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MP
Michael Johnson and Pilot Officer David Borg watch aircraft
take off.
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Photo
by LAC Euan Grant
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SENATOR
Julian McGauran and Federal Member for Ryan Michael Johnson are
the first parliamentarians this year to experience life in the
Air Force under the 2004 ADF Parliamentary Program (ADFPP).
They joined No. 81 Wing at RAAF Williamtown on April 19 for a
week of hands-on activities that culminated in an F/A-18 simulator
flight.
They participated in background briefings, mission preparation,
joined Surveillance and Response Group controllers in intercepting
hostile aircraft and helped prepare aircraft, including flightline
management, pre-flight servicing, weapons loading and aircraft
launch.
In its fourth year, the ADFPP enables Federal parliamentarians
to attach to a unit to better understand the role the ADF plays
in ensuring Australia’s national security.
The parliamentarians receive no VIP status or special treatment.
They are treated as serving Defence personnel, eating in messes
and interacting with all ranks. They have found themselves peeling
potatoes, working in kitchens, standing night watches or conducting
maintenance work as well as experiencing the more “glamorous”
side of the ADF.
More
information and images available at the ADF Parliamentary Program
website
