Public Affairs Office, Air Combat Group

Bronwyn gives a motivating account of being new to the Australian Air Force and being an Air Combat Group Public Affairs Officer.

Bronwyn grew up in the small town of Bungendore, NSW. then a largely agricultural community. She attended school/college in Canberra, ACT, graduating in 2011.

After graduating college, she attended the University of Canberra for two years studying Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Finance. At the time she was also employed as a finance officer for a not-for profit organisation. She then made the decision she did not want to pursue a career in finance. Subsequently, she joined the Royal Australian Air Force in 2018 as a Personnel Capability Officer (PCO).

Bronwyn completed her initial officer training at RAAF Base East Sale in 2018 and was posted to Central Flying School, RAAF Base East Sale. She then completed her initial employment training for PCO in Feb 2019 at RAAF School of Administration and Logistics Training at RAAF Base Wagga.

She says one of my highlights during my posting at Central Flying School as the PCO, was when I was fortunate enough to attend the Edinburgh Air Show, Adelaide in November 2019 with the RAAF Roulette Aerobatic team.

In January 2021, Bronwyn was posted to 464 Squadron as the Air Combat Group Public Affairs Officer, based at RAAF Base Williamtown.

John (Truckie) Carr

High Points (and low) of My Flying Life.

Ejection from Mirage at Dutson Weapons Range (fragment Hi Drag Bomb)

First Hornet Qualified Instructor

USS Kittyhawk: Carrier Take offs and Landings

Flew Search and rescue in Qantas to locate successfully 16 yr old Abigail Sunderland in Southern Indian Ocean

Born 1951

1967 Joined the RAAF and trained as an Armanent Fitter. Served in 481 Sqn, 2 OCU, 75 Sqn Butterworth, and Kingswood.

1974 – 92 Pilots Course.

1976 RAAF Williamtown – completed 31 Mirage Course

1976 Posted Butterworth 3 Sqn including Photo Recce Pilot

1978 Posted Williamtown Mirage.

1980 4 Flight Winjeel Pilot – Forward Air Controller

1980/82 Fighter Combat Instructor Course, Instructor 2 Operational Conversion Unit.

1982 United States Navy Marine Exchange Posting Hornet Instructor

1984/86 2 OCU F18 Instructor

1986/2013 Qantas. 747, 767, A330. Check and Training Captain.

2013 Retired from Qantas

SQUADRON LEADER LOUISE BURR

AIRFIELD ENGINEER

Squadron Leader Louise Burr joined the Royal Australian Army in 1998 as an Australian Defence Force Academy cadet. After two years, she transferred to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and graduated with a Bachelor of Civil Engineer (Honours) in 2001.

Louise has served in a range of Combat Support Airfield Engineering (AFENG) roles, Her other AFENG postings have included roles within Airborne Early Warning and Control Systems Project Office (CASG) and Airworthiness Coordination and Policy Agency.

Louise enjoyed a sabbatical in 2007-08 with the Canadian Armed Forces at Cold Lake Air Force Base in Northern Alberta.

During August – November 2018, SQNLDR Burr took Acting Wing Commander rank and commenced a Middle East deployment as Chief Engineer, Headquarters Joint Task Force on Operation ACCORDION.

SQNLDR Burr is now posted to Joint Strike Fighter Branch as the Facilities Project Manager, responsible for a $1.5 billion acquisition budget The project includes new facilities for Numbers 3, 75 and 77 Squadron, 2 Operational Conversion Unit, and runway extensions and Aircraft Arrestor Systems.

Louise is married to Grant Burr, a fellow RAAF officer, and they have three school-aged children. She has many interests such as travelling, baking, yoga, teaching the children to be good humans and managing renovations on their heritage home.

Wing Commander Bob Redman (AKA Rags) joined the RAAF in Aug 67. He was awarded his wings in Dec 68 and was posted to 5 SQN Fairbairn ACT for conversion to Iroquois helicopters (UH-1B/D).

