Wade Roberts

Corporal Wade Roberts is one of the many Aircraft Technicians that we rely on to keep our aircraft in the air and ready for action.

Adelaide born Wade Roberts is making a difference across Australia as a community ambassador for the Jodi Lee Foundation, raising awareness for the prevention of bowel cancer while working his day job at Williamtown.

Having always had an interest in aviation, Wade’s trade qualification as an aircraft technician was gained as a member of the Australian Defence Force, natural for Wade given his grandfather’s military involvement during World War II.

“My grandfather served in the 2/1^st Australian Armoured Reconnaissance Squadron between 1939 and 1945,” said Corporal Roberts.

“Naturally I found the opportunity to undertake an apprenticeship with the ADF logical, given my grandfather’s service.

“The Air Force has not only helped me excel at my chosen trade of Aircraft Technician where I have gained so many skills across a number of platforms, it also has helped me develop as a person with such a diversity in the ADF,” he said.

CPL Roberts joined the RAAF in 2007 and since then has served on operations such as Operations Slipper, Resolute and Gateway, as well as serving with the ADF supported search for the Malaysian Airways flight MH370.

“While I love my work, being in the Air Force is not only work – there is time for your own pursuits as well, and I represented Australia at the Invictus Games in 2016 and 2017,” CPL Roberts said.

“This is one of the community based activities I enjoy and along with my role as a community ambassador for the Jodi Lee Foundation, I use that time to promote awareness of bowel cancer,” he said.

A cycling team member during the Invictus Games in 2016 and 2017 CPL Roberts rates cycling his second best after work activity with his prime role watching son Thomas grow and achieve his own goals.

CPL Roberts continues his support to bowel cancer awareness and his trade of aircraft technician at RAAF Base Williamtown, near Newcastle, working with Number 2 Operational Conversion Unit which is presently gearing up to convert existing pilots from the Hornet platform, to Australia’s newest fighter aircraft, the Lockheed Martin Joint Strike Fighter F-35A Lightning II.