For Wing Commander Dane Robinson, surprising his son while reviewing his Air Force graduation parade was a moment neither of them will ever forget.

Wing Commander Robinson joined Deputy Secretary Security and Estate Group Celia Perkins as part of the official reviewing party for the graduation parade of 64 recruits from Course 10/26 at 1 Recruit Training Unit at RAAF Base Wagga Wagga on July 8.

Among the graduates was his 19-year-old son, Aircraftman Brodie Robinson, who had no idea his father would be inspecting the parade.

Aircraftman Robinson only realised his father was on the parade ground as he walked by, and even then he struggled to make sense of what was happening.

“The reviewing officer said, ‘Dad’s very proud of you,’ and I replied, ‘Thank you, ma’am’,” he said.

“Then right next to her, my dad said, ‘Hey, mate’. It didn’t register at all because I was so focused on the parade.”

It was not until after the ceremony that the significance of the moment sank in.

“Everyone had apparently been keeping it secret for about a month,” Aircraftman Robinson said.

“It was a big shock and very special to have Dad be part of the parade.”

Wing Commander Robinson confirmed his son was so focused on maintaining his bearing that he barely acknowledged his presence.

'It’s been a long journey to get him here, so it’s very rewarding. To see him on parade and be able to be there on parade with him was a truly great occasion.'

“He was shocked, definitely shocked,” Wing Commander Robinson said.

“He didn’t know what to say or if he was allowed to say anything while I was on parade. He was locked in the zone.”

The surprise was coordinated with 1 Recruit Training Unit staff, who offered Wing Commander Robinson the memorable opportunity to stand with his son on the parade ground.

Specialising as a personnel capability officer, Wing Commander Robinson has served in the Air Force for more than 18 years and is currently Deputy Director ADF Personnel Policy, based in Canberra.

His career has included postings to RAAF Base Williamtown, RAAF Base Tindal, the Australian Defence Force Academy, the Aerospace Operations Centre and Air Force Headquarters – where he served in Ministerial Liaison.

Inspired by both his father and grandfather (former Flight Sergeant David Bell, who dedicated over 45 years to the Air Force), Aircraftman Robinson’s decision to continue his family’s legacy of service was a natural one.

“I’ve always looked up to Dad,” he said.

“I grew up moving around with Defence life and always knew I wanted to join. I just had to work out what I wanted to do.”

Having enlisted as a chef, Aircraftman Robinson will now undertake his initial training at HMAS Cerberus before receiving his first posting and following in his father’s footsteps. 

As his son prepares to start his own Air Force journey, Wing Commander Robinson said sharing the graduation parade with his son was a moment he will always treasure. 

“I’m immensely proud,” he said.

“It’s been a long journey to get him here, so it’s very rewarding. To see him on parade and be able to be there on parade with him was a truly great occasion.”