In just two years, Aircraftwoman Tayla Hogan-Porter has gone from student to providing critical airfield services as part of Exercise Pitch Black 2024.
The Palmerston local fondly remembers the biennial event from when she was younger.
As one of the ground crew that makes up 13 Squadron Air Movements Section, no day is the same for Aircraftwoman Hogan-Porter.
From conducting air terminal operations, to planning and controlling the movement of personnel and cargo, she said the movements role had the variety she was looking for.
"Growing up here, I used to see the jets every two years. I would run outside to watch them fly over, and now I get to see them up close every day - it's so exciting," Aircraftwoman Hogan-Porter said.
"I just wanted a change, and there's no bigger change than the Defence Force. I had friends who were serving and they loved it."
The change has given the young aviator the opportunity to gain qualifications that enable to her to travel abroad in support of ADF operations and exercises, including her forklift certification, medium rigid (vehicle) licence and aircraft loader competencies.
Even after only two years, Aircraftwoman Hogan-Porter already has some career highlights, both on Pitch Black and beyond.
"Dealing with the different participating nations has been an amazing experience. I'm big on aircraft, especially fast-jets, so getting to see them up close every day and watch them get marshalled in is very exciting," Aircraftwoman Hogan-Porter said.
"Another huge thing for me was travelling all the way to Texas.
"I've barely been out of Darwin, so when they told me we were travelling to the US, my heart was racing with excitement."
Setting her sights on the future, Aircraftwoman Hogan-Porter hopes to deploy overseas more, in order to gain further experience and grow in her occupation.
"Seeing how my sergeants work is a big inspiration to me. Being a role model to others is something I am very keen for."
