Our People in QLD
Jacob Gossage - Watching Over Our Troops In Afghanistan
Albany Creek’s Jacob Gossage is keeping an eye on our troops in Afghanistan.
The RAAF Leading Aircraftman, 23, is a crucial part of the team at Kandahar Airfield, southern Afghanistan, flying the Heron remotely-piloted aircraft and using its powerful camera to ensure our troops have a more accurate picture of activities on the ground around them.
Jacob deployed to Afghanistan in November 2011 as part of Australia’s contribution to the international campaign against terrorism.
“I’ve previously deployed to the Middle East with the AP–3C Orion surveillance aircraft in 2010,” Jacob said.
“This trip I feel as if I am making a more direct contribution to the troops on the ground.
“You only realise how important our role is when the troops finish a mission and they tell you where they’ve gone, what they’ve done — and how much what we’ve told them has helped.”
Around 1550 Australian Defence Force personnel are currently serving in Afghanistan as part of Australia’s contribution to the international campaign against terrorism.
Jacob joined the Air Force five years ago, following in his father’s footsteps.
“My father was an Air Force photographer so I grew up around the Air Force and I realised I knew quite a bit about it when it came time to find a job,” he said.
“I love it, particularly the travel and people you meet.
“We’re a close knit team at the Heron detachment so it’s a lot of fun to come into work each day and we generally spend our downtime watching movies, playing games or just hanging out together.”
Jacob completed Air Force recruit training in May 2007, before going on to complete his geospatial intelligence training at Canungra Barracks. When he’s not in the Middle East, he’s normally based at RAAF Base Edinburgh, near Adelaide, working with the AP–3C Orions.
Being away on deployment can have its downside.
“I’m a big West Coast Eagles fan and I’m a little devastated I’ll miss the start of the AFL season this year. I’m sure I’ll make up for it by getting along to a game or two when I’m home in Brisbane or back in Adelaide,” Jacob said.
“When I first get back I’ll be heading home to Albany Creek to catch up with my family, although I’m not sure how many of my three sisters and one brother will be there — we’re spread pretty far and wide these days.
“After a quiet beer with my father, I’ll be keen to head out to with my family to have a big juicy steak. The food here is pretty good — but I miss my steak.”