Building a dynasty

By Peter Johnson
Volume 48, No. 3, March 9, 2006

Four members of the Sawade family are now in the Air Force, after the graduation of OFFCDT John Sawade, third from left. Pictured with him, from left, is sister PLTOFF Daina Sawade, father GPCAPT Noddy Sawade, mother Aldona and brothers Tom and Isaac.

Photo by SGT Dave Grant

THE Sawade family is continuing to build an Air Force dynasty with OFFCDT John Sawade being the latest family member to join the ranks after graduating from the Officer Training School last December.

His father, GPCAPT Christopher “Noddy” Sawade, is Officer Commanding Air Training Wing, and his sister, PLTOFF Daina Sawade, is an intelligence officer at 92WG.

Brother Sam is an Officer Cadet at ADFA due to graduate in December 2007, also with pilot aspirations, and another brother, Tom, completes year 12 next year as a boarder at Geelong College.

No prizes for guessing which career he wishes to pursue — flying in the RAAF.

Youngest brother Isaac, 14, is still at home. According to GPCAPT Sawade, Isaac is inclined towards an engineering career at this stage.

“Good on them for doing it, they have done well, all of them,” GPCAPT Sawade said.

The entire family except Sam, who had ADFA commitments, attended John’s graduation. John was one of 32 graduates who paraded at Point Cook before the Reviewing Officer, Commander Combat Support Group, AIRCDRE Mark Gower.

John, who heads to Tamworth next, hopes to fly transport aircraft.

After the parade, he said, “I have seen the lifestyle that the Air Force gives and liked every bit if it. I just wanted to fly, really. It is a good opportunity to challenge yourself, serve your country, and fly.”

Daina was attracted to the Air Force because “I have been brought up in an Air Force family, and it looked like a good choice.”

AIRCDRE Gower said in his address to the graduates that it is an achievement and an honour to graduate from this school.

“Our history is long and distinguished,” he said. “It is your responsibility to continue your predecessors’ legacy.”

AIRCDRE Gower remarked that today is an exciting time to be in the Air Force. “In the short time you have been in the Service, Australia’s strategic environment has changed. Our forces are busier today than they have been for decades.”

And he added, “To match the ambitious operational tempo we are introducing a multi-role transport tanker aircraft, Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft, the new strike fighter, and new maritime patrol platforms.

Over the next few years our capability will be second to none.”

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