Volume 48, No. 20, November 2, 2006
 |
MEMORIES: The late WGCDR Angela Rhodes in the MEAO. |
THE late WGCDR Angela Rhodes, who died of cancer last year, has been remembered and honoured by her alma mater, the School of Air Traffic Control.
A memorial in her honour, the first female Australian military air traffic control officer, was dedicated by AVM John Quaife, Air Commander Australia, during his recent visit to RAAF Base East Sale. WGCDR Rhodes served at the SATC twice: the first time as an instructor; the second as its CO.
The dedication was conducted in the school’s grounds when SATC staff and students were joined by members of WGCDR Rhodes’ family, former SATC COs, military colleagues and friends from the wider aviation community.
The memorial, incorporating the red and yellow ATC flag, was designed by SQNLDR Marty Caubo and was constructed using the skills of SGT Eijnar Teuben, with support from the Transfield community program.
During her 23 years’ service, WGCDR Rhodes served at many different locations, including a deployment as SATCO at Baghdad International Airport and as Station Leader of the Australian Antarctic Research Expedition at Casey Station in Antarctica. She also commanded No 21 (City of Melbourne) Squadron.
WGCDR Rhodes was the SATC’s only female commanding officer in its 25 years as an independent unit.
