Air Mobility Group shines at awards night
It was Air Mobility Group’s (AMG) night to shine at the 81st annual Pathfinder Awards on November 22.
CAPTION: Commander Air Mobility Group Air Commodore Bradley Clarke and Aircraftwoman Jorja Winterford cut the cake during the annual Air Mobility Group Pathfinder Awards Dinner at RAAF Base Richmond. Story by Tastri Murdoch. Photos by Leading Aircraftman Chris Tsakisiris.
Recognising excellence in a range of disciplines, the AMG community came together with the Pathfinder Association for an awards dinner at the Sergeants’ Mess, RAAF Base Richmond.
The awards honour the original pathfinders who showed tenacity and courage in the face of adversity to achieve their mission during World War 2, acknowledging similar qualities in today’s AMG workforce.
Commander AMG Air Commodore Bradley Clarke said the Pathfinder Awards recognised AMG members and units that have achieved outstanding results, and which continue the legacy of leadership and excellence set by the original pathfinders.
“AMG is often at the centre of safely transporting people, equipment and cargo to destinations across the nation and across the globe,” Air Commodore Clarke said.
“Whether it is transporting VIPs to important forums, providing assistance to those in need, or supporting ADF operations and training, AMG is there.
“A lot of the time the work we do is unreported, so taking the time to pause and acknowledge the excellence throughout AMG is vitally important.”
35 Squadron was Squadron of the Year, reaching “97 per cent of its targeted rate of effort for the 2022/23 financial year, and tracking a 102 per cent of target for 2023/24”, the citation read.
Officer Commanding 84 Wing Group Captain Matt Cooper said the evening was an excellent opportunity to gather and recognise aviators from across AMG for their individual and collective achievements.
“I was incredibly impressed with the calibre of all nominees and congratulate the award recipients for their significant contribution to unit, force element group and broader ADF outputs,” Group Captain Cooper said.
“I am extremely proud of 84 Wing after yet another busy and dynamic year, and am thrilled 35 Squadron was awarded the Squadron of the Year.”
33 Squadron was awarded the Maintenance Trophy for achieving the ‘highest mission success rate in squadron history and likely AMG’, reaching 99 per cent maintenance mission achievement.
Officer Commanding 86 Wing Group Captain Brent Taylor said he was grateful for the outstanding contributions from not only 33 Squadron, but across AMG.
“My heartfelt congratulations to the winners of each of the categories and well done to 33 Squadron for the Maintenance Trophy,” Group Captain Taylor said.
“You have done yourselves, your family and squadron extremely proud.”
AMG Aircrew Aviator of the Year was Flight Lieutenant William Delchau, of 33 Squadron, whose ‘dedication and expertise have been critical in enhancing the squadron’s capability and reputation’.
Leading Aircraftman Jordan Leonard, of 37 Squadron, was AMG Aviator of the Year award, having received ‘consistent praise for his wide-reaching and effective contributions to AMG as an outstanding aviator’.
AMG Instructor of the Year was Corporal Stephen Poole, of 37 Squadron, ‘an excellent practitioner of technical training skills who demonstrates inclusiveness in the classroom to build confidence and capability’.
Sergeant Peter Greentree, of 36 Squadron, was the AMG Ground Support Aviator of the Year, for being ‘an exceptionally humble leader who epitomises the traits required to lead effectively in any environment’.
Air Commodore Clarke said it was important for the AMG community to come together in support of their peers.
“Whether it’s an individual leading, or a combined squadron effort, the commitment and achievements on display continue to build a robust and capable workforce,” Air Commodore Clarke said.
“With AMG engaged in and supporting a vast range of tasking nationally and around the globe, the skills and proficiencies demonstrated by the award winners are exemplary to AMG as a whole.”
CAPTION: 35 Squadron from RAAF Base Amberley accepts the Squadron of the Year certificate from Commander Air Mobility Group Air Commodore Bradley Clarke at RAAF Base Richmond.
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