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Cadets take to the sky
By FLGOFF Eamon Hamilton
Volume 50, No. 16, September 06, 2007 |
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Over 150 cadets from units between Canberra and Grafton congregated at RAAF Base Williamtown on July 21 for Exercise Airborne.
Far from the Air Force trying to steal the Navy’s next generation of new recruits, it was an opportunity for the cadets to experience first-hand the capabilities of a fellow service.
Almost half of the cadets were flown in from RAAF Base Richmond onboard a C-130J, which then conducted shuttle flights from Williamtown throughout the day.
Packed nervously in the back of the Hercules, many of the cadets made their first flight on board a military aircraft, or indeed any aircraft, including LS Cadet Lachlan Keating, of TS Tobruk in Newcastle.
He was one of the lucky few to experience the best view in the house: the ‘jumpseat’ in the cockpit, seated between the two pilots.
The aircraft captain, FLTLT Adam Turner, was an ex-Navy cadet, having been at TS Albatross in Wollongong before joining the Navy and serving on HMA ships Melbourne and Newcastle. He transferred to the RAAF in 1997.
The cadets were able to relish the view of Newcastle and the Central Coast from 1000 feet, with the C-130J opening its back ramp to offer an impressive vista of the coastline.
They were also given a guided tour of a 77SQN F/A-18 Hornet, courtesy of US Navy exchange pilot, LT James Legeman.
Cadet Officer LEUT Adam Lysle said the day was about providing a unique opportunity and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. “We have never done this before and knew that it was a mammoth task.” he said.
“TS Nepean at Penrith is close to RAAF Richmond and has been lucky enough to strike a relationship with 37 SQN. We have the highest respect and admiration for the absolute professionalism of the crew of the C130 Hercules and the Air Movements personnel at both RAAF Richmond and RAAF Williamtown.”
Cadet PO Craig Perrin from TS Condamine said: “We had a mad time. I am looking forward to joining the ADF as a pilot and this opportunity has sealed the deal for me”.
Cadet AB Joshua Knight of TS Nepean said “my brother is in the Air Force Cadets and he is spewing that I get to go up in a Herc before he does”.
“He’s going to come and join the Navy Cadets now.” |
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