In early 1970 he served with 9 SQN in Vietnam until Apr 1971, including several weeks with the 45th Medevac Company US Army, flying UH-1H ‘Hueys’ from Long Binh. He rejoined 5 SQN at Fairbairn in Jul 71 before rejoining 9 SQN Jan 72 on its move from Vietnam to Amberley QLD. He was mentioned in dispatches for his service in Vietnam.

In Dec 73 he joined the US Navy Test Pilot School at Patuxent River Maryland USA flying a variety of fixed and rotary wing aircraft. He worked as a test pilot in the US Naval Air Test Centre for four months before returning to Aircraft Research and Development Unit at Laverton Vic in Jun 1975.

He completed a flying instructors’ course May 77 on Macchi 326H aircraft at Central Flying School East Sale Vic, instructing at 2FTS Pearce WA until late 1979. He was posted as Commanding Officer Transport Support Flight Butterworth Malaysia in Jan 1980, flying DC3, Caribou transport aircraft and UH-1H helicopters until mid 1982.

WGCDR Redman completed RAAF Command and Staff course in 1985, and the Joint Services Staff Course in 1989. He served in a number of staff positions in Air Force HQ, Defence, RAAF Staff College, and the Pentagon (1986 – 89), before retiring at the end of 1991 and moving to Belmont NSW.

In Nov 96 he commenced full time reserve service in 81Wing HQ at RAAF Williamtown. In Nov 98 he rejoined the RAAF in the same position, primarily to coordinate the transition from the Macchi to the then new Hawk 127. He continued the same duties at the newly formed 78 Wing Williamtown from Jul 2000 until Jul 2002, including planning fast jet training and continued development of the Hawk 127. He was awarded the Conspicuous Service Cross in Jul 2002 for his work at 78 and 81 Wings.

WGCDR Redman was posted to ADF BFTS Tamworth from Jul 2002 as a flying instructor on CT4B and CAP10B aircraft. He retired from the RAAF on 30 Dec 04..

Rags married Shaun in 1972. They have four children, four grandchildren, and two MGs. Rags, Shaun, family and friends built an RV-7 aircraft (VH-YMG) in the family garage.

Current interests are family, friends, keeping the vehicles on the road, and in the air, the RAAF Association, the 9 Squadron RAAF Association, and the Sports Aircraft Association of Australia

Sir Roden Cutler, VC, AK, KCMG, KCVO, CBE was an Australian diplomat, the longest serving Governor of New South Wales and a recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry "in the face of the enemy" that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth armed forces.

Arthur Roden Cutler was born on 24 May 1916. Arthur grew up in the Sydney Harbour suburb of Manly where he attended the Manly Village Public School.

At the age of 15 he was enrolled at Sydney Boys High School.

Throughout his life, he remained a keen supporter of the school, in particular the Cadet Unit of which he was honorary Colonel. He studied economics during the night at the University of Sydney, joining the Sydney University Regiment in 1936.

He enjoyed all sports, especially riding, rifle shooting and water polo, and was awarded a University Blue in swimming. As an 18 year-old lifesaver, he swam to the aid of a surfer who was being circled by a large shark. The shark brushed him twice as he helped the surfer to the beach.

On 10 November 1939, he was commissioned as a lieutenant in the militia. In May 1940, he transferred from the citizen's militia to the Second Australian Imperial Force, receiving a commission in the 2/5th Field Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery, Australian 7th Division.

In 1941, he served with the 2/5th in the Syria-Lebanon Campaign. Between 19 June and 6 July, in the Merd – jay - oun-Damour area of Syria, and as part of the Battle of Merd – jay - oun, Lieutenant Cutler's exploits included:- repairing a telephone line under heavy fire, repulsing enemy tank attacks, setting up an outpost to bring fire to a road used by the enemy and, with a 25-pound field gun, demolishing a post threatening the Australian advance.

Later, during the Battle of Damour, he was seriously wounded and when rescued 26 hours later his leg had to be amputated. Cutler received the Victoria Cross for his actions in the Merdjayoun-Damour area and was medically discharged in 1942.

