IN CONTROL
Air traffic deployment

Warrant Officer Darren Dolan, of No. 395 Expeditionary Combat Support Wing, with wife Rachel and 10-month-old daughter Abby at a ceremony at RAAF Base Townsville to officially farewell the Air Traffic Control Support Element bound for Iraq.

Squadron Leader Stephen Edgeley, of No. 44 Wing Detachment, and his son Connor. Photos by CPL Craig Sharp

APRIL 25 has special significance but this year’s Anzac Day will also be memorable for 58 Air Force personnel as it was the day they deployed to the Middle East.

A dedicated team of 13 Air Traffic Controllers and 45 Expeditionary Combat Support Squadron (ECSS) personnel left Townsville early that morning bound for Baghdad International Airport as part of Australia’s contribution to the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Iraq.

Selected from all over Australia, the group was officially farewelled by Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Angus Houston and Member for Herbert Peter Lindsay, representing the Minister for Defence, at RAAF Base Townsville on April 24. Like their colleagues on previous deployments, it was a special day for the families.

The Air Traffic Control Support Element is expected to remain in Iraq for a limited period until civilian control and management of air operations is restored. The ECSS contingent will provide vital support services including airfield security, engineering and infrastructure work.

AIRMSHL Houston said the group was deployed as part of Operation Catalyst, the Australian contribution to the rehabilitation of Iraq, and would play an integral role in restoring air services into Baghdad. Having visited the area himself, he said the personnel would be working in challenging conditions. “They will be greeted by temperatures in the high 40s and face a culturally and climatically demanding environment.”

The Detachment Commander, Wing Commander Iain Browning, acknowledged the challenge ahead but said he was looking forward to commanding a professional, well-trained and dedicated team.
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