DEFENCE MEDIA RELEASE
Issued by Coordination and Public Affairs, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6265 3343, Fax: 02 62656946
CPA 103/08
Thursday, 24 April 2008
ADF GAP YEAR STUDENTS TAKE TO THE SKIES
Fifty students from the Australian Defence Force (ADF) Gap Year Program discovered
the Air Force is not all about fast jets today, as they got up close and personal with an Air
Force P3C Orion surveillance aircraft at Williamtown.
Personnel from Surveillance and Response Group’s (SRG) 11 Squadron travelled from
Edinburgh to RAAF Base Williamtown to conduct an AP-3C aircraft static display and
flight for the ADF Gap Year Students.
Commander of SRG, Air Commodore Warren Ludwig, said this was an opportunity for
the Gap Year students to learn more about the RAAF’s maritime operations.
“The students have been exposed to the fighter elements on base here at Williamtown like
the F/A-18 and Hawk aircraft, and this was the chance to showcase our Edinburgh-based
AP-3C, which also plays a pivotal role in Defence,” Air Commodore Ludwig said.
The ADF Gap Year is aimed at offering young Australians, aged between 17-24, the
opportunity to experience military training and lifestyle for up to 12 months, prior to
embarking on full-time study or employment.
The program further aims to provide young men and women with meaningful experiences
that allows them to gain a better understanding of the opportunities available to them in
the ADF.
Williamtown ADF Gap Year Coordinator, Flight Lieutenant Joseph Kerrigan, said the
students had varied interests.
“Eight were selected to participate in today’s flight because they were keen to learn more
about the maritime operations in Surveillance and Response Group,” he said.
“This will give them more resources to make specific decisions about what they are going
to do with their life.”
Applications for 2009 will open on 1 May 2008. Interest in the positions on offer for the
2009 program can be explored by visiting the Defence Force Recruiting website:
Media contact: Defence Media Liaison (02) 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664
NEWS 
