Our People in SA
Matthew Burns - Wynnvale airman supports Air Force Operations in Middle East
Corporal Matthew Burns, 37, from Wynnvale in Adelaide is working in a vital role as a life support fitter with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), deployed in the Middle East Area of Operations (MEAO).
“I service and maintain the life jackets, helmets, parachutes and other safety equipment used by AP-3C Orion air crew,” Matthew said.
The AP-3C Orions are deployed in the Middle East to provide aerial surveillance over both the Arabian Gulf and Afghanistan in support of the Australian Government’s commitment to the International Coalition Against Terrorism.
In Australia, Matthew works at Air Force Base Edinburgh at 92 Wing Life Support section. He joined the Air Force after serving in the Army for five years as a storeman and transport driver.
“I joined the Air Force 14 years ago to move back to Adelaide,” Matthew said.
“Originally I was an operator supply for five years and wanted a job change, so I re-mustered to this job.”
In addition to this deployment, Matthew has worked overseas many times.
“I've been to Malaysia twice and Scotland once, where I was a life support fitter for a course run over there.”
“I was pretty busy working in Scotland for two weeks, and on the way home we got to stop at Hawaii.”
So far in his deployment, he hasn't found his job too different from what it is in Australia.
“At home the workload is a lot less. Here we have more equipment to look after and we work 12-hour shifts.”
Matthew also enjoys the social aspect of his time being deployed in the Middle East.
“You meet new people in a different country, so it's a good opportunity to meet people you wouldn't meet at home.”
In his spare time at home, Matthew enjoys working on his car.
“I have a light metallic blue Holden EJ Premier, which is pretty much restored now. The engine has only done 80,000 miles. I got the car from my great grandfather, who purchased the car new in 1963.
"My great grandfather kept the car on a farm and my dad picked it up from the farm 20 years ago. I've had it since then, before I could drive.
“I had offers to buy the car. The largest offer I had was $15,000.”
When he finishes his deployment in the Middle East, Matthew plans to spend time with his family.
“I finish here in October and I'm planning to spend lots of time with my mum at my grandparents.”