In the aftermath of a battle in Syria in the early stages of the Second World War, a young Australian lieutenant lay seriously wounded for 26 hours before it was possible to rescue him.

He was invalided home and was invested with the Victoria Cross, while standing on crutches, by the Governor General of Australia, Lord Gowrie, on 11 June 1942.

His Majesty King George the 6th was graciously pleased to approve the award of the VICTORIA CROSS to the under-mentioned, Lieutenant Arthur Roden Cutler, Australian Military Forces. The citation, which is summarised, reads:

‘For conspicuous and sustained gallantry and for outstanding bravery during the bitter fighting at Merd – jay - oun supporting the infantry attack.

He established his OP ahead of the infantry and in the fighting that followed his Bren gunner was killed and Cutler and another man manned the Bren gun and an anti-tank rifle and fought back, driving the enemy infantry away. He had been ordered to establish his OP to register the only road by which enemy transport could enter the town.

An enemy attack was imminent and he was in danger of being cut off. Nevertheless, he registered his battery on the road and enemy posts. He was forced to go to ground but at night made his way back through enemy lines. On 23 June he was in charge of a 25 pounder sent forward to silence an anti-tank gun and post.

This he did and next morning Merdjayoun was captured. Later at Damour on 6 July when our infantry were pinned down by heavy fire, Lieutenant Cutler regardless of all danger went to bring a telephone line to his OP when he was seriously wounded. 26 hours elapsed before rescue necessitating amputation of his leg.

Throughout the campaign this officer’s courage was unparalleled and his work was a big factor in the capture of Merdjayoun’

Those painful and no doubt terrifying hours cost him his right leg, but he survived to collect the Victoria Cross for his conspicuous courage under fire and his inspiring leadership. Yet this was only the beginning of a long and illustrious career of service to others.

Australia, and indeed the world, was to know him as Sir Arthur Roden Cutler, VC, AK, KCMG, KCVO, CBE, prominent diplomat, patron and benefactor of numerous charities and community groups, and longest-serving Governor of New South Wales.

In 1946 Cutler was appointed Australian High Commissioner in New Zealand, and several other diplomatic postings followed, including appointment as Consul-General in New York.

In 1965 he took up the post of Ambassador to the Netherlands, but shortly afterwards was appointed Governor of New South Wales. A tall, handsome, dignified man, Cutler was a royalist, comfortable in a role not yet modernised; he remained a respected and popular governor until his retirement in 1981.

At a special meeting of the Senate held in the Great Hall of Sydney University, on 5 April 1967, the degree of Doctor of Laws (honoris causa) was conferred by the Chancellor, Sir Charles McDonald, upon this University Visitor, His Excellency Sir Arthur Roden Cutler, Governor of New South Wales.

That a man so distinguished and dedicated was accorded the honour of a State funeral, following his death in February 2002, will come as no surprise. Perhaps the only person who might have been taken aback was the man himself.

Many commentators have acknowledged the persistent humility of Sir Roden, a devoted husband and father who brought his special brand of courage to every role in his life.

The State Funeral and Service of Thanksgiving took place on 28 February 2002 at St Andrew’s Cathedral, Sydney.

Crowds of people lined George Street behind hundreds of Australian soldiers standing shoulder-to-shoulder, as the gun carriage bearing Sir Roden’s flag-draped coffin passed slowly by.

A muffled peal of the cathedral bells was rung before the service, conducted by The Most Reverend, Archbishop Harry Goodhew.

Tributes were delivered by New South Wales Premier Bob Carr and by Mr G E Priest, then President of the New South Wales branch of the RSL.

Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir AC, then Governor of New South Wales, and the then Most Reverend Peter Jensen, read the lessons.

After the service, a salute volley was fired when the coffin and its military pallbearers reached George Street.

Sir Roden Cutler fulfilled the role of Governor of New South Wales from 1966 to 1981. An unpretentious boy from Manly became one of his generation’s greatest heroes and never stopped serving his community.

