Three Royal Australian Air Force aviators have reached a rare milestone – 45 years of service – each receiving the sixth clasp to the Australian Defence Long Service Medal.

The clasps were presented in a ceremony by Warrant Officer of the Air Force Ralph Clifton.

Warrant Officer Randolph Jachimowicz, Warrant Officer David Pritchard and Warrant Officer Chris Sinfield have each dedicated more than four decades to the Royal Australian Air Force.

The three share a collective 135 years of service, with careers that have intersected at various points – making the presentation of their clasps on the same day particularly significant. 

Warrant Officer Jachimowicz, who grew up in Magill, South Australia, began his career in 1979 as a steward before transferring roles to a loadmaster in 1988. 

Across an extensive flying career, he served on platforms including the Boeing 707, Squirrels, Iroquois helicopters, and C-130E, C-130H and C-130J-model Hercules. Spending the majority of his career within Air Mobility Group units, he has deployed on operations such as Operation Resolute, Operation Slipper and Operation Catalyst. 

'It reflects a career I hold with immense pride and commitment.'

His service has been recognised with honours including an Air Commander Australia Commendation and an Australian Defence Force Bronze Commendation.

For Warrant Officer Jachimowicz, the sixth clasp marks more than four decades of service. 

Warrant Officer Pritchard grew up in Blaxland, New South Wales, and joined the Air Force in 1979 as a clerk before transferring to a loadmaster in 1986. His operational experience spans the C-130H, Boeing 707 and C-17 Globemaster. 

“It reflects a career I hold with immense pride and commitment. One that leaves me with absolutely no regrets and has afforded me the opportunity to work alongside some of the finest people in defence,” Warrant Officer Pritchard said.

With most of his career spent in Air Mobility Group units, he has deployed on numerous operations including Operation Slipper, Operation Catalyst, Operation Pacific Assist and Operation Resolute, as well as various humanitarian aid activities. 

Reflecting on his numerous operations, Warrant Officer Pritchard said “the operations that have had the most impact are those that supported humanitarian aid such as cyclone and flood assist”. 

His service recognition also includes a Royal Australian Air Force Gold Commendation, the Afghanistan Medal and the Active Service Medal with Iraq Clasp.

'Today our aviators are better prepared and better trained for the ever changing environment.'

Warrant Officer Sinfield grew up in Bringelly, New South Wales, and commenced his service in 1980 as an apprentice before transferring to a flight engineer in 1987. He has flown on the Boeing 707, C-130E and C-130H Hercules, with more than 10,000 flight hours total. 

With multiple postings across Air Mobility Group, his operational service includes deployments on Operation Bali Assist, Operation Pakistan Assist, Operation Slipper and Operation Anode. 

He has been recognised with an Air Commander Australia Commendation, an Australian Defence Force Bronze Commendation and the Active Service Medal with clasps for the Balkans and Iraq.

On receiving the sixth clasp, Warrant Officer Sinfield reflected on how much the Air Force has changed since 1980.

“Today our aviators are better prepared and better trained for the ever changing environment. The Air Force has provided a wide range of possibilities for a career from aviation and beyond,” Warrant Officer Sinfield said.

Together, these three warrant officers represent a generation of aviators whose careers have spanned decades of transformation within the Air Force. Their wealth of experience, operational contributions and enduring dedication have not only shaped Air Mobility capability, but have also left a lasting legacy for future aviators.