Honours at 619 Squadron

A Commendation and a Cake

Following some recent promotions and reclassifications, No 619 (City of Onkaparinga) Squadron recently held a couple of small but significant ceremonies – see Personal journeys of growth; Developing Australia’s future leaders.

CAPTION: Outgoing Commanding Officer of No 619 Squadron FLGOFF(AAFC) Simon Blair cuts his farewell cake with members of the squadron. Image supplied by 610 SQN

Firstly, Cadet Sergeant Chaise Olah was presented with a Commanding Officer’s Commendation in recognition of her leadership and performance of duties. As well as being a Flight Commander, Cadet Sergeant Olah was responsible for developing submissions for the 619 Squadron bids for Cadet Initiated Activities for 2017/18, and was the Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge of the squadron’s Catalina Cup team for 2017.

Commanding Officer Flying Officer (AAFC) Simon Blair said, “Your achievement in overseeing the training of the Catalina Cup team, and your ability to rapidly adapt to problems as they arose, displayed outstanding maturity and commitment”.

Earlier this year, Cadet Sergeant Olah spoke with Helen Meyer, the Producer of “Service Voices” on Radio Adelaide 101.5 FM, of her experiences in the AAFC and her service to the community. This was the first time any ADF Cadet had been interviewed for the show – see Cadets in the air and ON AIR; Year in review – No 619 Squadron, Seaford.

Next, Flying Officer (AAFC) Simon Blair was farewelled with a cake made by Jane Beare, one of the Civilian Instructors at the squadron. He cut the cake with Flight Lieutenant (AAFC) James Roncoli who will be the Temporary Commanding Officer while a selection process is undertaken for a new CO.

Pilot Officer (AAFC) Paul Rosenzweig, 6 Wing Public Affairs & Communication Officer, said, “While we rightly acknowledge the achievements of our cadets, we should also take time to reflect on the significant contributions made by staff”.

Simon Blair joined the AAFC as a Civilian in September 2009, came into uniform the following year and rose from Aircraftman (AAFC) to Corporal (AAFC), and was made an officer in August 2013. He received an Officer Commanding No 6 Wing Commendation in November 2012, and has commanded No 619 Squadron since August 2015. He has now been appointed Commanding Officer of the ‘other’ City of Onkaparinga squadron – No 605 Squadron in Lonsdale, SA.

No 619 Squadron AAFC is based at Seaford Secondary College south west of Adelaide. Home training is conducted on Monday nights during school terms from 6.15 to 9.30pm.

No 605 Squadron AAFC is based at the Noarlunga Multi-User Depot in Lonsdale. Home training is conducted on Friday nights during school terms from 6.45 to 10pm.

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