19 December 2020
While most Australians will be gathering with loved ones for Christmas, some ADF personnel will continue working to keep Australia safe.
Corporal Jacob Hutcheon, of No 2 Security Forces at RAAF Base Amberley in Queensland, is on Operation COVID-19 Assist at Sydney Airport.
Normally he is a RAAF Military Working Dog handler.
"I volunteered to join Operation COVID-19 Assist. In some ways it’s similar to what I do in my normal job,” Corporal Hutcheon said.
“As dog handlers we work closely with the Australian Federal Police. Here, we’re working closely with New South Wales Police as well.”
Several flights are due to arrive on Christmas Day and passengers will be welcomed home and helped onto their buses to their quarantine hotels by Corporal Hutcheon and his ADF colleagues.
“There have been many tears from Australians coming home – mainly, tears of relief,” he said.
“Hopefully there’ll be a few more tears of joy from those arriving home on Christmas Day.”
