08/10/2026
SAVING LIVES in Australia
From Air Cadet to P-8A Poseidon
If you'd told the 15-year-old version of me, standing on the parade square at No. 341 Preston Squadron Air Cadets, that one day I'd be helping deliver some of Australia's most advanced military aviation capabilities, I probably would have laughed and gone back to arguing about whether I could identify an aircraft faster than everyone else. I was, and truthfully still am, an aviation nerd.
Like many aviation stories, mine started with a fascination for all things aviation.
The Air Cadets gave me my first taste of flying, adventure, and responsibility. I flew in Chipmunks, soared in Venture gliders, earned my Duke of Edinburgh awards, attended RAF camps, travelled to RAF Cyprus, and was fortunate enough to be named NCO of the Year in 1988. More importantly, I discovered the thrill of aviation and the camaraderie that comes from being part of something bigger than yourself.
That fascination became a career.
I joined the aviation world through air traffic operations at Warton Flight Test Centre, one of the most exciting places imaginable for a young aviation enthusiast. Every day I was surrounded by military aircraft such as Tornado’s, Harrier and Typhoons, test flying, and some of the most talented test pilots and professionals in the industry. For over a decade I worked in control tower, flight operation, planning, and emergency response, learning that aviation is equal parts technology, teamwork, and controlled chaos.
At the same time, I spent more than ten years as a Royal Air Force Gliding Instructor. There was something deeply rewarding about introducing young cadets to aviation, because I could still remember what it felt like to sit in that cockpit for the first time myself.
As my career evolved, I found myself moving from the flight line into leadership roles with BAE Systems. I worked on Tornado and Harrier support programs and later contributed to the early F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program. Somewhere along the way, I became fascinated not just with aircraft, but with the enormous effort required to design, support, sustain, and deliver them. I discovered that behind every aircraft is an army of engineers, planners, technicians, operators, and leaders all pulling in the same direction.
Then came the biggest adventure of all: moving to Australia.
What started as a career opportunity quickly turned into home. Australia gave me the chance to work on an extraordinary range of projects. I helped introduce the Boeing 787 Dreamliner into service with Qantas Group, worked with airlines and technology companies, supported Navy training programs, and led Victoria's aerial firefighting aviation operations. During bushfire seasons, aviation was not about aircraft anymore. It was about protecting communities, supporting firefighters, and helping people when they needed it most.
Eventually, my journey brought me back to Defence and to some of the most significant aviation programs in Australia. I had the privilege of leading the AIR7001 MQ-4C Triton program, helping deliver a capability that fundamentally enhances Australia's maritime surveillance and intelligence operations. The scale was immense, the challenges were real, and the opportunity was once-in-a-lifetime.
And I received a Department of Defence Commendation for my leadership, and the Project received a Vice Chief of the Defence Force (VCDF) Capability Award.
Today, I support the RAAF P-8A Poseidon program. Whenever I see a Poseidon on the apron, I think about that young cadet from Preston who spent hours memorising aircraft silhouettes and dreaming about aviation. Back then, I thought the aircraft were the stars of the story. Now I know better.
The real story has always been about people.
The instructors who encouraged me. The teams who trusted me. The engineers, aviators, firefighters, project managers, and Defence personnel who shared the journey. Every role taught me something. Every challenge introduced me to remarkable people. Every success was achieved by the team, not the individual.
More than forty years after joining 341 Preston Squadron, I still feel the same excitement when I hear an aircraft overhead. The wonder has never disappeared. The difference is that now, when I look up, I understand the thousands of people, decisions, and years of effort behind that moment of flight.
I started my journey wanting to be close to aeroplanes.
What I found instead was a lifetime of purpose, service, friendship, and adventure.
And looking back, it has been a far more interesting journey than I ever imagined.
Commandant Air Cadets
Cumbria and Lancashire Wing
Regional Commandant North - Air Cadets
North Region - Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Royal Air Force Air Cadets
RFCA for the North West of England & the Isle of Man
Preston City Council
Lancashire County Council
Preston's Voice
