Pursuit of engineering excellence
A young flying officer has become the first female to win one of Air Force’s most prestigious awards for exceptional achievement in the field of engineering.
CAPTION: Head of Air Force Capability Air Vice-Marshal Wendy Blyth presents Flying Officer Alberta Redgrove with the Eagle Trophy at the annual Rolls-Royce Eagle Trophy presentation dinner in Canberra, ACT. Story by John Noble. Photo by Leading Aircraftman Paris Rigney.
Flying Officer Alberta Redgrove, an armament engineering officer with 75 Squadron at RAAF Base Tindal, was recently presented with the Rolls-Royce Eagle Trophy at a ceremony in Canberra in recognition of her outstanding and innovative work during her first posting in Air Force.
Flying Officer Redgrove said the recognition reflected her love of Air Force and the cutting-edge engineering she is privileged to be involved with.
“I am so grateful and honoured to have shared this special moment with people who have always supported me,” Flying Officer Redgrove said.
“The award really represents the achievements of the 75 Squadron Magpies and my Gunnie section.
“I have learnt so much from them all, so I genuinely believe that the award belongs to all of us.”
Graduating from the ADF Academy in 2022 with a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering, Flying Officer Redgrove posted into 75 Squadron in 2023 as an armament engineering officer.
By the end of 2023, Flying Officer Redgrove managed to achieve her full suite of engineering authorisations in a single attempt through a “relentless pursuit of perfection and a commitment to striving for the highest levels in engineering and aviation”, according to Head of Air Force Capability Air Vice-Marshal Wendy Blyth.
At the ceremony, Air Vice-Marshal Blyth presented the award to Flying Officer Redgrove on behalf of Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Stephen Chappell.
Air Vice-Marshal Blyth said that Flying Officer Redrove’s exceptional technical mastery, leadership and innovation had been instrumental in enhancing 75 Squadron, Air Force agile operations, enhanced air cooperation and global F-35 capability outcomes.
“[Her] stunning work and enthusiasm for aiming high truly reflects the future of Air Force,” Air Vice-Marshal Blyth said.
“The Rolls-Royce Eagle Trophy does not just recognise achievement, it embodies the relentless pursuit of perfection that has been a defining characteristic of both the Royal Australian Air Force and Rolls-Royce throughout our rich histories, and celebrates the achievements of those who continue to push the boundaries of what is possible.
“Flying Officer Alberta Redgrove’s achievements truly embody the spirit of the Rolls-Royce Eagle Trophy.
“Just as the iconic Rolls-Royce Eagle engine revolutionised flight during WW1, Flying Officer Redgrove has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible in the field of aircraft engineering and maintenance – all within her first posting in the Air Force.”
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