His motto on his coat of arms was ‘Undique Servire’ which translates as ‘Service in All Places’ and indeed he is remembered not only for his great bravery but his outstanding service and compassion to the community.

I have interviewed many famous people but it was indeed a great honour to have been able to interview Sir Roden in his home, shortly before he died.

The interview was aired on Radio 2SM and 2CH in Sydney on an ANZAC DAY.

Part of this interview is shared with you here.

Gareth McCray

John Quaife graduated from No. 112 Pilots Course in September 1981. After an initial posting to the Strike Reconnaissance Group, and a brief tour flying Canberra aircraft, his operational career has focussed on fighter operations; Quaife's initial fighter training was conducted on Mirage IIIO aircraft.

In 1987, Quaife completed F/A-18 Hornet conversion training, and subsequently served with No. 2 Operational Conversion Unit, No 77. Squadron and No. 75 Squadron. He is a Fighter Combat Instructor with in excess of 2000 hours fighter experience and from 1996 to 1998, Quaife commanded No. 77 Squadron.[2]

Between 1992 and 1994, Quaife served as a fast jet specialist officer in the Force Development Directorate of the Australian Defence Headquarters, primarily in developing the proposal for the acquisition of Hawk aircraft for Lead-in Fighter training. In 1999, Air Vice Marshal Quaife returned to that headquarters as the Director of Aerospace Combat Development.

During 2001, Quaife directed the Air Combat Group project. In this role he directed a small team that planned the amalgamation of RAAF fast jet operations into a single Force Element Group. In January 2002, he was appointed to command the newly created Air Combat Group. During his tenure, Air Combat Group units deployed for Operations Slipper and Falconer.[3]

In January 2004, Quaife was appointed the RAAF's first permanent Joint Force Air Component Commander. In this appointment he was responsible for developing Air Operations Centre functionality within the Australian Theatre air component. Between December 2004 and April 2005, Air Vice Marshal Quaife served as the director of the United States Combined Air Operations Centre, where he was responsible for orchestrating coalition air power in both Iraq and Afghanistan.

Johnn Quaife was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in the 2004 Australia Day Honours.[4] He was promoted to the rank of Air Vice Marshal in June 2005, and appointed as Air Commander Australia. In August 2007, he accepted the appointment of Head of Capability Systems. He held this position until his retirement from the Air Force in 2008.[1]

Air Vice-Marshal RB (Bob) Treloar, AO (Ret’D) Huey and Fast Jet Driver

Bob Treloar graduated as an RAAF Pilot in February 1968.

He then served in South Vietnam with No 9 Squadron 1969-70, flying Huey helicopters in support of the Australian Task Force including:

• aeromedical evacuations,
• dust-off extractions of wounded personnel;
• insertion and extraction of SAS patrols;
• combat assaults;
• gunship operations,
• people sniffers, and
• psyops,

He was mentioned-in-despatches for action in Vietnam.

He was posted to fighters including overseas postings to Butterworth, Malaysia with Nos 75 and 3 Squadrons flying Mirages. He commanded the RAAF’s first operational F/A-18 Squadron. He subsequently commanded the Integrated Air Defence System at Butterworth Malaysia.

He was Commander Australian Theatre 1999-2001.

After retirement in 2001, he served on the ADF Airworthiness Board for 15 years.

He also served as a councillor with the Royal United Services Institute of New South Wales from 2002 until 2013, was President for three years, and remains a councillor emeritus of the Institute.

Bob joined the NSW Centenary of ANZAC Advisory Council on its formation in 2012, and within the Council chaired the History Committee responsible for the development a publishing of NSW and the Great War, a social and military history of New South Wales during the WW I period.

He was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 1988 and promoted to Officer of the Order in 2000.

Michael joined the RAAF in APR 2016 as an aircraft technician and after training was posted in JUL 17 to 2OCU, where he still is today. He has been trained on the F18 and the F35, participated in four pilot operational conversion courses and one fighter combat instructor course, which was partly carried out in both Townsville and Darwin giving him the opportunity to travel around Australia.

