Pearce celebrates success

All smiles after being awarded the Pearce Annual Team Award are Transfield Aircraft Refuellers (from left) Kelly Groat, Tony D'Arcy, Mark Waddingham, Ian Coles, Wayne D'Arcy, Hugh Crawford, Keith Barron, Ron Thomas, Jed Avezzu and Dave Price.

Following a hectic 2001, the achievements and accomplishments of RAAF Base Pearce and its personnel were recognised at a special parade in December.

Base Commander, Group Captain Wayne Johnston, presented Defence Long Service Medals to Flight Sergeant Stephen Lippinkhof (ADFRU-P) and Corporal Desmond Rogers (386ECSS).

GPCAPT Johnston also took the opportunity to reflect on an action-packed 12 months, attributing the success the Base had experienced largely to its personnel, both uniformed and civilian.

Appropriately, the inaugural Pearce Annual Awards, including the Shire of Gingin Trophy and the City of Swan Award, were presented as part of the parade.

Sponsored by the Shire of Gingin, the Shire of Gingin Trophy was awarded to the most proficient employee (Corporal or equivalent and below) who had consistently performed at an exceptional level throughout the year.

CPL Kirsty Chambers (CSIO-P, Photographic Services) was the deserving recipient - the trophy a fitting recognition of her professional photography skills, efficiency and effectiveness in meeting a wide range of customer needs.

Examples of CPL Chambers' proven ability to 'capture the moment' and her air-to-air photographic skills have been displayed in many Pearce flying squadrons and messes, as well as the HQTC web page. She also videoed last year's tri-Service ANZAC Day Dawn Ceremony held at Albany, which was later used by Channel 10 News.

In addition to her daily tasks, CPL Chambers was often required to perform photographic tasks outside of normal working hours, including Australian Air Force Cadet activities, Executive Stretch exercises, No. 25 Squadron (RAAFAR) activities, weekend parades and presentations. Gingin Shire president Greg Morton presented the perpetual trophy.

The City of Swan Award, given to the most proficient team (unit/section) at RAAF Pearce, went to the Transfield Aircraft Refuellers, for providing refuelling services to a significant amount of aircraft, including a number of unscheduled deployments.

Transfield was recognised for its prompt, professional and friendly service that was directed at meeting customers' needs. Their high level of service was reflected in positive comments from both local crews and deployed units visiting Pearce.

The 'can-do' attitude of the Transfield Aircraft Refuellers played a significant role in RAAF Base Pearce meeting the operational demands of the ADF.

Chief Executive Officer of the City of Swan, the award's sponsor, Eric Lumsden, presented the award to Ian Coles who accepted it on behalf of the winners.

By WOFF Nelson Rapp