Bellenger Bell honours excellence and values

Capability Manager Frank Jones was awarded the Bellenger Bell Award for 2022 for his exemplary performance at the School of Air Traffic Control (SATC) and his voluntary contribution to the Sale community and surrounding areas.

CAPTION: Capability Manager, School of Air Traffic Control, Mr Frank Jones, left, recipient of the 2022 Bellenger Bell award, with the family of the late Wing Commander Sean Bellenger. Story by Flying Officer Alexandra Clarke. Photo by Petty Officer Richard Prideaux.

The Bellenger Bell is awarded annually to a member of Air Academy who pursues excellence in all their endeavours. It is based on Air Force values, by always going above and beyond the call of duty and embodying the concept that ‘how we work is as important as the work we do.’

Commander Air Force Training Group Air Commodore Greg Frisina introduced the award, which honours the memory of Wing Commander Sean (Blowie) Bellenger, whose memory lives on through the lives and careers of those he directly and indirectly influenced.

Mr Jones reflected on Wing Commander Bellenger and said he was honoured to be selected for the award.

“He was extremely hard working and honest,” Mr Jones said.

“If you ever wanted a role model for junior officers, Blowie would be right up there with the best of them.”

Each year the Bellenger Family reviews the nominations, makes the decision on the successful recipient and, together with Commander AFTG, presents the award.

Mr Jones has been working at SATC since 1996. He has filled many roles over the years, including Temporary Commanding Officer, and his wealth of experience has contributed significantly to SATC’s ability to meet training requirements.

Mr Jones volunteers his time and considerable effort to those around him, both through the ADF and in the local community.

Air Academy’s Officer in Charge, Group Captain Nigel Ward, announced Mr Jones as the award winner on November 4 and read the accompanying citation.

“This award recognises your exemplary performance as a role model for staff and students at the School of Air Traffic Control, and the wider community in Sale and its surrounding areas,” Group Captain Ward said.

“This tireless work has contributed to preserving an essential Defence capability. In addition to this, you have consistently volunteered your time and considerable effort for the benefit of those around you, both through the ADF and in the local community.

“I congratulate you on your very significant contribution to the School of Air Traffic Control, and the positive impact you have had on the broader workplace and local community.”

Mr Jones joined the Air Force on June 6, 1978 and was posted to 486 Maintenance Squadron, 1 Stores Depot, 3 Aircraft Depot, Base Squadron Laverton, Base Support Wing RAAF Williams, Base Squadron Pearce, RAAF Support Unit and 306 Air Base Wing and SATC as a Base Calibration Centre instrument fitter, and Air Traffic Controller before transitioning to the APS in 2003.

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