Let us rejoice

Australia Day accolades for our people

Sergeant Tania Cox presents Wing Commander David Willcox with a gift on behalf of staff at Air Force Headquarters to congratulate him on his receipt of an Australia Day award. Photo by LACW Simone Liebelt

CHIEF of Air Force Air Marshal Angus Houston has offered congratulations to the Air Force men and women who were recognised in the 2003 Australia Day Honours.

“Your outstanding service during operations, in support of technical and logistic excellence, and in the fields of training and personnel management, reflect your commitment to upholding the values of the Air Force,” AIRMSHL Houston said “You have displayed extraordinary professionalism, dedication and motivation in the performance of your duties.”

He was “honoured and humbled” that he had been promoted to an Officer of the Order of Australia.

“I have had a wonderful career with the Air Force to date. I would like to think that the award reflects the consistent and impressive performance by Air Force people in nearly all areas of endeavour – and we had a great year in 2002,” he said.

“The year 2003 is shaping as a very challenging year for Air Force.

“There will be continuing operational requirements which will place heavy demands on our people and their families.

“As in the past, I am confident that we can meet these challenges together as a strong and committed team that will enhance the reputation of the Royal Australian Air Force.”

TO BE PROMOTED TO OFFICER OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA

Air Marshal Allan (Angus) Houston
For distinguished service as a senior commander in the Royal Australian Air Force and Australian Defence Force.
AIRMSHL Houston has been an outstanding leader throughout his distinguished Air Force career. In recent years he has filled very demanding roles within Australia and overseas in which he has demonstrated his outstanding personal qualities as a leader who has helped shape the future of both the Australian Defence Force and its engagement with allies and regional friends.

TO BE APPOINTED A MEMBER OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA

Wing Commander David John Willcox, CSC
For exceptional service to the Australian Defence Force in the fields of Fighter Operations, Capability Development and Training.

An exceptional and inspirational officer and skilful fighter pilot, displaying outstanding dedication to duty and enduring excellence, initiative and leadership. WGCDR Willcox has tirelessly led, developed and implemented the advanced operational and flying training foundations of Australia’s air combat fighter force, enabling Australia’s successful contribution of F/A-18 fighters to the International Coalition Against Terrorism and the exemplary introduction of the advanced Hawk 127 Lead-in Fighter into service.

Squadron Leader Sean Patrick Bellenger
For exceptional service in the field of flying instruction and display flying.

SQNLDR Bellenger has displayed exceptional dedication and professional skill as the leader of the Air Force Formation Aerobatic Display Team, the Roulettes, and as a Flight Commander and Chief Flying Instructor at the Central Flying School. His sustained achievement is the result of devotion to the service far greater than the normal expectations of his rank and position.

TO BE AWARDED THEMEDAL OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA

Wing Commander Andrew Robert Hayden
For meritorious service in the performance of duty as Chief Engineer within the Defence Material Organisation in support of technical airworthiness.

WGCDR Hayden, as the Chief Engineer for the Aerospace Systems Division and later at Tactical Fighter Systems Program Office, has provided meritorious service in ensuring appropriate technical airworthiness aspects are considered during the acquisition and in-service phases for a number of weapon systems and major modifications.

Sergeant Mark James Osborn
For meritorious service in the field of Explosive Ordnance Engineering. SGT Osborn performed a key role in establishing an indigenous Explosive Ordnance Surveillance Scheme. His work led to recommendations regarding the extant life of type policies for a number of explosive components fitted to the F-111 Crew Module Escape System. This generated ongoing savings for the Defence Force in excess of $100 million. His performance has far exceeded that which would be expected from someone of his rank and formal qualifications.

TO BE AWARDED THE NURSING SERVICE CROSS

Wing Commander Margaret Joy Hine, AM
For outstanding achievement in the performance of duty as Commanding Officer, No. 6 Royal Australian Air Force Hospital, RAAF Base Williams, and Commanding Officer, United Nations Military Hospital, Dili, East Timor.
WGCDR Hine has provided exceptional service to the Royal Australian Air Force in her roles as Commanding Officer of 6HOSP and the UN Military Hospital. Through her outstanding performance she has enhanced the reputation of Australian Defence Force Operational Health Services on the international stage.

