Michael Phillips (Ret'd)

Working part-time in an honorary capacity with his local RSL, Jesmond local Michael Phillips loves the beaches of Newcastle when it’s time to relax. A pilot with Cathay Pacific the former Jesmond Rams player and Jesmond High School student didn’t start his working career with Cathay Pacific – it was much closer to home. “Growing up in Newcastle and constantly seeing Mirages, Macchi and F/A-18s flying around looked like a great job to have, so in 1989 I joined the ADF,” said Squadron Leader Michael Phillips DSM (Retired). “Looking back on my Royal Australian Air Force career as its Centenary is upon us in 2021, I feel quite an honour that I was a part of its history. “This is especially seeing how much the Air Force has evolved, incorporating new and emerging technology and operating in a global environment. “I feel privileged that I can watch the dawn of its second century and see 5th generation technology be combined and integrated across numerous platforms,” he said. Prior to taking up his current role SQNLDR Phillips was an accomplished Lockheed C-130 Hercules pilot who saw service across the world. “I have been involved in a large number of unique situations and there were some standout instances,” said SQNLDR Phillips. “From seeing the pure joy on the faces of special needs children in Mt Isa as we showed them over the Hercules, and the bond and mateship of operational deployments. “However there was also the heartbreak and emotional toll of the recovery of the injured victims of the Bali bombing and the Aceh tsunami relief operation,” he said.