Our People in VIC
Mark Camilleri - Traralgon, Gippsland, VIC
Mark, a former student at Traralgon Secondary College, joined the Royal Australian Air Force in 1997. After graduating from the Royal Military College - Duntroon, Martin was posted to Amberley in Queensland as a Ground Defence Officer. He was promoted to Flight Lieutenant in 2002.
FLTLT Camilleri 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 the Executive Officer for the task group. I maintain awareness of everyday operations, identify and manage issues and track personnel movements. I also liaise with the local people to maintain good coalition relations."
"The best thing about my job is the variety of tasks that I am called upon to deal with. I enjoy being involved in managing the day to day issues of the task group and identifying ways to fix them. I feel proud to work with such a great team."
Mark took up his role in the Middle-East in March of this year and it follows a deployment to East Timor from May to September last year.
"I am really looking forward to catching up with my wife Liz and my family and friends around Gippsland. I can't wait to sit back and relax with a cooked breakfast, good coffee and the newspaper. I also enjoy cycling and I am planning to take part in a charity ride from Sydney to Surfers Paradise in March 2008."
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 September.