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Flight
Lieutenant Nick Pausina with his wife Denise and children
Thomas and Matthew. Photo by LAC Mike Lucas
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By
LACW Simone Liebelt
Flight Lieutenant Nicholas Pausina, a navigator, received more
than just a thank-you at the official welcome home ceremony
at RAAF Base Edinburgh for P-3C Orion members returning from the
MEAO.
After
the official speeches, it was announced that FLTLT Pausina had
not only been awarded a commendation for his service during Operations
Slipper and Falconer, but had also just been posted on exchange
to the UK.
CAF
Air Marshal Angus Houston presented the commendation which recognised
FLTLT Pausina’s “outstanding contribution to the preparation and
conduct of P-3C operations in the MEAO”.
The
Wing Navigation Standards Officer from No. 92 Wing’s Acceptance,
Test and Evaluation unit, FLTLT Pausina was responsible for the
training of the first two Orion crews, before and during, their
deployment to the Middle East.
He
said while it was great to receive recognition for his efforts
on his first operational deployment, the opportunity to contribute
to such an important cause was his biggest reward.
“Being
there, doing the job, you just knew that thousands of lives were
at stake with the information that you reported,” he said.
With
the surprise announcement of his overseas posting, FLTLT Pausina
– who had given up all hope of being selected for the UK exchange
– said he and his wife were “stoked” with the news, but admitted
it would be a big adjustment for their young family.
“My
two boys have never moved before, but it will be great for them
to experience the English culture and countryside.”
Promoted
earlier this year, he will start the exchange program at RAF Cranwell
as a Squadron Leader in August, and after completing a 12-month
aerosystems course, will instruct on the course for a further
two years.
“It’s
going to be 12 months of hard work, but I’m looking forward to
getting stuck into it,” he said.
