With the Duke of Edinburgh's pennant already flying from the front window, a 34SQN member prepares to marshal the Falcon into position on the Roma hardstand.

Being a country town 600 km west of Brisbane, things are fairly quiet in Roma most days - until something out of the ordinary happens and the Duke of Edinburgh comes to town.

For three No. 34 Squadron Maintenance Flight members, a recent trip to Roma to support the Duke's Falcon 900 aircraft proved a memorable experience.

Dropped into Roma by Falcon 900 the previous day, Flight Lieutenant Chris Ellison, Corporal Leeton Webb and Leading Aircraftman Niels Verhaar broke out their cleanest sets of white overalls to provide the public - and His Royal Highness - with a professional and effective service for which the RAAF has become famous.

The ground crew was on site to provide a refuel and flight service, and with the Duke only in Roma for a whirlwind three-hour visit, to see to any technical problems.

With both technicians vying for the job of marshalling in the Duke's aircraft, the decision was left to an old-fashioned coin toss. LAC Verhaar appropriately called for the Queen's head and won the role.

The Duke's Falcon manoeuvred into position on the tarmac and the guest of honour duly disembarked to be met by the official party.

As the Duke departed to officially open 'The Big Rig', meet 1000-plus Roma locals and attend a civic reception, the three maintainers were happy to discover no 'unserviceabilities' to rectify.

The maintainers got to work on refueling and a turn-around servicing so the jet could again be ready for launch, while LACs Brad Milner and Craig Rowland of RAAF Security Police Section Fairbairn stood guard.

Right on time, the Duke arrived back at Roma Aerodrome, embarked on the Falcon and took off for Brisbane.

However, only minutes later, the motorcade and civilian security staff again prepared for action as the aircraft reappeared and began its descent.

Police officers prepared for the worst and the driver of the royal vehicle hurriedly returned the royal flag and plates to their original positions.

They were clearly not aware that as soon as Prince Philip had departed, another 34SQN Falcon was scheduled to collect the Air Force crew, taking them back to Brisbane following their valuable contribution to the Royal visit.

34SQN would particularly like to thank Elwyn and John of the Roma Town Council for their assistance at Roma Aerodrome and the people of Roma for their hospitality.

Story and photographs by FLTLT Chris Ellison and the Western Star