Mick Enchong

Murray (Mer) and Darnley (Erub) Islands, Torres Strait and Maori, New Zealand
Flight Sergeant
Royal Australian Air Force
Afghanistan and Solomon Islands Veteran

Medals
Australian Active Service Medal with clasp ICAT
Afghanistan Medal
Australian Service Medal  with clasp Solomon Islands
Australian Long Service Medal
Australian Defence Medal

“After completing a four year Electrical apprenticeship in Bowen QLD, I joined the RAAF as a Barracks Electrician. In 1991 I remustered to a Radio Technician Ground Systems (CE TECH). My primary role has been to maintain communications systems that enable the RAAF to safely, efficiently and proficiently deliver capability. I work on Airfield, Satellite and HF communication systems. In my role as CE Tech, I have been to places like the Cocos Islands (twice) Malaysia (twice) Melbourne, Perth Townsville. Brisbane, Katherine, and Canberrra. For a small town country Lad, I am thankful that Defence has given me an opportunity of seeing most of Australia and other over seas countries whilst doing my job. I have had two deployments, the first to the Solomon Islands in a peace keeping role, providing the Government of the Solomon Islands stability in order to rebuild. This deployment was very personally rewarding. My unit provided a local school with new facilities that would enable them to deliver education to their students more safely and comfortably. For my second deployment in November 2011, I deployed to the Middle East Area of Operation (MEAO) where I deployed with Force Communications Unit (FCU) in support of Operation Slipper. During this time I had the honor and privilege of deploying with both my children. Flying out to the MEAO on the same aircraft with me was my daughter Tara (RAAF), who was based at Kandahar Airfield with the Herron Detachment. My son Jason (Army) then deployed into theatre in 2012 and was based at FOB Wali, near Tarrin Kowt as part of the Mentoring Task Force Group. During both my deployments, I have had the privilege of celebrating Anzac Day on these foreign lands. It has been a time of reflection and thought of how Servicemen and women, past present and future, have and will contribute to our Nation’s security and that is something I am very proud of.” – Mick Enchong