When Operation Gateway launched its first maritime surveillance mission in 1981, Muniandy s/o Subramanam (son of Subramanam) was starting his first day of work at Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Base Butterworth.
Forty-five years later, both are still here.
The locally engaged civilian, known by most as 'Muni', has dedicated his entire working life to supporting Australian operations in Malaysia, becoming a familiar face to generations of aviators who have passed through Butterworth.
"I was 18 years old when I started working for 324 Squadron," he said.
His connection to the base extends even further back. His father worked at Butterworth as a mechanic under British forces before the base was handed to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) in 1958, and later to the RMAF in 1970 - beginning a family association that now spans decades.
"My father encouraged me to work here," Muniandy said.
"He said do the job the correct way and never sit around doing nothing. I still follow that advice today."
Over the years, Muniandy has taken on roles across labouring, transport, public health, fuel services and maintenance support.
A defining moment came in 1989 when a RAAF flight sergeant encouraged him to apply for a position with the Mechanical Equipment Operations and Maintenance Section.
"I was scared to apply because there were exams," he said.
"But he told me, 'Muni, go try. You can learn this'.
"He believed in me."
'He said do the job the correct way and never sit around doing nothing. I still follow that advice today.'
That moment opened the door to new opportunities. Later, another Air Force member encouraged him to move into air movements, a role that brought him closer to the aircraft and the part of the job he enjoys most: refuelling.
"I love refuelling because where else do you get to see so many military aircraft up close?" he said.
Over more than four decades, Muniandy has refuelled a wide range of aircraft, including the F-111G, F-35A Lightning II and F/A-18 Hornet, as well as the C-130 Hercules, C-27J Spartan, B350 King Air, AP-3C Orion, C-17A Globemaster III and P-8A Poseidon.
As Operation Gateway evolved from the Orion to the Poseidon, Muniandy remained a constant presence. Standing on the tarmac, he has developed an instinct for aircraft long before they come into view.
"They all have their own rhythm," he said.
"But the C-17 is my favourite.
"Because of Gateway, I usually know what aircraft is coming before I see it."
Throughout his time at Butterworth, Muniandy has witnessed some of the base's most significant moments. Among them is the sombre period following the loss of a RAAF F-111 in Pulau Aur in 1999 - an event that left a lasting impression across the base.
"I remember following the senior guys out, waiting, helping," he said.
"We felt so deeply for everything that happened to those crews."
Known for his reliability and willingness to tackle any task, Muniandy officially reached retirement age in 2023. Yet his experience remains so valuable that his contract has been extended year after year.
'I love refuelling because where else do you get to see so many military aircraft up close?'
Now 63, he still works across the base - driving vehicles, managing ground support equipment, loading baggage, refuelling aircraft and marshalling arrivals.
"Any job, I can do," he said. "And I always get the job done properly."
His connection to Australia extends beyond the flightline. In 1998, Muniandy travelled to Australia, visiting RAAF bases at Richmond and Newcastle, crossing Sydney Harbour by ferry and seeing the Blue Mountains for the first time.
"I wanted to see Australia because I had worked with Australians for so many years," he said.
For Commanding Officer 19 Squadron Wing Commander Mark Williams, locally engaged civilians such as Muniandy are an essential part of Operation Gateway's success.
"19 Squadron cannot operate without the experience and commitment of our locally engaged civilians such as Muniandy. They are a force enabler and multiplier for ADF operations, activities and investments," Wing Commander Williams said.
"Muniandy is part of the fabric of 19 Squadron.
"A much-loved, regarded and respected member, whose experience and smiling face brings joy to all who know and have known him over the past 45 years."
As Operation Gateway marks 45 years, Muniandy's story reflects a quieter but enduring legacy - the people behind the scenes who have supported operations, built lasting relationships and strengthened the partnership between Australia and Malaysia.
For Muniandy, the reason he has stayed is simple.
"I am very, very happy," he said.
