Amberley accolade

Wing Commander Guy Burton (third from left) and some of his staff with trophies presented to AFDW. Photo by LAC Andrew Eddie

By LACW Simone Liebelt

AMBERLEY based members of Airfield Defence Wing (AFDW) have been awarded the Ipswich Amberley Support Group (IASG) annual trophy.

The community award was established in 1995 to recognise the contributions that RAAF Base Amberley personnel make to the social, economic and cultural life of Ipswich and surrounding district.

Up until last year the award was only presented to individual members, so AFDW – consisting of Headquarters Airfield Defence Wing, No. 2 Airfield Defence Squadron and No. 3 Airfield Defence Squadron – is only the second Amberley-based unit to receive the prestigious award. This year the award also recognises contributions made to the ADF as well as the local community.

Over the past year more than 120 AFDW members have been deployed to the Middle East, Solomons and East Timor in operational command and support positions. Back home the Wing has provided force preparation support to many units in weapons, NBCD and ground combat training and has participated in all major exercises, including Crocodile, Desert Predator and Scorpion Sting.

Despite a busy schedule, the Wing has continued its strong community association, providing training support and displays to Air Force cadets, supporting open base events, participating in the local work experience program and supporting fundraising events for charities such as the Kim Walters Choices Program, Pink Ribbon Day, Daffodil Day and Legacy.

Wing Commander Guy Burton, Officer Commanding AFDW, said the award was an excellent way for the Wing to finish off a long and arduous year.

“Considering the operational tempo, the amount of people deploying overseas and the amount of additional support activities, the Wing’s ability to remain engaged closely with charities, demonstrations and other activities in the local community is phenomenal,” he said. “The members are that busy they’re usually dead on their feet by the weekend – if they even get a weekend off – so their ability to continue doing what they do is a testament not just to their professional commitment but to the wider community.”

The IASG annual awards night was held in Ipswich on November 19.

The other finalists were Combat Support Unit Amberley and No. 382 Expeditionary Combat Support Squadron, which received the award in 2002.

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