By
CPL Simone Liebelt
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FLTLT
Brad Clarke: “Winning this award was more a reflection
on the squadron, wing and group as a whole.”
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Photo
by LAC Guy Young
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COMMITMENT,
character and genuine “crew-dog” spirit has earned Flight
Lieutenant Brad Clarke the prestigious title of Pathfinder’s
Aircrew Member of the Year.
The Hercules navigator was chosen on his ability to “think
outside the box”, take on different roles and make critical
decisions during war and disaster-ravaged missions as part of
No. 36 Squadron.
He was commended for his dedication in orchestrating an air bridge
between Richmond, Darwin, Malaysia and Indonesia during Operation
Sumatra Assist, and for his contribution to resolving problems
that threatened C-130 operations in the MEAO.
36SQN CO Wing Commander Don Sutherland said FLTLT Clarke epitomised
the Pathfinder spirit in “his professionalism, his unquestioning
willingness to give it his all and, of course, his character,
which his peers respect and easily acknowledge as a true Pathfinder
in every aspect”.
He was presented the perpetual trophy and a book prize at the
annual Pathfinders dining-in night at RAAF Base Richmond on May
13, attended by veterans of the Pathfinder Force, a highly decorated
unit of the RAF Bomber Command from World War II.
Formed in 1942, the Pathfinders played a prominent role in the
defeat of the Nazis by attacking the heart of industrial Germany
with a powerful strike campaign in Lancaster and Mosquito aircraft.
“The Pathfinder dining-in night is always special, with the
current generation of Air Force aircrew having the opportunity
to mix with those that flew operations in times gone by, in particular
the second World War,” FLTLT
Clarke said.
“It was particularly special to receive recognition from
the Pathfinder Association.”
Top ‘crew dog’ wins Pathfinder award
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From
left: AIRCDRE Glen Steed, CDRALG, FLTLT Bradley Clarke,
2005 ALG Aircrew Member of the Year and Alby Mather, Pathfinder
Force President at the Pathfinder Force Presentation Dinner,
held at RAAF Base Richmond on May 13.
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Photo
by LAC Ben Dempster
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FLTLT
Clarke said while he had received other awards, this had been
the most personally satisfying.
“I was very pleased and honoured to be selected amongst some
very deserving members, but winning this award
was more a reflection on the squadron, wing and group as a whole,”
he said.
“There are many members who are deserving of an award like
this, many whose efforts go unrecognised. I am surrounded by people
who work very hard and achieve remarkable results on a daily basis,
which helps provide the motivation to contribute what I can.”
Joining the Air Force 10 years ago, his career has included an
exchange to the United States and deployments on several operations,
including Catalyst and Sumatra Assist, plus a variety of rescue,
transport and aid missions.
“The most rewarding missions are those that help people in
need,” he said. “I have been fortunate to be able to
participate in search and rescue, tsunami, drought and famine
relief missions in several countries during my time in the RAAF.
All missions are challenging to different extents and in different
ways, and I find it rewarding because it gives me the opportunity
to contribute to the defence of Australia, and see the world while
doing a job I enjoy.”
He said the past year had been particularly hectic, as it has
been for so many others across the Air Force.
“The year got off to a very busy start with the assistance
provided to the tsunami victims in Indonesia. This, combined with
our ongoing training commitments and tasking rates, means this
year will continue to be a busy one,” he said.
“As for the foreseeable future, I hope to remain within ALG
and close to the C-130 squadrons, as I enjoy the rewarding challenges
that training for, and conducting operations in, a variety of
different environments provide.”
