Our People in SA
Mark Gerritsen - Naracoorte, SA
Mark, a former student at Naracoorte High School , joined the Royal Australian Air Force in 1992 and undertook technical training in Wagga Wagga and Edinburgh. Now promoted to Flight Sergeant, Mark is a Flight Engineer.
Flight Sergeant Gerritsen is part of a task group of 170 ADF aircrew and support staff operating two AP-3C Orion aircraft on patrol over Iraq and the Persian Gulf to support the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Iraq and the international coalition operation against terrorism.
"I am responsible for the technical management of the Orion aircraft during flight. This means I look after all the checks on the aircraft engines, airframes and electrical systems prior to take-off. Once we are in the air I am the systems specialist for inflight issues of a technical nature."
"This is my third deployment. Each trip and each flight we do is different and a new challenge. It is great to meet new people from the ADF and the local people too. I work as part of a close-knit team and we are great mates," said Mark.
Mark is currently posted to RAAF Edinburgh and will return to work there at the end of his current deployment.
"I am looking forward to seeing my wife and spending some time in a cooler climate. I am also planning on catching up with all my family in Naracoorte once I get home," added Mark.
Mark and the members of the AP-3C Orion task group are a key component of operation CATALYST which is Australia 's contribution to the multinational force efforts to develop a secure and stable environment in Iraq and to assist with national recovery programs. Operation CATALYST comprises approximately 1575 personnel. The task group also supports operation SLIPPER, Australia 's contribution to the international effort against terrorism.
Mark and his colleagues from the current detachment are scheduled to return to Australia in late June.