As the holiday season approaches, Defence News is sharing stories of ADF members spreading goodwill on exercises, operations and deployments throughout the year.
Corporal Amanda Wintle, a loadmaster serving with the Royal Australian Air Force's 35 Squadron, is distinguishing herself as an exemplary figure on the C-27J Spartan aircraft.
She deployed on Operation Solania in June in the Pacific and was part of an all-female crew conducting search and surveillance missions over Pacific island country exclusive economic zones (EEZs).
Corporal Wintle dreamed of joining the RAAF when she was a kid, but is now living that dream out.
"I am glad that I took action and joined the Royal Australian Air Force," she said.
"Being a loadmaster is an awesome role. The additional requirement of search and surveillance that we are currently undertaking is different and exciting, and is unique to C-27J loadmasters on Operation Solania."
During the operation, the contingent visited Tonga and Fiji, conducting multiple missions across their maritime approaches.
Corporal Wintle's family has a strong military history. Her brothers serve in the Australian Army and her father served in the RAAF.
"My family are proud that I eventually joined the Royal Australian Air Force, especially my grandfather - a former RAAF man as well," she said.
Her father, now retired, was previously an avionics technician posted to RAAF Base Williamtown.
'I have no regrets joining the RAAF and have thoroughly enjoyed my time as a loadmaster to date.'
Corporal Wintle grew up in Medowie, Newcastle, and went on to complete tertiary study, earning a double degree in teaching secondary education and physical education.
She worked as a teacher before traveling to the US, Canada, Japan and New Zealand for nine years.
Upon returning to Australia, she made the decision to join the RAAF as a direct entry loadmaster in March 2021.
After completing 1 Recruit Training Unit and aircrew prerequisite courses, she posted to 35 Squadron in RAAF Base Amberley.
Corporal Wintle has deployed with 35 Squadron to Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga, Micronesia, New Caledonia, Malaysia, Solomon Islands and on various domestic tasks.
She is currently a C-category instructor qualified loadmaster, which means she is qualified to instruct other loadmasters on procedural requirements of the C-27J Spartan.
Her career highlights include representing the RAAF at the ADF snow sports championships in Perisher and meeting His Royal Highness Crown Prince Tupoutoʻa ʻUlukalala of Tonga.
"It's not every day you meet a real-life prince. He was humble and honoured to be on our plane," Corporal Wintle said.
She plans to continue as a loadmaster for as long as possible, but aims to balance the busy lifestyle of deployments and missions - international and domestic - with family commitments.
"I have no regrets joining the RAAF and have thoroughly enjoyed my time as a loadmaster to date."
