With six trades from 13 units, a field installation team is wiring critical networks in the Middle East.
Tasked with supporting Operation Accordion, the team is set to lay kilometres of fibre optic cabling, supporting vital infrastructure with the purpose of establishing secure communications for deployed operations.
The team consists of telecommunications network engineers, battlespace communications specialists, information systems engineers, Air Force network technicians, Army and Air Force logisticians and a single draughtsman.
They represent a joint cyber force under the newly established Joint Force Cyber Component, with this marking its first large forward deployment.
The team will also support a cyber refresh across the Middle East, Europe and Africa, replacing outdated systems, installing modern capabilities and upgrading networks to ensure secure and reliable communications across regions.
Field installation team Commander Captain Cameron Lyons highlighted the dual purpose of the deployment: capability delivery and professional growth.
"This work enables secure, reliable communications in complex environments - and that's exactly what we're here to achieve," Captain Lyons said.
"The team is proud to apply their core trade skills in a deployed setting. For over 75 per cent of them, this is their first overseas deployment in their technical role."
Personnel involved will spend about five weeks installing ICT infrastructure to support airside planners and mission-critical systems.
Much of the work includes running the kilometres of copper and fibre through underground pathways across two new buildings.
To avoid the harshest conditions, underground cabling will be done at night when temperatures drop to around 30 degrees.
Their efforts will help enable seamless connectivity for deployed personnel across the base's expanding airside facilities.
Among them is Leading Aircraftman Curtiss Bachmann, a RAAF network technician with five years' experience who enjoys taking on hands-on deployed tasks.
"Structured cabling is relatively new to me. My first exposure to that was the reconnaissance trip last year," he said.
Leading Aircraftman Bachmann said the work was far more hands-on than back home, offering new opportunities.
"It's much more exciting being able to get hands on and it is definitely something we don't do as much back home," he said.
"It's a bit hot though and definitely different to what we're used to."
The mission is also helping members build confidence working alongside unfamiliar trades, and is promoting cross-trade collaboration, giving personnel valuable exposure to roles and tasks outside their normal scope.
"This takes everything the team have learnt throughout their training and offers an opportunity to apply their skills," Captain Lyons said.
"It's a great development opportunity, and the team is getting after it.
"While forming the team was initially a challenge, they've quickly built cohesion and are supporting each other exceptionally well."
At its core, the mission ensures deployed personnel stay securely connected, regardless of where they are in the world.
"At the end of the day, it's about delivering reliable communications so our people can operate effectively, wherever they're deployed," Captain Lyons said.
