Three careers, 135 years of service

Three aviators have reached a rare milestone, with each receiving the sixth clasp to the Australian Defence Long Service Medal.

The clasps were presented in a ceremony by Warrant Officer of the Air Force Ralph Clifton.

WOFFs Randolph Jachimowicz, David Pritchard and Chris Sinfield have each dedicated 45 years of service to Air Force. That’s a collective 135 years of service, with careers that intersected at various points – making the presentation of their clasps on the same day particularly significant.

WOFF Jachimowicz, who grew up in Magill, SA, began his career in 1979 as a steward before transferring to a loadmaster in 1988.

Across an extensive flying career, he served on platforms including the Boeing 707, Squirrels, Iroquois helicopters, and C-130E, C-130H and C-130J-model Hercules. Spending the majority of his career within Air Mobility Group units, he has deployed on operations such as Resolute, Slipper and Catalyst.

His service has been recognised with honours, including an ACAUST commendation and an ADF bronze commendation.

WOFF Pritchard grew up in Blaxland, NSW, and joined Air Force in 1979 as a clerk before transferring to a loadmaster in 1986. His operational experience spans the C-130H, Boeing 707 and C-17 Globemaster.

“It reflects a career I hold with immense pride and commitment. One that leaves me with absolutely no regrets and has afforded me the opportunity to work alongside some of the finest people in defence,” WOFF Pritchard said.

With most of his career spent in Air Mobility Group units, he has deployed on numerous operations including Slipper, Catalyst, Pacific Assist and Resolute, as well as various humanitarian aid activities.

“The operations that have had the most impact are those that supported humanitarian aid such as cyclone and flood assist,” WOFF Pritchard said.

His service recognition also includes an Air Force gold commendation, the Afghanistan Medal and the Active Service Medal with Iraq clasp.

WOFF Sinfield grew up in Bringelly, NSW, and commenced his service in 1980 as an apprentice before transferring to a flight engineer in 1987. He has flown on the Boeing 707, C-130E and C-130H Hercules, with more than 10,000 flight hours total.

With multiple postings across Air Mobility Group, his operational service includes deployments on Operation Bali Assist, Operation Pakistan Assist, Operation Slipper and Operation Anode.

He has been recognised with an ACAUST commendation, an ADF bronze commendation and the Active Service Medal with clasps for the Balkans and Iraq.

On receiving the sixth clasp, WOFF Sinfield reflected on how much Air Force has changed since 1980.

“Today our aviators are better prepared and better trained for the ever-changing environment. The Air Force has provided a wide range of possibilities for a career from aviation and beyond,” WOFF Sinfield said.