Aircraft’s new name

The Fox and the Hawk ... Corporal Chris ‘Fox’ Bellotti and the Hawk that bears his name. Photo by LACW Veronica McKenna

By Ben Caddaye

THERE is no need to remind personnel at RAAF Base Williamtown who won last year’s No. 76 Squadron Technician of the Year Award.

The winner of the 2002 award, Aircraft Technician Corporal Chris Bellotti, has just had his name emblazoned on the front of one of the squadron’s Hawk aircraft in honour of his achievement.

It is the first time 76SQN has recognised the winner of the award in this manner.

A modest CPL Bellotti – known simply as “Fox” to his workmates – was taken aback by the gesture.

“I thought the name on the aircraft was a bit too much,” he said. “I guess they will be doing it every year from now on.”

CPL Bellotti, who has been with 76SQN for two years, received the award courtesy of BAE Systems for his efforts in the “tool store” last year preparing the squadron for its Aircraft Maintenance Organisation audit.

“It was an honour that I was chosen for the award. But I have to thank my fellow workmates here at 76SQN, especially the ATECHs for all their help last year while I was in tool store,” he said.

Joining the Air Force in 1994, CPL Bellotti initially went to RAAF Base Wagga for six months before ending up at RAAF Base Williamtown, originally beginning as a mechanic.

Although he has worked on a variety of sophisticated aircraft, he admitted, “I don’t really have a favourite aircraft. I’m more into cars and motor sports.”

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