31 March 2025
On the tarmac at Kwajalein Atoll in the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Royal Australian Air Force Corporal Cameron Kunde started his first operational task overseas.
As a loadmaster with 35 Squadron, he played a valuable role in Operation Solania 25-1, a mission aimed at detecting and deterring illegal, unregulated and unreported (IUU) fishing across the Pacific.
Born in Liverpool, NSW, and spending part of his childhood on Groote Eylandt in the Northern Territory, Corporal Kunde credits those early years in a close-knit island community with shaping his perspective on service and teamwork.
“You learn early that everyone has a role to play – whether it’s helping out at school, in sport, or around the community,” he said.
“That idea of pitching in and looking out for each other really stuck with me.”
Visits to his grandparents’ home in New Zealand, near Royal New Zealand Air Force Base Whenuapai, sparked his passion for aviation. Watching C-130 Hercules and P-3 Orion aircraft flying overhead provided the inspiration that would lead him to join the Air Force.
Having previously worked in manufacturing, estimating and sales, Corporal Kunde became an aviation operations manager at Archerfield Airport in Brisbane, reigniting his passion for flying.
In late 2023, he joined the RAAF, and by December 2024, he had earned his loadmaster brevet.
'That idea of pitching in and looking out for each other really stuck with me.'
While deployed on Operation Solania, Corporal Kunde and his team conducted maritime intelligence, and surveillance and reconnaissance patrols alongside regional partners.
Flying aboard the C-27J Spartan, he helped monitor vast stretches of ocean, reporting suspicious vessels back to the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) in Honoria on the Solomon Islands.
“It’s not every day you get the chance to come to a place like the Marshall Islands,” Corporal Kunde said.
“We’re working closely with the FFA to help protect local economies and ensure Pacific nations’ fisheries aren’t being exploited.”
The operation also reflects broader cooperation, with the US Army hosting the ADF at Kwajalein and supporting mission execution.
“Our American partners have been fantastic, letting us use their facilities and making us feel welcome,” Corporal Kunde added.
Taking on the challenge of becoming a loadmaster later in life wasn’t a decision Corporal Kunde made alone.
“I wouldn’t be here without the support of my family,” he said.
“It was a big commitment, but having them behind me made it possible to chase this dream – even if it came a little later than expected.”
