Thirty-three years, one deployment
Series of firsts in MEAO for long-serving LOGO

By CPL Simone Liebelt
Volume 48, No. 5, April 6, 2006

SQNLDR Andrew Williamson gestures one, for the number of times he’s been deployed since joining the Air Force in 1972.

Photo by CPL Simone Liebelt

OPERATION Catalyst is a first for SQNLDR Andrew Williamson - the first time he’s been deployed since joining the Air Force more than 33 years ago.
No wonder he’s so happy about it.

“I was ecstatic when I received the phone call asking me to go on deployment, because it took me so long to get here,” he said. “I just couldn’t wait.”

He said at age 57, he knew his time was running out and he needed to give himself the best chance of being selected.

“I tried very hard to keep fit and also pushed to get posted to an operational unit, because all my previous postings had been to non-deployable units,” he said.

“This opportunity was even more exciting because I’m on an age extension, so it’s been an excellent way to finish off my career.

“It’s been a real buzz to be here because for so long I’ve been around people who have been on a deployment and now it’s happened to me.”

The logistics officer from RAAF Base Tindal – who was in the Reserves from 1982-1997 – received his Australian Active Service Medal (AASM) in Baghdad on Remembrance Day in what was a very memorable event.

“My father and uncle were both in the Air Force in World War II, and I was the only one in my family to follow in their footsteps, so I was really pleased to be able to continue the tradition,” he said.

“It took many years, but I finally received my AASM, and it was an extremely proud moment for me, especially because it was presented on such a significant day.”

Another first for SQNLDR Williamson was competing in a festive Coalition race as part of his fitness regime.

“It was the first time I’ve ever gone in a 10km race on Christmas Day, especially up against about 100 American runners,” he said. “It was a very unique Christmas morning; waking up at 5.30am to race around Al Faw Palace and Lost Lake, but it was all part of the fun of spending Christmas Day in the Middle East.”

He said he was very happy with his time of 49.1 minutes, considering he was in the 40 plus age division, and the overall winner finished in about 43 minutes.

“I run about 7km every day and people think I’m crazy, but I really enjoy it because it’s my relaxation and it also keeps me fit and slim. I’ve maintained my fitness the whole time I’ve been here, which I’m quite proud of because when I arrived it was above 40 degrees (Celsius).

“I’ve never experienced heat and sandstorms like that before in my life; I’d step outside at 6am and the heat would burn my face; you just can’t describe that sort of heat. Winter has been a great relief and it’s a nice change to be able to run in the cold instead.”

He plans to apply for another age extension when he returns to Australia.

“I don’t want to retire yet, I’m having too much fun,” he said.

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