THE GRAND MASTER’S AUSTRALIAN MEDAL 2007
For a meritorious contribution to aviation
NUMBER 92 WING ROYAL
AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE
Number 92 Wing began operating the AP 3C Orion in the Middle East in January
2003 in support of coalition objectives in the Persian Gulf and Iraq. Since
that time, AP 3C operations have continued unabated with over 10,000 hours
flown. What makes Number 92 Wing's performance exceptional has been the way
in which the collective skills and dedication of its operational,
engineering and support staff have been harnessed to respond to emerging and
demanding operational imperatives.
On arrival in theatre, the AP 3C Orion was first employed in its traditional
maritime role, patrolling the maritime zones of the Persian Gulf. However,
an increased effort was soon required over mainland Iraq to support the hard
pressed coalition land forces. In response to this operational imperative,
and with a raw capability that had never before been used in an overland
environment, AP 3C crews began operating in support of ground forces over
Iraq. Today, over a third of Number 92 Wing's flying hours are flown in
support of coalition operations in the Middle East and the greater
proportion of these are dedicated to the overland Intelligence, Surveillance
and Reconnaissance (ISR) role.
The development of the overland ISR role has required a phenomenal effort by
Number 92 Wing and its key support organisations. This has included the
rapid acquisition and integration of equipment such as enhanced electro
optics, situational awareness and cueing tools, Tactical Command Data Link
to provide real motion video to ground forces and the fitment of Electronic
Warfare Self Protection. These achievements need to be viewed in the context
that the AP 3C Orion was almost exclusively a maritime asset before its
involvement in the 2003 Iraq War. The aircraft had to be re configured and
the air and ground crews trained and prepared for a completely new role in a
remarkably short space of time.
Of particular note is the technical excellence of engineering support staff
who rapidly integrated complex ISR capabilities onto the aircraft to meet
operational objectives, while still maintaining impressive levels of
airworthiness and configuration control. This outcome was only achieved
through outstanding professionalism, motivation, dedication and a clear
operational focus at all levels within the maintenance and support
organisation. Similarly, aircrews also demonstrated the same qualities in
adapting to enemy tactics and coalition support requirements to achieve
outstanding results. At an organisational level, headquarters staff
developed tactics, techniques and procedures and an overarching operational
concept and doctrine to guide longer term capability development and
training requirements.
The members of Number 92 Wing are forging new ground and successfully
adapting to a dynamic operational environment. In particular, the Wing's
achievements are the result of the professionalism, commitment and
initiative demonstrated by its personnel at all levels. Recognition of the
technical and operational excellence of Number 92 Wing and its people
through the award of the prestigious Grand Master’s Australian Medal is much
deserved.
Previous Awards
1981 H C Minnett Esq Dr D N Cooper Dr J P Wild
CSIRO Interscan Team
1982 Not Awarded
1983 Brian Hamilton Heeps Esq
1984 Not Awarded
1985 Dr Henry Millicer
1986 Ingo Renner Esq
1987 Wing Cdr Bernard I Fernandes
1988-89 Not Awarded
1990 Don M Kendell Esq
1991 Laurence C Gruzman Esq
1992 Not Awarded
1993 Sqn Ldr Kevin W Rushworth
1994 Captain Ernest A Girault
1995 Gary Lawson-Smith Esq
1996 Australian Mission Aviation Fellowship
1997 The Historical Aircraft Restoration Society
Inc.
1998 Not Awarded
1999 John G Roncz & Graham Swannell
2000 Captain Trevor Jensen
2001
Bob Peake
2002 Royal Flying Doctor Service of
Australia
2003/4/5 Not Awarded
2006 C-17 Transition Team & 36 Squadron Royal Australian Air Force
