By
CAPT Anthony Kirk
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CAF
Air Marshal Angus Houson takes control of an Iroquois during
his visit to the Solomon Islands.
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Photo
by WO2 Gary Ramage
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ON
a recent visit to the Solomon Islands, CAF Air Marshal Angus Houston
climbed into the cockpit of an Iroquois helicopter to fly a few
legs of the journey to view operations outside of Honiara.
Originally an Iroquois pilot, AIRMSHL Houston was more than happy
to trade his offi ce for a helicopter, even if only for a short
time. He lamented that he had not been able to do much flying
since the 1980s, pointing out this was only his third time flying
a helicopter since then.
This proved no problem for him as it wasn’t the first time he
had been behind the controls of Iroquois 377, now one of the helicopters
belonging to 171 Operational Support Squadron.
In 1979 he successfully piloted the same helicopter on an open
sea rescue mission in gale force winds, for which he was awarded
the Air Force Cross for his skill and bravery.
Although delighted with the opportunity to get up some more hours
– which he described as “fabulous” – AIRMSHL Houston’s priority
was to meet the people who have worked tirelessly in the Solomon
Islands to ensure the Air Force has been able to achieve everything
asked of it.
After having breakfast with staff based at the Honiara International
Airport, he toured the deployed elements, meeting No. 38 Squadron
and No. 386 Expeditionary Combat Support Squadron members, who
provided a firsthand account of the progress of Operation Anode.
Later he was taken to the Mbambanikra Police Post where he viewed
some of the benefits brought to the region by Op Anode and met
personnel from other contributing nations within the Pacific.
When asked about the operation to date, AIRMSHL Houston said,
“I’m deeply impressed. The success in re-establishing law and
order is magnificent.”
WOFF RAAF Warrant Officer Peter Hall, also noted the excellent
work being done, particularly with the high rate of aircraft serviceability.
While regretting that he was unable to spend more time with his
people, AIRMSHL Houston was impressed with all the Air Force components.
He stressed that everyone from pilots through to medics had conducted
themselves “with commitment, dedication and professionalism”.
In particular, he found the aviation “Anzac connection” to be
working well, describing their set up as “pretty damn good!” Confident
all was going well, AIRMSHL Houston departed Honiara keen to tell
all about the good work being done by the Air Force.
