For Squadron Leader Chris Dilger, being stationed in Poland as part of Operation Kudu was a bit like a homecoming.
Squadron Leader Dilger oversaw the handover of the most recent delivery of M1A1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine in December. As the Operation Kudu logistics lead, he was based in Poland for three months, liaising with allied nations to support the war against Russia.
He was effectively the final Australian Defence Force representative to see Australian Government donations, like the tanks, before they crossed into Ukraine.
"It's certainly interesting because you are delivering equipment to people that is going to be used in a real-life situation to them in, literally, the fight of their lives. It's quite humbling," Squadron Leader Dilger said.
"It's also eye-opening to see the amount of donations coming in every day, truck-upon-truck-upon-truck crossing the border."
Being based in Poland also had a deep personal meaning for the Royal Australian Air Force officer.
"My grandmother was Polish and moved to Australia after the war. This is the first time I've ever been back, so it's been incredible to be able to immerse myself in what is partly my culture and to learn a bit of the language of my parents and grandparents," he said.
'It's certainly interesting because you are delivering equipment to people that is going to be used in a real-life situation to them in, literally, the fight of their lives.'
Squadron Leader Dilger has come a long way from his childhood days in Queenstown, on the west coast of Tasmania.
After finishing high school, he went to work in the local mines. But after a year, he spotted a Defence Force Recruitment advertisement and thought it would be a way to better himself.
"I was sent to the Australian Defence Force Academy to start my military career with a university degree in chemistry and Indonesian. I then had a rewarding 15-year stint in the Army, finishing my sub-unit command at 6th Engineer Support Regiment at Amberley," he said.
Four years ago, Squadron Leader Dilger decided to join the Royal Australian Air Force.
"There were a multitude of factors that made me decide to switch from Army, including the fact my wife is Air Force. Ultimately, I thought it would be a better way to stay together as a family because I figured there would be more co-location opportunities, and I have no regrets," he said.
Prior to being posted to Poland, Squadron Leader Dilger was working on behalf of the ADF with Airservices Australia to help redesign and redevelop Australia's air traffic management system.
As the officer gets ready to return to Australia, Commander of Operation Kudu - Europe Colonel James Smith said he has been fortunate to work with someone as skilled, knowledgeable and respected as Squadron Leader Dilger.
"Chris has proven to be a highly capable logistics officer, working with our allies and partners here with great ease and professionalism. He has earned the respect of all those who have worked with him, not the least our Ukrainian partners," Colonel Smith said.
"Coming in as the new commanding officer and having someone like Chris to support and guide me has made my transition so much easier. Australians can be proud of the capability, skills and character of our Defence Force personnel, with Chris the perfect example."
The ADF completed the delivery of 49 M1A1 Abrams to Ukraine in December, valued at approximately $245 million. The delivery of the tanks meets a direct request from the Government of Ukraine to Australia.
