Fiji Sun

Australian Army Corporal (Cpl) Betty Latumahina looks out into the steaming tropical rainstorms surrounding Fiji’s Nasouri Airport with a broad grin.

Fresh out of training, the newly-qualified loadmaster with the Townsville-based A Squadron, 5 Aviation Regiment is currently deployed on Operation Fiji Assist.

The Australian Defence Force (ADF) is helping people affected by Tropical Cyclone Winston, which smashed into the country on February 20, get back on their feet. And she loves the experience, despite very basic living conditions, long hours and extremely challenging weather.

This is Corporal Latumahina’s first deployment.

Having completed the basic loadmaster course, she was immediately deployed on the disaster relief operation, flying on missions in the Army’s new MRH 90 Taipan helicopters to some of the worst-hit areas like Koro Island.

“People can tell you all about the job, but you learn best first hand,” she says.

Corporal Latumahina joined the Australian Army in March 2009 during her gap year after attending a recruiting presentation at her school. Being into physical activity and sports, CPL Latumahina liked the thought of that kind of challenge.

“I’m a physical person and really take pride in being up to the physical demands required by the job and the potential for travel.”

Corporal Latumahina was born in Papua New Guinea – one of seven children, and came to Australia to live with her Dad in 2006 when she was 16 years old.

Operation Fiji Assist has given Corporal Latumahina the opportunity to consolidate her basic course, with a team she is happy working with.

“The crew all get on really well and enjoy doing the job.

“The local people here are very friendly.

“It is wonderful seeing the gratitude in their eyes for the help being provided, it’s a great experience.”

Corporal Latumahina is looking forward to seeing her family in Brisbane when she returns to Australia.

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