RAAFie embarks on new phase

FLTLT Darren Jones (centre) is all smiles with WGCDR Stephen Fielder and SGT Mark Eatts at HMAS Cerberus on graduation day.

Thirteen years to the day that Flight Lieutenant Darren Jones graduated from No. 41 Radio Apprentice Course at the School of Radio RAAF Laverton, he embarked on a new phase of his Royal Australian Air Force career.

FLTLT Jones graduated from Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) with First Class Honors as an Electrical Engineer and was posted to ARDU, EW Squadron this year.

He was one of the first serving RAAF members to graduate with RMIT Navy engineering students at HMAS Cerberus.

While studying at RMIT under the civilian schooling scheme, FLTLT Jones became an active member of the Navy mess with undergraduates studying at RMIT. As a mark of appreciation for his support, FLTLT Jones was asked to graduate with the Navy students.

Among the special guests at FLTLT Jones' graduation were his commanding officer, Wing Commander Stephen Fielder, Headquarters Training Command/Directorate of Training, and his close friend, Sergeant Mark Eatts.

SGT Eattes, who now instructs RAAF trainees at Engineering Flight HMAS Cerberus, also graduated as a radio apprentice on 7 December 1988.