NEW Defence personnel – including those from RAAF Amberley – have deployed to New Caledonia to help stranded Aussies evacuate from the riot-torn country.
Leading Aircraftman Keo Harris, 29, from the Gold Coast, has been in the RAAF for six years and only recently posted into the new Aircraft Security Operations Unit at Amberley.
This mission will be his first operating in an evacuation handling centre.
“It’s been good to see how the team functions when it’s stood up in a crisis,” Leading Aircraftman Harris said.
“It’s been great to see the team come together and work as one team to achieve the goal.”
He said he wanted new experiences and to discover where he could best use his skills.
“I don’t know exactly what to expect but I feel well equipped after the planning sessions we’ve had for what’s to come,” he said.
Island country New Caledonia is currently in a state of emergency, with a nationwide curfew in place between 6pm and 6am, and its international airport is closed.
Officer in Charge of the contingent is Flight Lieutenant Thomas Rogers, of 383 Squadron, and his Second-In-Charge is Flight Sergeant Jason Smart
Flight Sergeant Smart was in the RAAF 22 years before working in the defence industry for 15 years, and then returning to service two years ago.
“There are many unknowns with this mission and the challenge is to remain agile, not get locked into specifics – timings, things or tasks – because everything is subject to change,” he said.
“The term I use with my team is, ‘embrace the chaos and enjoy the ride’.
“Control the things you can and that’s your attitude.
“Get that right and you’re prepared for a successful outcome.”
- Dylan Kramer, 23, joined the RAAF last year, and this mission is his first deployment.
He is ground crew and said he was excited to be part of the Mobile Air Load Team.
“It was very short notice for us,” he said.
“We were given 24 hours’ notice to move so it was pretty cool to pack up and be ready to go for whatever comes,” Aircraftman Kramer said.
“My goal for this mission would be to be able to help people; I’m really excited for the opportunity.
“It’s my first trip. It’s a big privilege to be able to be here and be able to contribute.”
