Long service rewarded

LONGEVITY rules at the Air Power Development Centre.

On September 12, Deputy Chief of Air Force Air Vice-Marshal Roxley McLennan recognised 65 years of unbroken service by two officers attached to the centre.

Wing Commander Keith Brent’s 45 years of service was recognised when Air Vice-Marshal McLennan awarded him the Federation Star, a milestone only very few have achieved.

Wing Commander Peter McLennan received the second clasp to his Defence Force Service Medal.

Wing Commander Brent joined the Air Force in 1964 and graduated as a navigator in 1966. Over the next 40 years he flew the Orion predecessor, the Neptune, Canberra bombers in Vietnam, and later Orions, including a term as senior navigation officer with No. 11 Squadron. He also served in several staff officer positions.

In 1993, Wing Commander Brent was awarded the Conspicuous Service Cross in recognition of his service in coord-inating Defence support for disaster relief and commemorative activities.

In 1994, he was posted to RAAF Base Fairbairn as Staff Officer VIP Operations where he coordinated VIP air transport for the Governor-General, the Prime Minister, royal visits and visiting heads of state. A year later he joined the then Air Power Studies Centre until he retired in 1999.

He then transferred to the Reserves and was employed with the Reserve Staff Group, working on special projects such as the redevelopment of the RAAF Memorial and the recent air display over Canberra to mark the 60th anniversary of Victory in the Pacific.

Warrant Officer Howden Farrar was also presented his warrant by Air Vice-Marshal McLennan.

 

.