Our People in WA
Tenae Barker - On duty in Afghanistan
Former Mercy College student Tenae Barker is now playing a vital role at Australia’s main base in southern Afghanistan. She is managing the arrival and dispatch of critical stores and equipment for our troops.
It’s half a world away from where she grew up in Baker’s Hill. Now promoted to Leading Aircraftwoman, Tenae is now part of the Australian air load team which loads and unloads every aircraft that lands at the base’s airstrip.
“I’m very proud to be here,” Tenae said.
“One of the best parts of the job is I work around aircraft – hardly any time at a desk!” she said.
Tenae joined the Air Force in 2006 after the Air Force Cadets. She’s now qualified to operate several types of truck and forklifts.
But when Tenae’s tour of duty ends in a few months, she will be have the chance for some serious catching up with her family, including her parents Kara and David as well has her sister Jordina and boyfriend, Oliver.
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.