Corporal Jack Simpson was selected the Air Force’s 2022 Enlisted Aviator of the Year for his support of the C-17A Globemaster III fleet both at home and during crucial defense missions.
On March 31, Corporal Simpson was recognized for his work as a 36 Squadron airplane technician during Air Force anniversary events in Canberra.
Corporal Simpson received special recognition for his professionalism, adaptability, and commitment to the safe and efficient maintenance of the C-17A fleet, both at RAAF Base Amberley and during deployed operations.
In August 2021, the C-17A’s maintenance team was sent and led in support of the non-combatant evacuation operation from Kabul.
According to Corporal Simpson’s award citation,
Corporal Simpson enthusiastically offered his services despite having already spent 67 days “on-mission” and 115 days in pandemic quarantine, demonstrating his deeply held value of service.
As technical team lead and more broadly as a skilled aviator providing accompanied maintenance support on multiple C-17A missions into Kabul while being directly threatened by enemy ground fire, Corporal Simpson gave unwavering support to deployed commanders under extreme pressure and deployed conditions.
Corporal Simpson regularly outperforms his worn rank, and Command has full confidence in him to provide operational and capabilities outcomes even under the most trying conditions.
Together with the first group of Bushmasters destined for Ukraine in 2022, Corporal Simpson was also sent to Europe.
His suggestions helped the C-17A continue to make repeatable, safe, effective, and sustainable deliveries to Europe.
Corporal Simpson played a key role in creating a training handbook for 36 Squadron’s new aviators arriving on the C-17A, among other projects at RAAF Base Amberley.
The award certificate stated:
To recognize and address new issues, Corporal Simpson acts independently, creatively, and collaboratively.
In addition to his primary responsibility of coordinating training, he also performs trend analysis and legal compliance work to increase system effectiveness, as demonstrated by his contributions to 36 Squadron training.
Corporal Simpson, who is currently assigned to 10 Squadron at RAAF Base Edinburgh, said receiving the honor was a great honor.
For me, it’s a reward for a year of labor by myself and my coworkers, and I’m proud of the work we’ve accomplished, he said.
I came to the conclusion that the Air Force was a vocation I could like, and the chance to travel was also quite intriguing, he said.
