By
FLGOFF Bruce Chalmers
Volume 48, No. 15, August 24, 2006
HANDLING
almost 800,000kg of cargo in just two weeks has allowed six
members of 1ATS to set a new record while working at Dili airport.
The contingent, which comprised SGT Wayne Harrison, LACW Audra
Oakley, LAC Dean Bickley, LAC Chris Watkins and LAC Lane Hamilton
from 382 ECSS, was commanded by FLGOFF Rachel Anaya.
Initially sent to Timor-Leste to assist in the safe evacuation
of Australian ex-patriates and approved foreign nationals in
the Dili area as part of Operation Astute on May 25, the team
quickly returned to working in the field it was best at –
loading and unloading passengers and cargo.
With four team members fresh out of Air Terminal Squadron operators
training, between May 26 and August 13, the team moved about
1.6 million kg of people and cargo. They worked mainly on Australian
and foreign C-130s.
The team was welcomed home on August 14 with the 44 Wing ATC
contingent that served alongside them as part of TG631.4.
FLGOFF Anaya said they were happy to be home and proud of what
they had achieved in Timor-Leste.
“We unloaded and loaded around 200 aircraft during the
deployment,” she said.
“Now, we are looking forward to relaxing again with our
families and friends before continuing with our normal work
back at 1ATS.”
