Our People in QLD
Steve Roberton - Bribie’s Top gun
As a youth, Bribie Island’s Steve Roberton hung out at the Bribie Surf Lifesaving Club and playing cricket and Rugby League. Now he’s a top gun in chage of the RAAF’s fast jets.
“My Grandfather, Ralph Roberton, flew 67 Missions in B-25 Mitchells in WWII,” said Steve, now a Group Captain.
“I got into a gliding club at QLD Uni and loved flying so much I joined the Air Force in 1989 after University,” he said, “because.”
The air combat specialist pilot has flown F-18 Hornets for his whole career.
“I was responsible for the introduction of the Super Hornet, and for re-shaping Air Combat Group for the challenges of the next decade,” he said.
Steve’s accomplishments are featured in the upcoming book Air Force by Ian McPhedran, available since 1 August.
“I was startled that my involvement in the wider Air Force would be of any interest to readers,” he said. “What I love about the ADF is the fun, incredibly smart, motivated and fun-loving people around me.”
Steve’s standout moments include his role as Commanding Officer of 75 Squadron, flying as an operational exchange pilot with the US Marine Corps which included flying F-18s from aircraft carriers, and standing up the new Super Hornet weapons system for the RAAF.
So how does this top gun relax? “I coach and referee both my son’s Rugby games for Kenmore Bears, support my ballet dancing daughter by driving her 1000km per week to lessons on Gold Coast, ride my motor bike with my wife — and occasionally escape to a café without the kids!”