What does it take to get 60 personnel and multiple aircraft operating as a seamless contingent overseas?
Deputy Detachment Commander, Flight Lieutenant Alex Cross, reckons it takes a lot of teamwork.
During Operation Gateway 25-1/2, Air Force's key enablers proved once again that effective operations are built on strong foundations, and a hard working team that ensures the activity runs smoothly from the ground up.
As a key planner, Flight Lieutenant Cross, from Avalon Beach, NSW, is responsible for everything from the movement of cargo and personnel to ensuring the aircraft is mission ready.
"My job is to ensure that when our people and equipment arrive into location, we can live and work effectively as soon as they land," he said.
"It's truly a team effort. It's working together for weeks and months leading up the activity, understanding what we need to achieve: moving everything into location, getting the aircraft up in the air and then preparing to do it again the next day.
"It's really rewarding to see all of the pieces come together."
Commencing flying operations in 1981, Operation Gateway continues as one of Australia's longest-serving contributions to any operation worldwide.
'Our maintenance teams work tirelessly to keep the aircraft flying, whilst our HQ, logistics, operations, intelligence, medical and administration staff are working hard behind the scenes.'
Within any one deployment, the operation sees up to 60 personnel support multiple 11 Squadron P-8A Poseidon aircraft to conduct maritime domain awareness patrols in the North Indian Ocean and South China Sea.
From both the ground and in the air, each member of the detachment is focused on enabling safe and effective flying to support strategic objectives.
"Our maintenance teams work tirelessly to keep the aircraft flying, whilst our HQ, logistics, operations, intelligence, medical and administration staff are working hard behind the scenes," Flight Lieutenant Cross said.
Operating from Royal Malaysia Air Force (RMAF) Base Butterworth in Penang, the deployment also fortifies the relationship with RMAF; working together to support flying operations and enable the aircrew to fly the patrols along some of the world's busiest shipping routes.
"We've got a strong history of operating with our partners here, and it's always a privilege to build on that - both professionally and personally," Flight Lieutenant Cross said.
"It's the kind of experience that sticks with you."
And while logistics planning includes everything from aircraft parts to ground transport, one task stands out as a high priority.
"I was warned out before arriving - the daily roti run is non-negotiable," Flight Lieutenant Cross said.
"Sharing a roti and curry with the team early in the morning - it's a great way to keep up team spirit.
"It's been a great trip with a fantastic team."
From the flightline to the operations room, the message is the same: it takes an entire team to ensure successful flying operations. When the mission calls, Air Force's enabling teams are ready to deliver.
