The phrase ‘High Tea’ lived up to its name when the crew of a 33 Squadron KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport celebrated International Women’s Day by inviting 80 ADF women to partake in an air-to-air refuelling mission.
The aircraft crew consisted entirely of women – a more common occurrence in today’s Air Force where 27 per cent of aviators are female – who conducted refuelling activities and crew-attendant training alongside 1 Squadron F/A-18F Super Hornets.
During the March 7 flight, the women representing RAAF Base Amberley home units participated in an onboard forum, with the focus on showcasing contemporary female achievements in Defence and providing a brainstorming opportunity for future initiatives.
Event organiser and 33 Squadron engineering officer Flight Lieutenant Rebecca Walmsley championed the activity and the role of women in the present-day Air Force.
“It’s been great to see how International Women’s Day has been embraced by the base. From the Commanding Officer of 33 Squadron welcoming the passengers onto the aircraft, to the Commanding Officer of 1 Squadron flying one of the refuelling jets,” Flight Lieutenant Walmsley said.
“It’s great to see the change from just women supporting women, to now humans supporting humans.”
In a nod to the diversity of Air Force roles, the husband and fiancé of the two KC-30A pilots requested to captain the refuelling F/A-18F Super Hornets in a show of support.
Crew attendant Leading Aircraftwoman Lily Cooper was a proud ambassador of the flight, which was supported by an all-female maintenance launch crew and movements support staff.
“Flying with an amazing crew of women is both empowering and a testament to the capability that women provide Defence,” she said.
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