30 July 2024
A trip up to the Top End for the ADF’s newest aviators proved to be a learning opportunity to remember.
Second and third-year Air Force trainee officers from the ADF Academy (ADFA) attended the last week of Exercise Diamond Storm 2024 in Darwin from June 23 to July 1.
The activities involved trainee officers gaining valuable insights into their future careers within the ADF as they toured multiple aircraft.
Among these visits, the Officer Cadets interacted with Defence personnel around the base and had the chance to speak with Air Commander Australia Air Vice-Marshal Glen Braz.
The trainee officers wrote letters of thanks to the different squadrons who facilitated aircraft tours, engineers that shared their knowledge, and leaders who provided career guidance.
1 Squadron and 6 Squadron facilitated one of the many aircraft tours. The trainees toured an EA-18G Growler, F-35A Lightning II and an F/A-18F Super Hornet, as well as had discussions with engineers and aircrew.
In a letter to the two squadrons, trainee officers shared how the experience touring these aircraft motivated them to continue pushing towards graduation.
“It provided us an opportunity to understand what working in the Air Force looks like, and for a number of us, motivation to continue working towards our dream jobs,” they said.
'We all have an enduring responsibility to generate, employ and sustain air power to secure Australia and its national interests.'
An exciting moment for many was meeting 13 Squadron’s military working dogs and learning how they support exercises. The trainee officers mentioned in their letter of thanks that they enjoyed seeing how the unit takes care of the dogs from the moment they arrive until retirement.
“The military dogs are a very interesting part of the ADF. It’s quite cool and scary to see them when they ‘switch on’ and are in action. It was enlightening to hear that technology still cannot replicate or replace the capability that the dogs provide,” they said.
Trainee officers also had the opportunity to learn about different career paths by speaking with aviators from various specialties. Their letter of thanks revealed how the Officer Cadets left Exercise Diamond Storm feeling inspired by the technical expertise and dedication to delivering outstanding capability.
“We all have an enduring responsibility to generate, employ and sustain air power to secure Australia and its national interests. The professionalism and commitment to excellence demonstrated by your squadron are a testament to the high standards upheld by the Royal Australian Air Force,” they said.
“We look forward to future opportunities for collaboration and to working alongside you in making a positive difference as an Air Force.”
