USAF thanks Aussie achievers

Volume 48, No. 22, November 30, 2006

CONGRATS: USAF’s Dr Mark Lewis with SQNLDR Pat Del Guidice.

SQUADRON Leader Pat Del Guidice has been awarded a USAF Science and Engineering award for his part in a successful communications project in Iraq.

He deployed to the MEAO for six months in June 2005, where he assisted in making conditions for deployed personnel safer, thanks to smarter communications support to convoys and aircraft in the area of operations.

USAF Chief Scientist Dr Mark Lewis presented him with the award in Canberra recently.

SQNLDR Del Guidice was the Communications Planning Chief (A65) in the US Central Command Air Forces – Forward (USCENTAF–FWD) headquarters. He was the only Australian member and managed a staff of seven USAF personnel.

“I was responsible for Communications and Information Systems requirements management across the whole of the USCENTAF Area of Operations, from Somalia through to Afghanistan,” SQNLDR Del Guidice said.

The award was given to the team of personnel who were involved in the Radio over Internet Protocol Routed Network (RIPRNET) project that was initiated, developed and deployed by USCENTAF’s staff.

RIPRNET improved convoy comms over long distances gave better command and control and improved comms between the Combined Air Operations Centre and allied aircraft operating in the area.

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