Russell James, Aircrew Officer and Mackay Base Manager at Babcock Australasia, is proud to apply the skills and experience gained through a 24-year military career to help keep Queensland communities safe through Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS).
My connection to the Australian Defence Force (ADF) began in 1989 as a young 17 year old when I enlisted into the Australian Army as a Driver in the Royal Australian Artillery (RAA).
This decision to join the ADF sparked an 18-year stint with the Army and saw me work my way to Warrant Officer Class 2. After two years’ service in the RAA, I transferred to Army Aviation as an Aircraft Handler before progressing on as an Aircrewman Loadmaster in 1995, where I had the opportunity to crew in Black Hawk and Chinook helicopters.
In 2007, I transferred to the Royal Australian Air Force and served for six years as a Warrant Officer Loadmaster and worked on the C-17 Globemaster aircraft. During my service in both the Army and Air Force, I conducted several tours in East Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan.
I am deeply proud to have served in the military and to have made lifelong friends along the way. Anzac Day is a great opportunity to attend a dawn service, catch up with old mates who I served with, and remember the service personnel who did not return home from operations, training, or other tragedies that ended their lives far too early.
Working in Aviation & Critical Services at Babcock means I can continue to use the skills and training I received in the military to ensure people who are in trouble or injured can access emergency medical services.