A trek and tribute to remember

Nearly three decades after tragedy struck on the remote Malaysian island of Pulau Aur, ADF personnel once again returned to the island to honour two fallen aviators and strengthen a bond forged through adversity.

Held from August 24 to 28, Exercise Steep Curve is a commemorative and community engagement activity honouring the service and sacrifice of SQNLDR Anthony Short and SQNLDR Stephen Hobbs. These two fine aviators lost their lives when their F-111G A8-291 ‘Pisces 1’ collided with terrain on Pulau Aur. They were conducting a night maritime strike exercise with sister aircraft 'Pisces 2', as part of the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) between Australia, the UK, Malaysia, Singapore and New Zealand in 1999.

CO 19SQN WGCDR Mark Williams said the annual pilgrimage reflects Air Force’s enduring commitment to remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service.

“SQNLDR Short and SQNLDR Hobbs remain an enduring part of our Air Force history and it is fitting that we continue to ensure their service and sacrifice is not forgotten,” WGCDR Williams said.

“As part of the exercise, ADF members navigated challenging jungle terrain to reach the crash site near the peak of Pulau Aur. The journey was both physically demanding and deeply meaningful. 

“A commemorative service was held at a memorial plaque and provided an opportunity for personnel to reflect on the dedication, professionalism and sacrifice of the two aviators. 

“Members also tended to the memorial plaque, ensuring the site remained a fitting tribute to their memory and service.”

While the exercise has a strong focus on remembrance, its purpose extends beyond commemoration.

“The opportunity to engage with the local school community was another rewarding aspect of the exercise,” WGCDR Williams said.

“The welcome we received from the Pulau Aur school community is always incredibly humbling.

“What makes this exercise particularly special is the connection that exists between RAAF and the people of Pulau Aur. 

“While the tragedy of 1999 brought our communities together, the friendship that has grown since then has been built on mutual respect and remembrance.

“We visited local students and staff at the Teluk Berhala school, donated school supplies and maintained a second memorial plaque at the school honouring SQNLDR Hobbs and SQNLDR Short.

“These moments of connection are an important part of Exercise Steep Curve 2026. From sharing time with the local community to maintaining places of remembrance, each activity contributes to a broader story – one that links the sacrifices of the past with the friendships and partnerships of the future.”

For more than 85 years, Australia and Malaysia have supported one another through enduring partnership grounded in deep people-to-people connections. Nowhere was this more evident than at the Pulau Aur school, where friendships forged through shared experience have created a lasting bond between our communities that will endure for generations.