Our People in VIC
Luke Gibson - Geelong man keeps the lines open in the Middle East
Geelong man Luke Gibson is now a RAAF IT specialist, and is keeping the communication lines open at the Australian Contingent Compound in the Middle East.
Luke, 22, spent the first 10 years of his life on a farm near Moriac, in Victoria, before his family moved to Highton in Geelong, where his parents still live today. After finishing school at Oberon High in Belmont, he spent two years doing a Diploma of Computer Systems Engineering at Gordon TAFE and then joined the Air Force. Now he’s promoted to Leading Aircraftman.
“My grand-father was in the Air Force and I always wanted a job with a difference because I didn’t want to be part of the stock-standard office work kind of thing and look where it’s gotten me,” Luke laughed.
Luke spent the first three months of his rotation in Kandahar before moving to the Australian compound known as Billabong Flats.
Both locations have had their challenges according to Luke.
“Maintaining equipment in a field environment is a big thing; the dust, sand and the heat are major factors,” Luke said.
“When working in the Middle East, one of the important things to remember is not to leave your tools outside because in the middle of the day, even after an hour, you can’t pick them up because they are that hot.”
“Mainly being away from my other half, Fiona, is the hardest part, although I think it is harder for her than me,” Luke said. “I’m always busy here on a day-to-day basis so the time goes pretty quick, but back home it’s harder for her.”
Overall, Luke said this deployment has been one of the highlights of what has been an excellent five years with the Air Force.
“I’ve enjoyed the opportunities I’ve had over that time and all the friendships that come along with it. It’s good, you make some good mates.”
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.
The Australian deployment, comprising around 1550 personnel in Afghanistan and a further 850 across the Middle East, is know as Operations SLIPPER.