Pride and joy

Corporal Paul Wilsch is reunited with his two-year-old daughter Jessica four months after he deployed to the Middle East on her birthday. Photos by CPL Ashley Roach

A member of the Air Force’s F/A-18 Hornet contingent is embraced on his return amid emotional scenes at RAAF Base Tindal.

By LACW Simone Liebelt

WAVING “Welcome Home” banners and miniature Aussie flags, the excited crowd shouted for joy as the Qantas 767 carrying their loved ones from the Middle East touched down at RAAF Base Tindal on May 15.

The roar of F/A-18 Hornets in a low fly-past marked the arrival of about 250 air and ground crew from No. 75 Squadron and support personnel from around Australia – the first ADF contingent to return home from the Coalition operation to disarm Iraq. The homecoming was an occasion for congratulations and emotions.

Taxiing through a traditional water arch from the base’s fire engines, the aircraft was met on the tarmac by Prime Minister John Howard, Defence Minister Robert Hill, CDF General Peter Cosgrove and CAF Air Marshal Angus Houston as the crowd cheered.

Appearing in their distinctive desert DPCUs, Air Force personnel were greeted with a handshake and pat on the back, before being engulfed by their excited welcome home committee. Hugs, kisses and tears flowed as families and friends reunited after months apart.

In the official ceremony that followed, Mr Howard received a rousing welcome as he thanked the men and women on their skill, pride, and professionalism.

Speaking of his recent visit to the troops in the Gulf, he praised them for upholding the best traditions of the Australian military while remaining committed to their task.

“The great Australian sense of humour and the great Australian capacity to adapt is alive and well among our fighting men and women,” he said.

“Thank you for doing what your country asked of you.

“You went in our name in a just cause; you were properly sent to liberate an oppressed people, and with your Coalition partners, you did that job magnificently and in a way that will always be remembered.”

AIRMSHL Houston applauded the squadron members, saying they had demonstrated great professional mastery in the air and on the ground. He highlighted the strong dedication of the ground crews in maintaining the Hornets in arduous conditions, and also thanked the families.

“You’ve enhanced the reputation of the Air Force, and I thank you very, very sincerely for what you’ve done,” AIRMSHL Houston said.

“The key to your success is the way you work together with great ingenuity to overcome all the obstacles and achieve the results. You’ve done Australia proud.”

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