Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Stephen Chappell presented the Federation Star Award to four members of the Air Force Air Show Team (AST) at RAAF Base Darwin during Exercise Pitch Black.
Air Marshal Chappell presented the awards to Air Commodore Michael Gray and Group Captain Roland Morscheck in recognition of serving 40 years. Warrant Officer Greg Krieger was awarded his Sixth Clasp to his Defence Long Service Medal in recognition of 45 years of service, and Warrant Officer Wayne Newman was awarded his fourth Federation Star in recognition of 55 years of service.
This event not only recognised a combined total of 180 years of service, but also represented the second time in Air Force history that a fourth Federation Star has been awarded.
Warrant Officer Newman enlisted as an apprentice in the Air Force in January 1971, before qualifying as an aviation technician and going on to work with multiple aircraft types. Over the course of his 55-year career, he has had over 40 postings and has served under 18 different Chief of Air Forces.
He has positively influenced so many of his fellow Air Force members over the years, including his son Flying Officer Ben Newman, who is currently serving as a P8-A Poseidon pilot with 11 Squadron.
Meanwhile, Warrant Officer Krieger enlisted in October 1979 and graduated as a motor transport fitter in January 1981.
Warrant Officer Krieger has had over 20 postings and served at a variety of different units, some of which no longer exist. One of these former units was 2SD detachment D in Dubbo, NSW - the only RAAF Base that ran a flock of sheep in an effort to keep the grass down.
Moreover, Group Captain Morscheck enlisted in January 1986 and joined the first ever ADFA class before going on to complete his flying training in 1990, on the first ever PC9 course.
'This is a unique team. We drop in, plan and conduct the air shows at the different bases, so that base personnel can get on with their day jobs delivering air power.'
Group Captain Morscheck has amassed 6682 flying hours on a variety of different aircraft, including the Macchi, DHC4 Caribou, N24A Nomad and King Air 350. He also flew as a member of the Roulettes RAAF Aerobatic display team and subsequently served as Commanding Officer of the Central Flying School.
Last, but certainly not least, Air Commodore Gray enlisted in May 1985 and flew F-111s across 22 years as well as the Royal Air Force Tornado Strike/Reconnaissance aircraft in the UK and the F/A-18F Super Hornet. He has amassed over 3500 flying hours.
Air Commodore Gray was the Commanding Officer of both 1 Squadron and 6 Squadron and was subsequently Officer Commanding 82 Wing. He has also served in a wide range of operational and HQ positions, both domestically and overseas. He is currently serving as the Head of the Air Force AST.
During the awards presentation, Air Marshal Chappell expressed his gratitude and respect to the four members for their long service and was keen to recognise the importance of the support from their families.
In his presentation speech, Air Marshal Chappell said: "A long and enduring commitment to service and time in uniform is a pretty amazing thing for folks to do - and also for the families that love and support us all through those journeys. Please pass on my real appreciation to all of your loved ones for their support of your service."
The Air Force AST that these members are part of is composed of mainly RAAF reservists, and brings together extensive experience and expertise from across the Air Force.
"This is a unique team. We drop in, plan and conduct the air shows at the different bases, so that base personnel can get on with their day jobs delivering air power," Head of AST Air Commodore Gray said.
AST's events generate massive public interest and engagement, and deliver high reputational value.
Air Commodore Gray expressed his pride in the team and what they deliver, and said: "What we do here is probably the most public facing activity across the Air Force. So I'm very proud to be a part of that".
The AST conducts an Air Force air show at a different RAAF base every 2 years and is also responsible for the biennial Mindil Beach Flying Display and RAAF Base Darwin Open Day events that take place during each Exercise Pitch Black.