In 2019 He was able to go to Mildura for 2OCU’s anniversary and engage with the locals as well as military veterans and families.

He has been away with ADF sport and participated in Clay Target Shooting at both a local ADF level in 2017, 18 and 19 (2020 was affected by COVID) and a national level. H qualified to shoot in the ADF national team at the Australian national shoot.

In the future, he wants to gain an Engineering degree and, in turn, be commissioned. He would like a career in the RAAF as an engineer.

Introducing LESLEY GENT OAM

Lesley whilst having never been in the Air Force is part of the Air Force “fabric”, as have been officers, airman and families since 1921.

She grew up in Country NSW. After schooling, she moved to Sydney and worked at David Jones as a Press Relations Officer. A most exciting job. Maharaja of Mysore, Rolling Stones, Tony Bennett, Tom Jones

Her Father was Superintendent of Police in the North Eastern District: he had been Mounted Police. In Newcastle she accompanied her father to the Winter Ball at RAAF Williamtown . This is where she met her future husband Garry: he was in a striking uniform and was walking around with a bottle of Champagne under his arm. She and Garry were married the following December(1969).

Her first encounter with the hierarchy of the RAAF was when the Commanding Officer’s wife invited her and another new wife for afternoon tea. She was “lectured” formally on her responsibility to her husband and to the RAAF. Lesley says she adhered to these requirement, within reason, until Garry retired. He has always maintained he didn’t know what hit him that day.

Lesley believes conditions have improved enormously over the years for families of servicemen and women. In the 70s/80s, she visited the airmen’s homes on numerous occasions, and found it hard to believe the poor conditions.

Garry served 30 years in the RAAF and then they went farming!! The Rural Fire Brigade was one of Lesley’s main interests and she spent many years on the Education Advisory Panel.

She was talked into being Researcher/Secretary/Treasurer of 77 Squadron Association, and then Fighter Squadrons Branch. During this time she worked solidly in support of veterans and their families. She had close contact with 77 Squadron RAF and wrote a book for them “Killed in Service”.

Lesley now provides all the research for Air Force Association NSW. For example her current work is trying to locate the family of Flight Sergeant Kenneth Morrison killed whilst piloting Halifax JD126 over Arum, Holland on 10 July 1943.

And so her Air Force associated life continues – just differently

Introducing Wing Commander (ret) Matt Hall.

“Since he was old enough to notice planes, Matt Hall wanted to be a pilot. Flying with his dad in a glider, making models at home and meeting officers of the Air Force fuelled his ambition. So when he was accepted for RAAF pilot training, a dream come true.

From the rigours of his first job in aviation as an F/A-18 Hornet pilot, to combat over Iraq in the Battle of Baghdad to his post Air Force career as a professional air racer, Matt has survived near-fatal situations.

Graduated as a RAAF pilot in Jul 92

Posted to Fighters: 77 Sqn and 3 Sqn.

Completed FCI course and graduated Dux

Posted to instruct at No 2 Operational Conversion Unit

Posted to USA on F15E exchange duties, including combat operations in Iraq.

Posted back to 2 OCU for chief instructor for Fighter Combat Instructors Course

Then posted as 3 Sqn Executive Officer.

Retired in Jan 2009 to start racing and became the first Australian ever to compete in the Red Bull Air Race World Championships, the fastest motorsport series on the planet, and finished the season third overall to become the first rookie in history to end his debut season on the podium. Matt has since won seven rounds of the race and finished runner-up in the world title standings three times. Last year he trumped all of that when he became Australia’s first and only Red Bull Air Race World Champion.

While he is taking a break from racing, he has started a Corporate Aviation business, and an Aircraft Maintenance business, based out of his own airfield at Lake Macquarie.

He’s also the author of the biography The Sky Is Not The Limit.

Wing Commander Grant Burr

Joined the RAAF in 1996.

2001-2004, he was as a line fighter pilot during which time he deployed to fly combat missions in Iraq as part of Operation Falconer. He then was on exchange with the Canadian Forces.

