Navigator dies in RAF crash

FORMER member of the RAAF, Flight Lieutenant Paul Pardoel died in Iraq on January 30 when a RAF Hercules crashed about 40 kilometres northwest of Baghdad.

FLTLT Pardoel served a distinguished career as a C- 130 navigator in the RAAF, most recently with the School of Air Navigation at RAAF Base East Sale in 2002, before resigning and transferring to the RAF.

He started his training as a navigator at East Sale before spending time with both No. 36 and 37 Squadrons as part of the Air Lift Group at RAAF Base Richmond.

CAF Air Marshal Angus Houston said throughout his Air Force career, FLTLT Pardoel “showed incredible commitment, professionalism and dedication, and he made us proud”.

“He will be sadly missed by all of his friends in the ADF and all who commanded him,” Air Marshal Houston said.

FLTLT Pardoel was 35 and married with three young children.

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