The annual Air Mobility Group Pathfinder Awards held at RAAF Base Richmond have honoured the group’s highest performers and innovators.

Air Force members from RAAF Base Richmond and RAAF Base Amberley gathered last month to celebrate a successful year and to recognise those who have truly embodied the spirit of the original World War 2 Pathfinder Force.

The specialist unit was established to facilitate more accurate targeting for Bomber Command aircraft.

Using high-end piloting and navigation skills, and working with the latest electronic navigational aids, the Pathfinder Force led attacks on special targets in southern Europe under missions that were timed almost to the second.

Commander Air Mobility Group (AMG) Air Commodore Bradley Clarke recognised the inspiration this unit had on the current Air Mobility workforce and thanked the Pathfinder Force Association for their long-standing support of the awards night.

“The AMG members of today continue to display exceptional skills and commitment to service, demonstrated through the countless missions flown to support ADF and partner forces on operations, transport of senior political leaders, and enable the force projection of the ADF across the globe,” Air Commodore Clarke said.

“This dedication is matched only by their willingness to lean forward and help those in need during fire, floods, famine and other disasters across Australia and across the region.”

The AMG Pathfinder Awards were established to recognise those aviators who embody the spirit of the original Pathfinders.

'AMG aviators are applying leading-edge technologies and innovations to assure the continued delivery of exceptional air mobility capabilities, in an increasingly uncertain environment.'

These aviators epitomise Defence values, prioritise adaptability and innovation in their everyday actions, and inspire others to do the same. Their actions build the strong foundations for a modern, developing Air Force.

“AMG aviators are applying leading-edge technologies and innovations to assure the continued delivery of exceptional air mobility capabilities, in an increasingly uncertain environment,” Air Commodore Clarke said.

“The legacy left by those who have gone before, including the brave Pathfinders of the Second World War, continues to this day and has evolved in ways they could have barely imagined. I am sure they would be proud of the young aviators that we recognise and celebrate through these awards on this special night.”

Aircrew Aviator of the Year award recognises flight lieutenant and below aircrew within AMG who demonstrate exceptional skill, innovation, airmanship, Defence values, teamwork and contributions to unit goals and Air Force’s image.

Awarded to: Corporal Madison Hardy

Ground Support Aviator of the Year award recognises non-aircrew AMG personnel up to flight lieutenant rank who demonstrate exceptional skill, innovation, commitment to Defence values, teamwork and contributions to operational goals and Air Force’s image.

Awarded to: Sergeant Steven Hicks

Aviator of the Year award recognises AMG members up to corporal rank who exemplify airmanship, Defence values, teamwork and contribute meaningfully to unit goals and Air Force’s image.

Awarded to: Corporal Angela Reid

Instructor of the Year award recognises AMG aircrew up to wing commander rank who demonstrate outstanding instructional technique, professional knowledge, student care, leadership, personal excellence and commitment to Defence values.

Awarded to: Leading Aircraftwoman Laura Chaffer

Maintenance Trophy is awarded to the most proficient AMG maintenance unit for excellence in engineering, technical support, safety, morale and contributions to operational capability and community engagement.

Awarded to: 33 Squadron

Squadron of the Year award recognises the most proficient AMG squadron for excellence in operational support, capability, morale, safety, community engagement and commitment to Defence values throughout the calendar year.

Awarded to: 35 Squadron