Now, about that anniversary ...

Corporal Greg Purdue with son Declan and partner Linda Burns on his return from the Solomon Islands. Photo by LAC Steve Hobbs

Sergeant Lance Price and his wife, Cheryl. Photo by AC David Gibbs

Sergeant Glen Perry and son Douglas. Photo by LAC Steve Hobbs

Leading Aircraftman Tim Oxley and his mum. Photo by AC David Gibbs

SERGEANT Lance Price had a good excuse for missing his 30th wedding anniversary – he was on deployment in the Solomon Islands.

He and his wife, Cheryl, are catching up on their anniversary, Christmas and New Year after his arrival back home.

SGT Price was among the 30-strong detachment of Expeditionary Combat Support Squadron and Caribou personnel that returned to RAAF Base Amberley on January 28-29 after three months in support of the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands.

A third Air Force contingent has replaced them in Honiara.

The bright smiles of children, parents, partners and sweethearts greeted the returning members after their Hercules touched down at Amberley. While the deployment was personally fulfilling, they were glad to be home.

Leading Aircraftman Tim Oxley said it had been a worthwhile experience but he was looking forward to spending some time back home with his parents. Corporal Greg Purdue – back in time for son Declan’s 4th birthday – said, “I’d do it again ... but not for a few months.”

Time away from home on deployment is no novelty to detachment commander Squadron Leader Rohan Gaskill, who has also served in Somalia and Bosnia. He was full of praise for his detachment personnel and pointed to the high work rate performed under arduous conditions. “For example, the air traffic controllers looked after more than 3000 movements while the air load teams handled 100,000 pounds of cargo in and out each month and there were a number of lifesaving AMEs, bringing seriously injured and critically ill locals from all parts of the islands to hospital in Honiara,” he said.

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