Royal Australian Air Force Flight Lt. Gareth Beckman, from the Blue Mountains just west of Sydney, Australia, enlisted in defense service after high school to pursue his interest in aviation and aircraft. After 10 years of service, Beckman says he enjoys the challenge of the job, working with good people and knowing that his efforts are contributing to something larger than himself. "Once I realized that military aviation was an option I contacted a military recruiter and it all kind of escalated from there," said Beckman. "I really enjoy flying! It's really exciting, and there's a sense o
Royal Australian Air Force Flight Lt. Gareth Beckman, from the Blue Mountains just west of Sydney, Australia, enlisted in defense service after high school to pursue his interest in aviation and aircraft. After 10 years of service, Beckman says he enjoys the challenge of the job, working with good people and knowing that his efforts are contributing to something larger than himself. "Once I realized that military aviation was an option I contacted a military recruiter and it all kind of escalated from there," said Beckman. "I really enjoy flying! It's really exciting, and there's a sense of freedom you get from flying yourself around the world." Beckman now serves with the Royal Australian Air Force 11 Squadron as an AP-3C Orion pilot providing maritime surveillance and reconnaissance. He's flown himself to the continental US, most of the Pacific Rim, the Middle East, and now finds himself in Hawaii participating in his first Rim of the Pacific. Twenty-six nations, more than 40 ships and submarines, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 30 to Aug. 4, in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity that helps participants foster and sustain the cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2016 is the 25th exercise in the series that began in 1971. ( Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Antonio Turretto Ramos/Released)
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