High praise for last all-blue base

LAC Peter Peisker, from 322ECSS, Amberley, arrives to refuel an F-111 during Exercise Aces North.

Photo by AC David Gibbs

GPCAPT Corrie Metz receives the Base of the Year trophy on behalf of RAAF Base Tindal from CAF Air Marshal Angus Houston.

Photo by WOFF Ken Rowland

LAC Kylie Wegener, of 322CSS, picks stock for delivery.

Photo by AC David Gibbs

LACW Jessie Price hooks up more equipment.

LAC Bruce Hawkins, 322CSS MEOMS, installs extra lines.

Photos by LAC Greg Pierce

A 75SQN F/A-18 Hornet over Tindal.

Photo provided by 322CSS

Hertz car rentals staff at Darwin summed it up: “You’re lucky to get a car. Most are already in Katherine.” During 2003 and 2004 all roads seem to lead to RAAF Base Tindal as the base manages an extraordinary operational tempo.

Hours of hard work, dedication and outstanding support to deployments, operations and exercises was recognised on May 13 when Tindal received the prestigious Hawker Siddeley Trophy, awarded to the most proficient base, at the annual Air Force Awards night.

Base Commander Group Captain Corrie Metz said the base’s most significant achievement was the preparation for and support of the deployment to the Middle East of No. 75 Squadron during Operation Falconer.

“The base was given only short notice of the deployment, but everyone worked tirelessly to ensure that deploying squadron personnel were administratively, medically and logistically ready to deploy,” GPCAPT Metz said.

Following 75SQN’s departure in early February 2003, the base continued to provide maximum effort support to the deployed assets as well as nondeployed assets and their families.

The climax of this effort was the successful welcome home ceremony in May 2003 that was attended by the Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence, Mal Brough, CDF General Peter Cosgrove, CAF Air Marshal Angus Houston and other dignitaries.

The deployment provided an overlay to the outstanding support the base also provided to a high-tempo exercise program including exercises Arnhem Thunder, Southern Frontier and Northern Challenge.

“Tindal worked unceasingly to provide high quality accommodation, catering and airfield services, while the Delamere Range personnel worked hard to ensure the exercise assets received 100 per cent support,” GPCAPT Metz said.

A number of other aspects also contributed to the last “all blue” base receiving the award, including its base sustainment and family support programs and the “can do” attitude of its more than 700 personnel.

GPCAPT Metz said that his highly motivated and professional men and women had achieved outstanding results in a year of many challenges and high operational tempo. “Anyone associated with the base can be justifiably proud Tindal was awarded the Hawker Siddeley Trophy for 2003.”

Hawker Siddeley presented the trophy to Air Force in 1976 to commemorate its 50th birthday and acknowledge the close association between Hawker and de Havilland aircraft and Air Force.

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