In 2009, he was appointed Executive Officer 77 Squadron and focused his time on ensuring the Squadron’s junior aircrew maintained a camaraderie and passion for fighter flying.

Returning to Canada in 2012, he completed the Canadian Forces Command and Staff Course. He was next posted as Deputy Director Joint Strike Fighter Transition Team. 2015 saw him deployed on Operation Okra in the Middle East. In 2016, he became Commanding Office 77 Sqn, then returning to OKRA as leader of 77SQN combat missions 2017. He currently serves on the Officer Aviation Specialist Stream in Air Combat Group.

His conversion training to F-35A commences in 2021.

Air Vice Marshal (retired) John Kindler AO, AFC

As an RAAF fighter pilot and qualified test pilot, John has flown 35 different types of aircraft, but mainly the F-86 Sabre, the Mirage IIIO and the F/A-18 Hornet. He held Squadron, Wing and Group command positions in fighter operations. John was appointed Air Commander Australia in March 2000. He was responsible for the operational training & employment of some 10,000 Air Force combat personnel and the RAAF’s fleet of combat aircraft. John has co-chaired Australia’s Defence Force Airworthiness Boards & was Chairman of the Board of Newcastle Airport Limited. He also advises Pratt and Whitney Military Engines on Defence industry and acquisition policy. John had the unusual distinction of ejecting from a Mirage on 2 separate occasions!

Wing Commander (retired) Ron Haack

Wing Commander retired Ron Haack joined the Air Force in 1970. He thought progression to Astronaut was through fast jet and test pilot qualifications and that is exactly what he did, except for the Astronaut bit. His fast jet experience was mainly Mirage and F18 Hornet. His test pilot career began with the Empire Test Pilot School at Boscombe Down, and eventually included flying the first flights of most RAAF Hornets as they rolled off the assembly line.

His Test Flying sojourn was full of exciting and dangerous moments of which he tells many stories which make your hair stand on end.

Since 2003, Grant Biles has been a Armament Technician on the F18 Classic Hornet.

Big job considering the number of times the Hornet has been called upon to perform under pressure. Almost like being on the Pit Crew in a Grand Prix.

In this Podcast, he speaks with Gareth McCray about his life helping to keep the F18 in the air and the deployments he has been on including a sojourn in the Middle East.

A very interesting and humble man.

Flight Lieutenant Emily Willis, Fighter Pilot. Emily joined the Australian Defence Force in 2011 as a General Service Officer under an Aviation Cadetship and graduated with a flying posting to the Defence Force Basic Flying Training School (BFTS). Finishing BFTS, she joined the RAAF as a pilot and continued training at 2 Flying Training School. She graduated to join 2 Operaional Conversion Unit in December 2017 and was then posted to F18s at 77SQN, Williamtown.

Emily relates here how her career as an Air Force fighter pilot has developed and what a ball she is having including one on one with the F35.

Find out with Emily what it is like to be a current day Fighter Pilot

Sister Joan LOUTIT, 2nd M.A.E.T.U. (Medical Air Evacuation Unit) R.A.A.F.

Sadly Mrs Joan Patterson formerly Sister Joan LOUTIT passed away on Sept 11th 2018

A note from Joan: Friends were talking about V. J. Day and what we were doing when the Japanese surrendered in World War II. Some were at school, some went to a ball - I said I was in the Pacific Islands, nursing and flying battle-casualties back to Australia! Someone said that would make an interesting talk...

So Joan gave some talks part of which are read for you in this Podcast.

For personnel at RAAF Base Williamtown a low-flying F-35A Lightning II is hardly a remarkable sight, but a low pass conducted on August 28 held great significance for Wing Commander Darren Clare.

It was his last flight before handing over command of No. 3 Squadron.

Having flown more than 350 hours in the F-35A, Wing Commander Clare was not only one of the first RAAF pilots selected to transition to the 5th Generation platform but was also selected as the commanding officer of the first Australian squadron to receive the aircraft – an honour he said was one of the most exciting moments in his career.

