|
| |
RAAF Scherger bares all
By Mark Tanzer
Volume 49, No. 11, June 28, 2007 |
| |
|
 |
|
VIP VISIT: Parliamentary Secretary Peter Lindsay enjoys a tour of RAAF Base Scherger with its two permanent members FSGT Brian Hughes (centre) and CPL Dave Rayfield.
Photo by Kevin Piggott |
|
| |
Parliamentary Secretary Peter Lindsay experienced one of the Air Force’s ‘bare’ essentials on June 15 when he toured RAAF Base Scherger.
Mr Lindsay toured the massive bare base, located near Weipa on Cape York Peninsula, during a visit hosted by OC 395ECSW GPCAPT Ron Irons and managers from Defence Support Group – North Queensland (DSG-NQ).
As a priority, he first met with the two Air Force members based at Scherger – FSGT Brian Hughes and CPL Dave Rayfield. The two men live on the base, working with contractors and DSG-NQ to ensure the
22,500-acre facility, boasting three runways, is kept in top shape.
Mr Lindsay praised all personnel involved with maintaining the base.
“This was my first visit to a bare base, and I was very impressed by the hard work and dedication of all those who maintain the capabilities of Scherger,” Mr Lindsay said.
“It takes a big effort to keep remote bases like Scherger up and running, but it’s vital that we do so, not only for the defence of Australia, but also in terms of our ability to train for expeditionary deployments.”
For both FSGT Hughes and CPL Rayfield, the posting to Scherger has been a highlight of their careers.
CPL Rayfield, who is a GSE fitter, said that while the work was demanding, and the nearest major city was “way down south” at Cairns, the lifestyle could not be better.
“I have a young family – our children are 12, 10 and four – and they love the outdoor lifestyle up here. The kids go fishing, and can ride their bikes safely about the base,” he said. |
| |
|
