Corporal Chris Siles has received a Chief of Air Force Gold Commendation for superior devotion to the introduction and employment of counter uncrewed aerial system capabilities.
Air Commodore Martin Nussio, Director General Air Defence Systems, presented the award on behalf of the Chief of Air Force in a ceremony at 24 Squadron, RAAF Base Edinburgh, on May 5.
"It was a huge 18-month project that myself and Sergeant David O'Toole undertook alongside our regular jobs," Corporal Siles said.
"David and I had input from Defence Science and Technology Group, 9th Regiment, and some industry partners to help us with this project."
Corporal Siles said his commendation was a big surprise.
"I really had no idea," he said. "I feel grateful to my Chain of Command for the recognition, and for inviting my parents and fiancée to attend the ceremony."
Corporal Siles has been part of the Air Force for 15 years and this initiative exemplified his drive for excellence in everything that he does.
Commanding Officer 24 Squadron Wing Commander Craig Keane said: "Chris is an outstanding aviator and I'm proud to serve alongside him as part of the awesome team at 24 Squadron.
"Corporal Siles has significantly contributed to ensuring a more robust security footprint for RAAF Base Edinburgh, the wider Edinburgh Defence Precinct, Northern Exercise Activities, International Force Activities in Australia, and the wider National Airbase Network."
Corporal Siles' next goal is to integrate standing operating procedures so the counter uncrewed aerial system capabilities can roll out across many sections in the Air Force and wider Defence.
