Leading Aircraftwoman Gemma Molfetas made the most of a rare opportunity to work alongside her New Zealand counterparts during a recent 10-week placement at Royal New Zealand Air Force Base Ohakea.

Leading Aircraftwoman Molfetas, an aeronautical life support technician with 11 Squadron at RAAF Base Edinburgh, joined the Air Force in 2022.

Attached to 5 Squadron in New Zealand for her placement, she is part of a knowledge-sharing initiative focused on deepening collaboration between the two nations. The placement allows her to work on the P-8A aircraft, a platform in service with maritime patrol forces in both Australia and New Zealand.

“It’s a fantastic experience,” Leading Aircraftwoman Molfetas said. 

“We’re sharing ways of working, learning from each other and building a better understanding of how our units operate.”

Her day-to-day involves routine maintenance and servicing of aircrew survival gear – including after-flight servicing – ensuring the pilot and aircrew’s safety equipment and survival systems work when needed. 

'I love being a hands-on technician and supporting the aircrew to do their mission. This placement has only reinforced that.'

Leading Aircraftwoman Molfetas has also had the chance to step outside her usual role, contributing to aircraft painting and even packing a large cargo parachute – something she hadn’t encountered back home.

“It’s been great to get exposure to other technical areas. I’ll go back with fresh eyes and new ideas on how we can do things differently and more adaptably,” she said.

Leading Aircraftwoman Molfetas described the base at Ohakea as smaller and more tightly knit than RAAF Base Edinburgh, with a slower pace but a high level of productivity. The welcoming atmosphere, beautiful surroundings and weekend hikes have made the experience even more memorable.

“Everyone is so lovely and welcoming. The 5 Squadron building is new, the scenery is beautiful, and I’ve even done a 10-kilometre adventure hike along the coast with the other technicians of 5 Squadron,” she said. 

Despite the challenges of being away from home for an extended period, Leading Aircraftwoman Molfetas is enthusiastic about her career path.

“I love being a hands-on technician and supporting the aircrew to do their mission. This placement has only reinforced that,” she said. 

Her advice to younger recruits: “If you like getting hands-on and want to see the world, this is a really cool experience. I feel very blessed to be part of it.”