Sat in a distant corner of a hangar at the Jackson International Airport in Port Moresby, Craftsman Marcus Szewczuk, of the 5th Aviation Regiment, was thrilled about his current location.

On his first overseas deployment with the Army, the heat and humidity of Papua New Guinea (PNG) was a new experience for the 23-year-old from Adelaide.

“The country itself is amazing – great landscapes, lots of nature around. It’s hot though, it’s really hot,” Craftsman Szewczuk said. 

“But working in a different environment is really good. I’m doing something that a lot of other people don’t get to do.”

The Townsville-based avionics technician joined the Army straight out of high school. He was one of about 100 personnel supporting Exercise Helicon Luk 2025 – an annual activity where Australian Army pilots and aircrew qualify on high-density altitude flying in PNG’s mountainous Central Highlands. 

'He’s one of those guys that always gets the work done. You send him on a task and he’s just happy to do it.'

His forward repair team comprised of a maintenance manager, two aircraft technicians, two avionics technicians and trade supervisors. As part of their role in PNG, they completed systems checks on two of the four CH-47F Chinook helicopters the regiment brought across to PNG as part of Task Unit Brahman. 

“It’s been great so far – definitely seeing things I’ve never seen before – and everyone is really friendly,” Craftsman Szewczuk said.

“Before joining Defence I didn’t have much aircraft know-how at all. But I’ve learned a lot of new skills and systems knowledge.”

His maintenance supervisor Corporal Casey Wells said the technician was a valued team member who always turned up.

“He’s one of those guys that always gets the work done. You send him on a task and he’s just happy to do it. He’s also one of those lads that lifts the mood; he’s always got a smile on his face,” Corporal Wells said.   

Unsurprisingly, Craftsman Szewczuk wasn’t the first person in his family to work within Army aviation. His father, Sergeant Mark Szewczuk, is a maintenance manager on the UH-60M Black Hawk.

“He’s really happy I’m doing this job,” Craftsman Szewczuk said. 

He then mentioned there is an active father-son debate raging about the ADF’s most capable helicopter. 

“I’d have to give it to the Chinook. It’s so much larger, more powerful, faster, and it’s got the lifting and carrying capacity as well,” Craftsman Szewczuk said.