Our People in the ACT
Christine Fay - Lyneham Officer Takes the Cake
The Squadron Leader is now the executive officer at a major Middle East logistics base, so she and her team marked the birthday (31 March) with a cake cutting ceremony.
“For me this is the first opportunity I’ve had to deploy on overseas operations — so to celebrate the Air Force’s birthday as well is quite unique!,” Christine said.
Normally based in Canberra, Christine currently manages an expert team in explosive ordnance, warehousing and equipment maintenance.
“It’s been busy but really rewarding,” she said.
The Air Force veteran said the anniversary was a good time for her to reflect on her 19 years in the service. Growing up in Billinudgel and Finley she joined the Air Force straight out of school — to pursue her passion of cooking!
“I did work experience in a restaurant in Wagga Wagga and one of the waitresses there was married to an Air Force Cook. She said, ‘Well if you want to cook, don’t do an apprenticeship, join the Air Force’.”
Christine resisted the recruiter’s urge to become a Supply Officer and held out for cook. She then studied at university and received an officer’s commission as a Logistics Officer.
“It does feel like yesterday, it’s gone so quickly,” she said. “I’ve always said I’ll stay in the Air Force while I’m enjoying myself — and part of that is the variety of different things you can do.”
That included being in the Defence Materiel Organisation during the rapid acquisition of the Air Force’s giant heavy-lift aircraft, the C-17. “I saw that develop on the sidelines, and then to come over here 18 months later and see the C-17s delivering cargo in theatre is great.”
Christine is one of some 1400 members of the Australian Defence Forces who are now on duty in the Middle East as part of Operation Catalyst, the Australian Government’s contribution to the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Iraq. Working with the Iraqi Government and coalition forces, Australian military personnel are continuing to work for a more secure environment and assist with national rehabilitation programs.