Air Force recognises innovative Pathfinders

Air Mobility Group’s (AMG) annual Pathfinder Awards were held at RAAF Base Richmond on October 20 to honour the group’s highest performers and innovators.

CAPTION: Sergeant Grant Vaughan, left, receives the Aircrew Aviator of the Year award from Commander Air Mobility Group Air Commodore Bradley Clarke and the Pathfinder Association’s Jett McClenaughan, at the Air Mobility Group Pathfinder Awards dinner. Story by Flying Officer Madeleine Magee. Photos by Aircraftwoman Mikaela Fernlund.

During World War 2, the Pathfinder Force was a specialist unit established to facilitate more accurate targeting for Bomber Command aircraft. Using high-end piloting and navigation skills, and working with the latest electronic navigational aids, the force led attacks on special targets in southern Europe under missions that were timed almost to the second.

Air Commander Australia Air Vice-Marshal Glen Braz described how the Pathfinder Force and their leader Air Vice-Marshal Donald Bennett became a steadfast and vital capability to the war effort.

“Many of us know the story of Air Vice-Marshall Donald Bennett. Born in Toowoomba in 1910, Bennett went on to lead the elite Pathfinder Force in Bomber Command during the second world war,” Air Vice-Marshal Braz said.

“He knew it was people, not technology that would be his greatest asset and help turn the tide in the war – which is exactly what they did.”

The awards were established to recognise aviators who embody the spirit of the original Pathfinders. These aviators demonstrate adaptability and innovation in their everyday actions and inspire others to do the same, building the strong foundations for an evolving, modern Air Force.

Air Vice-Marshal Braz addressed the award winners, establishing the importance of their efforts and contribution to the success of the organisation.

“The Pathfinder Force was innovative and adaptable. They found novel ways to harness technology and always made sure there was a Plan B, C and D. They left little to chance and relied on precise planning and execution,” he said.

“It was their mindset, it was their character that underpinned the success of the Pathfinder Force. And it is your mindset, it is your character that will underpin the future success of Air Force.”

2024 Pathfinder Award winners:

Aircrew Aviator of the Year – Sergeant Grant Vaughan, 36 Squadron, for outstanding performance as a loadmaster in driving mission success and ensuring 36 Squadron readiness.

Ground Support Aviator of the Year – Corporal Robert Fearn, Headquarters Air Mobility Group, for providing outstanding procurement support to numerous Air Mobility Group projects and capabilities.

CAPTION: Corporal Robert Fearn, left, receives the Ground Support Aviator of the Year award from Vice President of Bomber Command Association in Australia John Horsburgh and Commander Air Mobility Group Air Commodore Bradley Clarke.

Aviator of the Year – Corporal Dylan Dawes, 37 Squadron, for consistent dedication, mentoring and commitment to Defence values at 37 Squadron.

CAPTION: Corporal Dylan Dawes receives the Aviator of the Year award by Commander Air Mobility Group Air Commodore Bradley Clarke.

Instructor of the Year – Corporal Patrick Ballesteros, 35 Squadron, for consistent high standard of instructional technique and application of professional knowledge at 35 Squadron.

CAPTION: Corporal Patrick Ballesteros, left, receives Instructor of the Year award from Commander Air Mobility Group Air Commodore Bradley Clarke.

Maintenance Trophy –  35 Squadron, for outstanding maintenance and logistics innovation, ingenuity and commitment to Air Mobility Group capability.

CAPTION: Maintenance Trophy is awarded to 35 Squadron from Commander Air Mobility Group Air Commodore Bradley Clarke.

Squadron of the Year – Air Mobility Control Centre, for outstanding support to Air Force and Australian Defence Force units in the delivery of air power operations and mission support.

CAPTION: The Squadron of the Year award is presented to Air Mobility Control Centre representatives.

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