Long before a P-8A Poseidon taxis down the runway at Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Base Butterworth, dozens of personnel have already spent hours preparing for the mission.
During Operation Gateway, maintenance crews inspect aircraft systems, intelligence analysts prepare threat briefings and logistics personnel coordinate the support needed to keep operations running smoothly.
For Officer in Charge Maintenance Flight Lieutenant Xavier Szegi, every successful sortie is the result of a team effort.
"Without maintenance, the plane doesn't fly," Flight Lieutenant Szegi said.
"There's a lot that goes into getting that aircraft off the ground."
Supporting Operation Gateway's maritime domain awareness patrols requires personnel from a range of specialisations, many of whom work behind the scenes.
Aircraft technician Aircraftwoman Daisi-Paige Schwarz prepares and services the aircraft before and after missions.
"When I arrive on the flight line, my priority is making sure the crew gets home safely," she said.
"The most rewarding part of the job is marshalling the aircraft out and knowing we've done everything possible to keep the aircraft safe and ready to fly."
'There's a lot that goes into getting that aircraft off the ground.'
For avionics technician Corporal Samuel Johnston, deployment often presents unique challenges.
"The days have been long and hot, and operating overseas, we don't have all of our standard equipment - but it's brought us closer as a team," he said.
"Sometimes it takes a bit of creativity and a can-do attitude to get the job done. It's a very rewarding feeling when the jet takes off and we know we've done our job well."
Before aircrew even step onto the aircraft, intelligence analysts also prepare for the mission, briefing crews on operational considerations and providing information to support planning.
Air intelligence analyst Leading Aircraftman Thomas Mawby said: "The most rewarding part of my role is seeing our work disseminated through the greater Air Force."
Mission success also depends on the close cooperation between Australian personnel, RMAF members and locally engaged civilians.
"The Malaysians provide a lot of support, without which we wouldn't be able to fly our planes every day," Flight Lieutenant Szegi said.
While the aircraft may be the most visible element of Operation Gateway, Flight Lieutenant Szegi emphasised that every mission relied on the collective effort behind it.
"The weight of responsibility is shared," he said. "It's a very team-based environment."
From pre-flight briefings to post-flight maintenance, the deployment highlights the contribution of personnel who work behind the scenes to support Australia's longest-running bilateral operation.
