Our People in SA
Michael Bailey - Wallaroo airman plays key role in RAAF mission in the Middle East
Corporal Michael Bailey, 31, from Wallaroo is working in a vital role with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) serving in the Middle East Area of Operations (MEAO).
“I currently work as an avionics technician in the Air Force. I joined the Air Force in 1999 in search for a long term career,” Michael said.
In his job, Michael mainly works on the RAAF’s AP-3C Orion surveillance aircraft.
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.
“It's pretty complex working on these aircraft, because there are so many different systems to work on,” Michael said. “We work on anything from radar systems, radios - right up to electrical fault finding.”
Having worked far from home, Michael says that his mates play an important part of his Air Force career.
“I’ve made a lot of good mates since joining the Air Force ten years ago.
“My job is very rewarding, especially working in the Middle East. The work is different every day; we never know what's going to happen with the aircraft.”
Michael says he has travelled extensively in his job which is one of the best parts of working in the Air Force.
“I've lost count of the number of deployments I've been on. It's my second time to the Middle East though. I've also worked in Malaysia and Guam.”
When Michael returns home in October, he will be reunited with his waiting family.
“My partner Tanya and I, as well as my three-year-old daughter Ella, are expecting our second child, which is due to be born on Christmas Eve.”
Australia's military contribution to Afghanistan is part of the nation’s broader commitment to Coalition efforts against international terrorism, countering piracy in the Gulf of Aden, and maritime security.