In this Podcast, Wing Commander Clare talks about his F35 flying experiences.

Wing Commander retired Jim Treadwell AFC OAM, a highly qualified and experienced Air Force pilot and leader. He flew fighters for most of his life including Meteors, Sabres and Mirages.

Jim talks about highlights of his career while taking part in the first Sabre Ferry to Butterworth, Malaya, flying on operations during the Malayan Emergency, deploying to Ubon, Thailand as part of the air defence of Thailand during the Vietnam War and then also serving during Indonesian Confrontation.

In 1977 he resigned from the Air Force to become a farmer.

23 January 1979! A momentous day would bring complete strangers together in strange circumstances. As with all many momentous events, there was no inkling as to how the day would unfold. The people involved were Ron Mitchell, Pete Ring and Col Tomlinson.

A statement from Pete: Having returned from leave, I was scheduled for a Check Ride in a Huey. Ron Mitchell, the QFI checking me out was very experienced, a bloody good pilot and a nice all-round bloke. I was anticipating enjoying the check ride.

A statement from Col, an A4 Skyhawk Pilot: Next came the great opening shock of the chute. The ballistic spreader, now incorporated in the seat, threw the risers out instantaneously and I slowed from 260 KTS to zero in approximately half a second.

Col and Pete are being interviewed for the Podcast. Below is some background for them. You will hear more about Ron's role during the Podcast.

Col Tomlinson. Col was a private pilot 1969 to 1974 and then joined the Fleet Air Arm, flying Macchi and A4G Skyhawks. He became a Qualified Flying Instructor and Instrument Rating Examiner. In 1979, he ejected from a Skyhawk and landed in rough country near Braidwood NSW. Here he met Peter Ring. In 1983, after the Fleet Air Arm disbanded its Fighters as a result of decommissioning its aircraft carrier, he joined the RAAF and trained on Mirage III however as his back was damaged during his ejection he discontinued and went on to flying Caribous. In 1986 he joined Qantas, flying Boeing 747 2/3/400 Series.

Peter Ring AM AFC began his Air Force life as a fighter pilot, then Fighter Combat Instructor flying mainly F86 Sabres and Mirage III. In the 1960’s he was deployed to Ubon, Thailand and Malaysian Confrontation. Later, he was posted as Commanding Officer of 5 Sqn operating Huey’s for 4 years, including deployment to the United Nations Emergency Force in the Sinai Desert. Resigning in 1981 he became a sheep farmer. He branched out to provide privately funded Change Programs for Youth and Corporate Programs to Accelerate Business Performance. The programs were conducted using an experiential approach developed by Peter that improved “feet on the ground” self leadership. Currently, Peter is Secretary of the Air Force Association NSW, a Board Member of Wings Magazine, and a Committee Member of Fighter Squadrons Branch, Air Force Association NSW.

Dr Ron Houghton, 96 yrs young relates his WWII experience as a Bomber Command Pilot and later in commercial aviation. Ron joined the RAAF Reserve in May 1942 and after training in Australia, was posted to an Advanced Flying Unit (AFU) in the UK. Ron flew Halifax bombers with No.102 Squadron RAF, and fondly remembers a particular petrol run he undertook from Yorkshire to Brussels after Brussels was liberated. His squadron was tasked with delivering some eighty jerry cans of petrol to the fuel starved British army in Belgium. On completion of Bomber Command operations, Ron was posted to Fighter Command and flew Spitfires/Hurricanes. Ron continued flying until the end of the war, and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in May 1945 for 'skill and fortitude in operations against the enemy'. Upon discharge in November 1945, Ron joined Qantas, eventually working his way up to executive level. After leaving Qantas, Ron worked with several Asian airlines. He then completed a PhD in aeronautical engineering at Sydney University, eventually becoming an Honorary Associate. Ron currently serves as President of the Bomber Command Association of Australia. Ron recalls the mateship that formed in crews and he has kept in touch with his Bomber Command crew throughout the years.