ONE plane, a few jokes and a formal ceremony marked the beginning of six new Pilot Officers’ careers in the Air Force as Air Traffic Controllers at RAAF Base East Sale.
About 60 people attended the graduation ceremony on Wednesday, December 6, marked by a flyover by an EA-18G Growler going at about 300 km/h.
The plane is stationed in Whitton, New South Wales, but was flown in specifically for this ceremony by Flight Lieutenant Sam Whittle, who said the day reminded him of his graduation ceremony.
“The last time I was in Sale was six years ago, and that was when I graduated after training,” he said.
“It’s a weird experience coming back, but I understand all the hard work (the graduates have) gone through.
“We’re here to support the graduation, mark the occasion and recognise the hard work that all the students have done to graduate.”
The six graduates walked to the ceremony, led by Flight Lieutenant Grant Soutar, and stood in a line while the band played music.
Then, a silver Holden Commodore drove in, and reviewing officer Air Commodore Robert Graham stepped out and inspected the graduates as the band played Waltzing Matilda. Air Commodore Graham then gave a speech congratulating the graduates.
Air Commodore Graham said he has been in the Air Force for 33 years and that graduates may have a similar length of career there.
“The Air Force is an excellent career, as is any job in the Australian Defence Force (ADF). There are many varied and important roles, and I would recommend it to anyone,” he said.
In addition to the graduation certificates, two awards were presented: the School of Air Traffic Control Defence Values Award, which was won by Flying Officer Maddison Zlateff, and the Gary Haynes Award, which was won by Flying Officer Natalia Smorawinska.
Flying Officer Smorawinska, who will be posted in Darwin, said the award was to commend her for having the highest aggregate marks. She also said the training process was difficult, but rewarding.
“It feels good to have your hard work recognised and be noticed because it’s a very tough course,” she said.
“I’m excited to work with hard-working people who have the same goals as me.”
Afterwards, Air Commodore Graham gave a final speech reminding the graduates of their responsibilities.
“It cannot be overemphasised. The integral role that those close to graduating play in the success of our defence,” he said.
“The responsibilities that come with service life are not to be underestimated, and we simply cannot do the jobs we do without the unwavering understanding, encouragement and support of those we love.”
Wing Commander Peter Clark is the Commanding Officer of the school’s Air Traffic Control, and said he was proud of the development of these students.
“This course is probably one of the most mentally challenging courses in the ADF, but it looks like we’ve got the right people,” he said.
“They’ve been working hard for the last four years, and I’m sure they feel a real sense of achievement and relief.
“They are a fantastic young bunch, and we’re proud to have them in the Royal Australian Air Force.”
Although these graduates spent the last nine months in Sale, they will soon be posted around Australia, spending their next few years around the pinnacle of human engineering and weaponry.
