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Five top RAN airmen go to Paris show
By LEUT Eugene Cleary
Volume 50, No. 14, August 09, 2007 |
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| Above: LEUT Eugene Cleary in front of the air frame he hopes to fly one day, the Eurocopter MRH-90. |
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| PARIS PUTS ON A SHOW: The RAN team at the Paris International Air Show with LCDR Houda, USN, in front of his F/A 18 E/F Super Hornet. |
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Five members of the RAN Fleet Air Arm took up the opportunity to attend the Paris International Air Show in June.
A sailor from each of the four squadrons was chosen in recognition of exceptional performance.
POATA Steven Atkins, 816 Squadron; LSATA Scott Anderson, 805 Squadron; LSATA Matthew Decean, 817 Squadron; and LSATA Glenn Norman, 723 Squadron were joined by LEUT Eugene Cleary, 817 Squadron.
On show were some of the latest military and civilian aircraft, including future prospective ADF aircraft, such as the Eurocopter MRH 90 and Tiger, the McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) F/A 18 E/F Super Hornet, and the Northrop Grumman KC 30 tanker.
The show also included spectacular flying displays by the Airbus A380, Eurocopter’s Tiger and the Bell Agusta 609 Tilt Rotor.
The RAN team was often stopped and engaged by people who were keen to meet Australian servicemen and exchange stories, experiences and rugby scores.
Eager to make the most of their visit to France, the group dedicated a day trip to Normandy.
LSATA Norman was moved by the experience.
“To me, the memorial at Omaha Beach was amazing,” he said.
“Words and pictures can’t describe it.”
“It’s just a place you have to see and feel for yourself.
“How those rangers fought and won at the cliffs of Pointe Du Hoc was impressive.”
For LSATA Matthew “Frenchy” Decean, the day trip was also a chance to visit the home town of his forefathers, Caen, which is inland from the eastern-most landings conducted on D-Day. |
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