Aircrew Back Safe From Iraq

Illawarra Mercury

Wednesday July 11, 2007

By KEELI CAMBOURNE

WHEN six aircrew from 816 squadron left HMAS Albatross for Perth 10 months ago before heading to Iraq, the Shoalhaven was in the grip of severe drought.

Rain was a distant memory and there was not much except dust blowing around the airfield.

When they arrived home this week, the rain was bucketing down, the ground was soaked and muddy and winter had settled in.

However, the transformation of the countryside was nothing compared to that of Chief Petty Officer Doug Edwards' little boy, Oliver, who was seven months old when his dad left for this latest tour onboard HMAS Toowoomba.

Now 17 months old, Oliver is walking and talking.

With his sister Darci, 3, and mum, Charmaine, Oliver welcomed home his father and the five other aircrew who had been part of Operation Catalyst in the Middle East.

HMAS Toowoomba left Australia on January 4 as part of the operation "in support of the detection, deterrence and interception of vessels within Iraqi water suspected of illegal activities".

The 816 aircrew onboard, flying a Seahawk helicopter, spent more than 230 hours on operational support and conducted 65 boarding and security patrols.

But for CPO Edwards, it paled in comparison to holding his kids again.

After taking off from Wagga Wagga earlier in the afternoon, CPO Edwards said he nearly didn't get to come home on Monday after all, as the weather turned wild and flights were being cancelled.

However much to his relief, and that of his young family, CPO Edwards was the first off the SeaSprite chopper which bought the 816 squadron boys back to HMAS Albatross.

"We've been sending him emails and DVDs of the kids," Mrs Edwards said. "And he has sent DVDs back to us so the kids can see him."

Although there were a few tears from Darci as the noise of the helicopter drew closer, when she saw her dad, it was all smiles.

"She knew he was coming home," Mrs Edwards said.

"We didn't let her know too far in advance though."

The other aircrew who returned to HMAS Albatross on Monday after six months on tour were Lieutenant Warren Oates, Lt Ben Scorcey, Petty Officer Andrew Watson, Leading Seaman Curtis Dickson and Able Seaman Christian Mills.

© 2007 Illawarra Mercury

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