Abbey Gets a Taste of the Air Force

August 1, 2023

Year 10 student Abbey Morton had the exciting opportunity to experience a typical day in the life of an air force member as part of the Air Force’s Indigenous Youth Program held at RAAF Pearce recently.

The program invites young indigenous students from across Western Australia to join in a two-day event. Five students from different schools around Perth, ranging from Years 10 to 12, participated in this engaging experience.

The Indigenous Youth Program is designed to offer participants a comprehensive insight into the diverse career options available within the Royal Australian Air Force.

(l-r) Medical Technician, Leading Aircraftwoman Rebecca Saltmer takes Air Force Indigenous Youth Program participants Abby Morton and Indiana Baines through a medical emergency response scenario as part of an interactive display provided by the Pearce Health Centre at RAAF Base Pearce, Western Australia.

(l-r) Air Force Indigenous Youth Program participants Abby Morton and Lachlan Delphin enjoy a tour of a C-17 Globemaster III provided by No. 36 Squadron at RAAF Base Pearce, Western Australia.

Joint Military Police Unit - Perth member, Corporal Kayden Price provides a demonstration of a crime scene investigation to Air Force Indigenous Youth Program participants at RAAF Base Pearce, Western Australia.

Throughout the program, students engaged in physical training, giving them a taste of the Air Force’s entry requirements. They visited the medical centre and had some hands-on experience stemming an arterial bleed with the help of a medical training device and got to see military dogs at work.

As well as the opportunity to chat with current ADF pilot trainees, the program included a guided tour of 2 Flying Training School where the prospective aviators tried their hand at flying a simulated Pilatus PC-21. Students were also given an exclusive walk-through of a C-17 Globemaster III from 36 Squadron and a Pilatus PC-21 and Hawk 127 static display provided by 2 Flying Training School and 79 Squadron, respectively.

When asked if she wants to join the air force after school, Abbey said, “I saw this program as an opportunity to see what was available to me. Even though I haven’t decided exactly what it is that I want to do when I leave school, I can definitely see a potential future here in Defence.”

(Original source and photos courtesy of https://www.defence.gov.au/)

Connecting Learning to Life, Featured, Learning for Life

Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.