TO BE AWARDED THE CONSPICUOUS SERVICE CROSS

Wing Commander Guy Thomas Burton
For outstanding achievement in the performance of duty as Commanding Officer RAAF Security and Fire School.

An exceptional officer displaying consistent professional excellence, inspirational leadership and initiative, exceptional perseverance and outstanding dedication to duty in extremely challenging and demanding situations. WGCDR Burton has made an outstanding contribution to maintenance and support of the Australian Defence Force’s operational combat support capability in the face of limited resources and a dynamic capability and training management environment.

Wing Commander Robert Bruce Drinkwater
For outstanding achievement in the performance of duty as Staff Officer Capability Management at Headquarters Air Lift Group.

WGCDR Drinkwater is an extremely dedicated, enthusiastic and highly professional officer who consistently exceeds service requirements. His proactive and tireless staff work has directly resulted in the creation of the new Crew Attendant mustering. This significant achievement reflects his unflagging devotion to duty, his commitment to Air Force values and a career dedicated to the enhancement of the operational effectiveness of Air Lift Group.

Flight Sergeant Glenn Francis John Lyons
For outstanding achievement in the performance of duty as the Senior Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge of Ground Defence Section, RAAF Base Fairbairn

An exceptional airman displaying selfless dedication, inspirational leadership, skilful management, and boundless energy and enthusiasm under extremely challenging and demanding circumstances. FSGT Lyons has successfully promoted and improved the individual readiness levels of Canberra-based Air Force personnel, and the discipline and well-being of all junior military personnel based at or living on RAAF Base Fairbairn despite limited resources and an environment of uncertainty as to the future of the base.

TO BE AWARDED THE CONSPICUOUS SERVICE MEDAL

Acting Wing Commander Carl Schiller
For outstanding service as the Staff Officer Reserve Training – Headquarters Training Command.

A/WGCDR Schiller has been instrumental in the organisational development of the Air Force Active Reserve. His energy, intellect and commitment to quality have yielded innovative and effective solutions to major challenges faced by the Reserve in the areas of training, competency development, and recruitment and force structure. Although performing in a staff role, A/WGCDR Schiller has displayed inspiring leadership that has served to influence and energise the entire Air Force Reserve organisation.

Wing Commander Diane Mary Jensen
For outstanding service to the Australian Defence Organisation in the resolution of conflict and grievances while employed as the Deputy Director Military Redress, Complaint Resolution Agency.

WGCDR Jensen has consistently demonstrated outstanding insight into the issues surrounding grievances. Her exceptional judgement and dedication to the resolution of grievances has been demonstrated by her ability to identify opportunities for alternative dispute resolution initiatives and to provide senior members of the Australian Defence Force with well-considered, innovative advice in the management of these matters.

Flight Lieutenant Steven John Adamson
For outstanding service in the performance of duty as the Electronic Warfare Officer at No. 82 Wing.

An inspirational and dedicated officer and navigator displaying outstanding professional standards, academic abilities, and innovative application to duty. FLTLT Adamson has been responsible for the establishment of a modern and credible electronic warfare capability and raising aircrew awareness of resistance to interrogation training and escape and evasion tactics, resulting in significant improvements to the Air Force’s air combat strike capability.

Flight Sergeant David Warren Slattery
For outstanding service as a career manager in the Directorate of Personnel - Airmen.

FSGT Slattery rises to any challenge presented to him in an outstanding manner. He has demonstrated exceptional commitment, flexibility, adaptability, innovation, dedication and organisation skills during his current posting. He is sought out by subordinates, peers and superiors for advice owing to the acknowledgment of his expertise. He is an inspiration to all and his performance has brought great credit on himself, the Directorate of Personnel - Airmen and the Air Force.

Corporal Judy Leigh Evans
For outstanding service in the performance of duty as Intelligence Clerk at No. 82 Wing.

A valuable and diligent Intelligence Clerk and Non-Commissioned Officer displaying outstanding resourcefulness and dedication to duty. CPL Evans has been solely responsible for the carriage of administrative and liaison functions within the Intelligence Flight that have resulted in the accreditation of a number of essential intelligence support systems.

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