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“My only regret about this evening is that we can’t parade the entire Air Force before these outstanding officers and airmen and airwomen, who through their dedication, commitment and example, show us just how exceptional we are and how exceptional we can be.”

Those were the words of CAF AIRMSHL Geoff Shepherd in acknowledging the achievements from Air Force in this year’s Air Force Proficiency and Leadership Awards at RAAF Base Glenbrook.

This year’s Airman of the Year was CPL Ole Underwood from CSU-EDN.

CPL Underwood was recognised by the AVM B.A. Eaton award for his role as acting senior NCOIC of Special Purpose Vehicles at the Mechanical Equipment Operations and Maintenance Section at RAAF Base Edinburgh.

“It was an honour and a privilege [to win]; I’m still trying to get over it,” CPL Underwood said. “I have to thank my OIC, the rest of my supervisors and my work colleagues; without them it would not have been possible.”

This year’s Queen’s Gold Medal and Thales Leadership Sword winner was FLGOFF Jennifer Fremlin from 396ECSS at RAAF Base Darwin. The administration officer describes the interaction with people and the utilisation of her administrative skills as her biggest professional motivations.

The winner of the Lipshut Family Bursary was CPL Sonya Etches from HQHSW, RAAF Base Amberley. The Bursary provides an education fund to enable outstanding airmen or airwomen at or below the rank of corporal to undertake full-time tertiary studies, with a view to commissioning.

In recognition of the efforts and commitment of those undertaking training in the ATECH/AVTECH and ALSFITT musterings, the J.R. Bartram and R.A Kee Sword of Honour was established, with this year’s winner LAC Dan Donohue from 38SQN.

In recognition of excellence in producing the best official photograph, CPL Ricky Fuller from 1JPAU won the SQNLDR W.T. Riggs Trophy. The trophy was introduced into the Air Force Awards this year after being previously used as a photographic mustering accolade.

The AVM Dietz Medallion, of which there are both military and civilian winners, was presented to FLTLT Michael Gane from RAAFSALT and Mr Wayne Price from AOSG. The medallion is awarded to members who have been involved in Air Force acquisition projects or logistic support of technical equipment.

After an absence of a number of years, the Stonehaven Trophy was reintroduced into the Air Force Awards this year. The winner of the best training unit was the School of Postgraduate Studies (SPS) at RAAF Base Wagga, with study centres at RAAF Bases Amberley and Richmond.

The RAAF Maintenance Trophy was awarded to 114MCRU from RAAF Base Darwin in recognition of its engineering and technical excellence and of the contribution made by all members of the unit towards the successful completion of tasks.

Awarded each year to the most proficient unit not eligible to compete for any other award, the Markowski Cup was claimed by 3CRU from RAAF Base Williamtown. 3CRU secured the award for achieving outstanding results, making a significant and vital contribution to routine and three critical operations and exercises both in Australia and overseas.

The Gloucester Cup for the most proficient flying squadron was won by 33SQN. The squadron was awarded the cup in recognition of its high levels of proficiency demonstrated over the year. Despite working with an ageing fleet of B707 aircraft, and a declining workforce, 33SQN marginally exceeded its hours allocation and performed superbly on a number of high-profile missions.

The Hawker Siddely Trophy for the most proficient RAAF base was awarded to RAAF Base East Sale. The base had achieved outstanding proficiency in its core training role and in support of wider Defence activities throughout 2006.

For the second year in a row, No. 25 (City of Perth) Squadron won the RAAF Association Trophy for the most proficient Reserve squadron. As the leading squadron within Reserve Training Wing, it provides strong leadership that engenders high morale and outstanding esprit de corps.

The evening also recognised 75SQN as the most proficient F/A-18 squadron; Crew 5 of 10SQN as the most proficient operational maritime crew; 3SQN’s FLTLT Craig Tobin as the fighter pilot of the year; FLTLT Stephen Monypenny for the Pathfinder Association–ALG Award; and 1SQN’s FLTLT Mathew Michell for the Pathfinder Association–ACG Award.