High Sierra puts Syd’s honeymoon on hold

Flying Officer Syd McLoughlin at RAAF Base Townsville. Photo by CPL Belinda Mepham

FOR many personnel, Exercise High Sierra is a significant event on the Air Force calendar – just ask Flying Officer Syd McLoughlin.

FLGOFF McLoughlin, a student at No. 2 Operational Conversion Unit, was married several weeks before High Sierra but postponed his honeymoon to prepare for and participate in the important exercise. High Sierra was conducted at RAAF Base Townsville from November 18 to December 4.

FLGOFF McLoughlin and his wife, Katrina, were married at RAAF Base Williamtown. Asked about Katrina’s reaction to the deferral of the honeymoon, he said, “She's pretty understanding.”

The couple had intended to travel to southeast Asia, but might change their plans in the wake of travel warnings in that part of the world.

During High Sierra FLGOFF McLoughlin, who has been an Air Force pilot for four years, only saw Townsville from the air. “I haven’t had time to look at the city ... I wouldn’t discount it as a [honeymoon] destination,” he said.

High Sierra represented the final phase for pilots aiming to qualify to fly F/A-18 Hornets. It brought together 100 Air Force personnel.

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