It wasn't a typical deployment for Leading Aircraftman Aatish Sabharwal. For the 6 Squadron avionics technician, participating in Exercise Tarang Shakti 24 was a very special journey home. At Air Force Station Jodhpur, Leading Aircraftman Sabharwal paid homage to his formative years as he launched the first Australian combat aircraft into the airspace above his home country of India.
I joined RAAF as an avionics technician in September 2020 and was part of the Neptune Hawk exercise in Las Vegas. I always thought that one day India might organise a similar exercise, and my dream came true when we participated in Exercise Tarang Shakti 24.
I was born in Punjab, India, in 1984. I completed my schooling in India before deciding to pursue further education abroad. I come from a large family with four brothers and one sister. My father has been working in the oil and gas industry for over 25 years and has been stationed in Barmer, Rajasthan, for the last six years, which is about 200 kilometres from Jodhpur.
I moved to Australia in 2008, where I earned an Advanced Diploma in Electronics Technology from TAFE, a Bachelor of Technology in Electronics and Computer Systems, and a Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical Power from Edith Cowan University, Western Australia. While studying full-time at university, I supported my family and paid my tuition fees by driving a taxi at night. I would carry my laptop and books with me, studying during the downtime while waiting for passengers.
I have two daughters, aged 19 and 17, and a son who is 2.5 years old. My eldest daughter will join the RAAF within the next six months.
During Exercise Tarang Shakti, I had the opportunity to visit my father unexpectedly at his workplace. It was an emotional moment as he was moved to tears and expressed immense pride that I am serving in RAAF.
Participating in the exercise in India, where I was born, was a surreal and deeply meaningful experience. Being part of the RAAF for the last four years, I've had the privilege of working with some of the best, but returning to my roots for such a significant exercise made it even more special. Launching the first jet of the exercise was a proud and exhilarating moment - a culmination of years of training, dedication and teamwork.
Throughout the exercise, I was able to assist my colleagues to communicate with the local people. It felt like a bridge between my past and present, representing both personal and professional growth, and honouring where I came from, while serving the country I now call home.
