Features

Image is everything

Imagery specialists from No. 82 Wing might be out of sight but they were not out of mind as they found out when Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Angus Houston unexpectedly rescheduled his MEAO visit to acknowledge and thank them personally for their hard work.

Leading Aircraftman Shane Clausen said the surprise visit was a real boost for the six imagery analysts.

“It’s excellent to see him here today, he’s gone right out of his way and it’s good to see that they were not forgotten by the ‘brass’,” he said

Section Commander Flight Lieutenant Stephanie Collet said her section’s work was mission dependent, meaning many unpredictable hours analysing imagery, but there were good base facilities to enjoy when not working.

“We work long hours but when we are off shift luckily we’ve got air conditioned tents, three swimming pools and a Baskin Robins on base – so you’ve got to hand it to Air Force, we really know how to deploy,” she laughed.

FLTLT Collet underplayed her section’s hard work but since the low-profile high-achievers’ arrival, the imagery cell’s renewed vigour in out-putting product had not gone unnoticed.

9th Expeditionary Intelligence Squadron Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Bill Brei said that working with the Australians was a real eye opener after their expertise was requested by the Coalition partners to augment existing numbers.

“This has been a joy for us, not only were we in dire need of additional people, but it’s the first time we have had an augmentation and they arrived fully competent and ready to work,” he said.

“The integration was as smooth as anything I’ve ever seen and the effect they have had on my guys has been tremendous.

“My team chief told me he would trade all his folks for Aussies, their skills are superb. If we have to do this sort of thing again you’ll be the first people we turn to.”