Eagle lands in Stan's hand

FSGT Stan Szczygiel with Chief of Air Force, AIRMSHL Angus Houston and Rolls-Royce President-Defence Aerospace, Colin Green, after receiving his prestigious award. Photograph by SGT W. Guthrie

The Rolls-Royce 'Eagle' Trophy has a new home - in the hands of Royal Australian Air Force Flight Sergeant Stan Szczygiel.

Established in 1996 to recognise outstanding achievement in the technical and maintenance fields of the Air Force, the 'Eagle' was presented by Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Angus Houston at a dinner held in Canberra on 19 November.

Awarding the trophy and a Chief of Air Force Commendation, AIRMSHL Houston read a citation, which praised FSGT Szczygiel's 'steadfast commitment to the pursuit of excellence as FSGT in charge of avionics modifications in the Modifications Section at Air Lift Systems Project Office'.

'Technically, you have demonstrated a superior understanding and knowledge of the numerous and highly complex avionics systems associated with the C-130H aircraft. Your expert advice is consistently sought from personnel of all levels, both internal and external to the organisation,' he said.

'You have responded to this dynamic and challenging environment admirably, maintaining flawless levels of professionalism and excellence.'

'Your significant engineering contribution, combined with your outstanding personal qualities presents a superior example and reflects great credit on yourself and the Royal Australian Air Force.'

Rolls-Royce President-Defence Aerospace, Colin Green, who flew from London for the trophy presentation, reaffirmed the Chief's words. 'We are delighted to see Stan is able to live up to the fine standard of his predecessors.'

Humbled and more than a little surprised to learn he'd won one of the most coveted awards in his field, FSGT Szczygiel was still obviously moved, less than a week later, at the dinner in his honour.

After accepting the 'Eagle', he was quick to assure the intimate crowd his success was the result of a team effort.

'This award is a feather in my cap but I wonder what I have done that is so special,' FSGT Szczygiel said. 'I was just doing my job to the best of my ability.'

'I feel this trophy is a team effort for our section - we draw on each others' experience and knowledge.'

FSGT Szczygiel, based at Richmond, also dedicated the award to his wife Fiona for her unwavering support. 'This is for my wife too, for I couldn't do my job without her support.'

During the award ceremony, AIRMSHL Houston spoke of the strong relationship between the Air Force and Rolls-Royce which began at the RAAF's commencement in 1921 with the Eagle engine, the engine represented in the Rolls-Royce 'Eagle' Trophy.

'There is a long line of very famous Rolls-Royce engines in our aircraft and since 1995, Rolls-Royce are also powering our transport and maritime patrol aircraft,' he said. 'Many of us here tonight are aircrew and are testament to the reliability of Rolls-Royce technology.'

The evening was hosted by Rolls-Royce Director (Aust) Air Commodore Ian Ashbrook (Ret'd). Other guests included Deputy Chief of Air Force, Air Vice-Marshal Chris Spence, former Deputy Chief of Air Force now Head Strategic Command, Air Vice-Marshal Alan Titheridge, Head of Aerospace Systems Division, Air Vice-Marshal Ray Conroy and the Air Commander Australia, Air Vice-Marshal John Kindler and their wives.

By Rebecca Codey