Sun, surf and 4 Squadron life for Pom on exchange

Royal Air Force (RAF) Sergeant Craig Clarke has immersed himself into Australia culture as part of Exercise Long Look.

CAPTION: Royal Air Force Joint Terminal Attack Controller Sergeant Craig Clarke changes his radio’s frequency during live-fire serials as part of Exercise Black Dagger 2024. Story by Flight Lieutenant Grace Casey-Maughan. Photo by Aircraftwoman Laura Flower.

He arrived in Australia on July 17 from North Yorkshire, United Kingdom, and is being hosted by 4 Squadron at RAAF Base Williamtown.

Exercise Long Look is a short-term exchange program between Australian and UK defence forces, which aims to broaden the experience and knowledge of defence personnel, and to promote the development of personal relationships.

Sergeant Clarke is an RAF Regiment Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) instructor from the Air Land Integration Squadron at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire, UK.

“Working with other nations provides an invaluable opportunity to observe and exchange techniques, training and procedures, and enhance interoperability with partner nations, while exploring capabilities that the UK can adopt in the future – all while strengthening the UK and Australian alliance,” Sergeant Clarke said.

“The time at 4 Squadron has unfortunately flown by and there is still a lot to be gained from working together. It has been extremely useful in a variety of ways that will assist my home unit in moving forward, and hopefully it has been mutually beneficial as I have advised 4 Squadron in some of the tools we use back home.”

Sergeant Clarke travelled to RAAF Base Townsville recently with 4 Squadron for Exercise Black Dagger, where he participated as a JTAC instructor.

“This included mentoring students from a variety of units across the ADF, designing and running close air support scenarios, conducting assessments and role playing air and ground assets,” he said.

“A key takeaway from the exercise was observing and understanding the key similarities and differences in our JTAC courses end product.”

Outside of work, Sergeant Clarke has spent time exploring the local area and learning to surf, a key item on his personal bucket list.

“I have also managed to get to a few live sports events. Be that the AFL, which I can get on board with, or Ice Hockey, which I didn’t expect to see in Australia. I have plans to go to an A League football game, now that the season has started up again,” he said.

“I am very appreciative to 4 Squadron, and all attached units, for hosting me the last few months. And for giving me the opportunity to share my knowledge with the students in their progression during the JTAC course, as well as enabling me to observe and learn about 4 Squadron and their journey, which has opened up opportunities for further training and a stronger relationship with my unit at home.”

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