Inspection marks final hoorah

By Flight Lieutenant Simon Paton

OFFICER Commanding Combat Reserve Wing Group Captain Monty Smith has conducted his final squadron inspection before retirement, with a visit to No. 28 (City of Canberra) Squadron on November 12-13.

Group Captain Smith was commissioned into the Air Force on April 20, 1970, after working as an accountant.

His career included a posting to RAAF Base Darwin to support the clean-up after Cyclone Tracy, Project Officer with the US Navy working on the P3C Orion acquisition, and Senior Staff Officer on the Operations Planning Staff and later Base Commander of RAAF Base Richmond.

Accepting the role of Officer Commanding Combat Reserve Wing after transferring to the Reserves in 1998, Group Captain Smith has dedicated his second Air Force career to tirelessly working in support of the Air Force Reserve.

During his visit to No. 28 (City of Canberra) Squadron, Group Captain Smith inspected the squadron parade, shared lunch with members and inspected various unit activities.

“No. 28 Squadron continues to contribute in a very real way to supporting the Permanent Air Force,” he said.

“No. 28 Squadron looks forward to an exciting 2006 as the restructure of the RAAF Reserve takes effect. Many No. 28 Squadron people will contribute directly to the Air Force’s total as they take up postings in Permanent Air Force elements.”

Group Captain Smith said Air Force Reserve members had been contributing both at home and abroad.

“Whether participating in operations and exercises in Australia, or supporting deployments in the Solomon Islands, Iraq or elsewhere overseas, our Reservists are committing themselves more than ever to ensuring the task is done and done well.”

.