Flightline

THE LONG AND THE SHORT OF IT: Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Angus Houston finds it's no tall order to make small talk with some of the shortest and tallest members of the Australian Air Force Cadets. Cadet Under Officer Angela Evans (far left), Cadet Michael Hutchiesan, Cadet Chris Geurts, Corporal Gordon Mercovich, (6 foot 11 inches, or 211 cm) and Cadet Corporal Rachael Clarkson chat with AIRMSHL Houston during a ceremonial parade of more than 200 Australian Air Force Cadets, held in the nation's capital. Photo by SGT William Guthrie.     PERSONNEL APPRECIATION: Members of the Merimbula branch of the RAAF Welfare Recreation Company (RWRC) are presented with a certificate of appreciation for their contribution to the Air Force. The certificate was presented by Director General Personnel – Air Force Air Commodore Ken Birrer. Peter Alomes (far left), Peter Charlton, Warrant Officer Kim Salmon, Vicki Charlton and Group Captain Rick Phillips attended the presentation. Photo by SGT William Guthrie.     FATHER AND SON: Sergeant Phil Marsh, of No. 2 Airfield Defence Squadron at RAAF Base Amberley, presents his father, Kelvin Marsh, with his National Service Medal. The medal arrived at SGT Marsh's place when his parents redirected their mail to him while they were on a trip around Australia. When they returned, SGT Marsh gave all the mail to his mother, except for the NSM which he gave to his dad and said, "On behalf of all serving and ex-serving personnel of the ADF, I hereby present you with the National Service Medal for your commitment and duty to Australia during your periods of service in the National Service and Citizen Military Forces." His dad was speechless.     ADDING TO THE COLLECTION: Warrant Officer Mike Hutchinson, Wing Commander George Kollios and Warrant Officer Pat McMahon with Mark Whitmore, of the Australian War Memorial, and some of the memorabillia from Kyrgyzstan that the Air Force has donated to the memorial’s collection. Photo by SGT William Guthrie.     FAMIL FLIGHT: Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Angus Houston was recently taken on a familiarisation flight in an F/A-18 Hornet. AIRMSHL Houston is pictured after landing at RAAF Base Williamtown with Hornet pilot Squadron Leader Robert Chipman. Photo by LAC Clint Siggins.     HAWK EYE: Brian Moore is a study in concentration during his Hawk Simulator flight over the Hunter Valley. Mr Moore won the ride, part of a prize that also included a Hornet Simulator ride, in a competition conducted to benefit victims of the Cessnock bushfires.