SUPPORTING the C-17A Globemaster III fleet at home and during critical defence missions led to Corporal Jack Simpson being named Air Force’s 2022 Enlisted Aviator of the Year.
CPL Simpson was announced as the recipient for his work as an aircraft technician with 36SQN at Amberley during Air Force anniversary celebrations in Canberra.
Specifically, CPL Simpson was cited for his resilience, adaptability, professionalism and dedication to safe and effective maintenance of the C-17A fleet, both at RAAF Base Amberley and during deployed operations.
This included deploying and leading the maintenance team for the C-17A’s support to the non combatant evacuation operation from Kabul in August 2021.
CPL Simpson’s award citation stated: “Having already endured 67 days ‘on-mission’ and 115 days in pandemic quarantine, CPL Simpson willingly volunteered, illustrative of his strong-held value of service. Under extreme pressures and deployed conditions, CPL Simpson provided unwavering support to deployed commanders, both in his capacity as technical team lead, and also more broadly as a proficient aviator providing accompanied maintenance support on multiple C-17A missions into Kabul while under direct threat from adversary ground fire.
CPL Simpson consistently performs above his worn rank and is trusted by Command to deliver operational and capability outcomes in the most challenging of circumstances.
CPL Simpson was also deployed to Europe with the first batch of Bushmasters destined for Ukraine in 2022.
His advice contributed to the ongoing safe, efficient, sustainable and repeatable deliveries by the C-17A to Europe”.
Among other initiatives at RAAF Base Amberley, CPL Simpson was instrumental in developing a training manual for 36SQN for new aviators arriving onto the C-17A.
The award citation read: CPL Simpson operates independently, innovatively and takes concerted action to identify and solve emerging problems.
Beyond his core role of training coordination, he conducts trend analysis and regulatory compliance activities to optimise system efficiencies, exemplified in his contributions to 36SQN training.
