After completing a four year Electrical apprenticeship in Bowen Queensland, I joined the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) as a qualified Electrician in 1986. In 1991 I changed roles to Radio Technician Ground Systems (now known as Communications Electronics Technician CE TECH). I worked on Airfield, Radar, Satellite, HF Communication and IT systems maintaining communication systems that enabled Air Force capability. In my role as CE Tech, I deployed to the Cocos Islands, to Malaysia and had postings to Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Townsville, Brisbane, and Canberra. For a small town country lad, I am thankful that Defence gave me an opportunity of seeing most of Australia and other overseas countries whilst doing my job.
I have had two Operational deployments, the first to the Solomon Islands in a peace keeping role, providing the Government of the Solomon Islands stability to de-escalate tension and to rebuild. This deployment was very rewarding personally. My unit provided a local school with support and constructed new facilities that would enable them to deliver education to their students more safely and comfortably. My second deployment, in November 2011, was to the Middle East Area of Operations (MEAO) where I deployed with Force Communications Unit (FCU) in support of Operation Slipper. During this time I had the honour and privilege of serving with both my children. I flew to the MEAO on the same aircraft as my daughter Tara (RAAF), who was based at Kandahar Airfield with the Herron Detachment. My son Jason (Army) then deployed into theatre in January 2012 and was based at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Wali, near Tarrin Kowt as part of the Mentoring Task Force Group.
During both deployments, I had the privilege of celebrating Anzac Day on these foreign lands. It was a time of reflection and I proudly thought of how our Servicemen and women, past, present and future, have and will continue to contribute to the protection and security of the lands and seas of our Nation.
Prior to my retirement in 2020, I believe I had the best job in the Air Force. Within the Directorate of Organisational Behaviour & Culture – Indigenous Affairs (DOBC-IA), I delivered Indigenous Youth Programs (IYP) around Australia, introducing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youths to the roles, security and lifestyle Air Force could provide. By mentoring the participants and highlighting their potential, I was rewarded by seeing the self-belief they developed. Many participants have since joined the Air Force and are carving out successful career paths which I follow with great interest. I also participated in Exercise Kummundoo which is Air Force’s Indigenous community engagement program that delivers dental capabilities to remote Indigenous health organisations. During these programs, I attended schools and community organisations bringing awareness of the opportunities provided by enlisting into the Air Force.
Since I retired in 2020, I am comforted by the knowledge that the Air Force is now more culturally intelligent and competent than the 1986 version I joined. Together with my wife Trish, we watch over our children with great satisfaction as they progress their Air Force careers. Tara is successfully forging ahead in her field of expertise, Jason having made a Service transfer in 2022, is making notable strides as an Air Force Officer and our daughter-in-law Kayla is kicking goals within her own Unit.
What I am most proud of, is building on the Legacy of my dad (John “Bunji” Enchong), who served twenty years in the Army. Now, through three generations we have collectively given over 100 years of service in the ADF across all three services.
