Turning the engine over the hard way is Air Force vehicle mechanic Sergeant Terry Cooney who is serving with the Australian Defence Force on the Pacific island of Bougainville. Photo by WO2 Al Green, 1JPAU(P)

MANY Air Force personnel have deployed to Bougainville as part of the Peace Monitoring Group (PMG), with Sergeant Terry Cooney being among the most recent to arrive at Loloho.

Sgt Cooney, who is posted to 1st Combat Logistics Squadron in Townsville, said before deploying he was the SNCO in charge of vehicle maintenance working alongside airfield engineers.

"I've only been in Bougainville for two weeks but I'm really enjoying my deployment so far," he said.

"My position as the workshop sergeant means I work hand in hand with the Artificer Sergeant Major to supervise the locally-employed civilians.

"In addition to that we carry out maintenance on PMG vehicles.

"The relationship between the PMG and the locals is very good. They make you feel welcome from day one and they are extremely hard working."

He said the Bougainvilleans working alongside the PMG's vehicle maintenance section were very friendly.

"They are all interested in knowing where you come from and what your background is - they are really keen to share your experiences," he said.

"A lot of locals are employed by the PMG and we train them in vehicle maintenance and other trade skills - it helps win the hearts and minds of the locals and also assists in the peace process."

He said because Australia had a better education system than Bougainville, the locals appreciated the PMG personnel passing on their knowledge.

"I have been teaching the guys about automotive air-conditioning, and in this climate air-conditioning is obviously an advantage," SGT Cooney said.

"The most rewarding experience I've had so far was when there was a problem with the C130 after it dropped off the most recent PMG members - we had the pressure put on us to get the Mack out there to fix the problem.

"We achieved our goal and the plane flew off safely."

Sgt Cooney said a bonus about working in Bougainville was getting a chance to gain an understanding of the culture.

"Actually getting to know some of the local guys on a personal level is great."

By CPL Alisha Carr