From Winch to Afghanistan, ex-Joeys boy flying high

A pilot from Winchelsea is helping Aussie soldiers battle the Taliban in Afghanistan.
Squadron Leader Travis Walters is flying an air force C-17 delivering equipment and supplies as large as vehicles to troops on the ground.
The Department of Defence revealed Sq Ldr Walters’ mission this week while staying tight-lipped on other soldiers from the region in combat operations to protect their identity.
Sq Ldr Walters, 35, said he was enjoying his job.
“It’s good to do our bit – it’s what we train for and we can make a difference to our guys with the support we can provide them,” he said.
Sq Ldr Walters joined the air force after completing school at Geelong’s St Joseph’s College in 1992.
“I wanted to fly and be a pilot and especially when I was young I wanted to fly fighters,” Travis said.
“I attended the Australian Defence Force Academy and went straight into pilot training.”
Sq Ldr Walters flew F/A-18 Hornet fighters for six years before switching to C-17s.
“In that time I flew in an exchange with the Canadian Air Force, which was a great experience,” Travis said.
“During my time there I was also able to play ice hockey.
“When I was younger I used to play for Winchelsea Hockey Club and for Geelong in the Melbourne competition.”
Sq Ldr Walters said his family had a strong, long history with the Australian Defence Force.
“My father was a National Serviceman in Vietnam and served with the 2nd Battalion Royal Australian Regiment and both my grandfathers served during World War Two.”
Sq Ldr Walters, who now lives on the Gold Coast, said flying into places like Afghanistan was the best part of his job.
“There is some good flying, like the approach into the dirt Tarin Kowt runway where there is plenty to think about.”
Australia’s military contribution to Afghanistan is part of the nation’s broader commitment to coalition efforts against international terrorism as well as countering piracy in the Gulf of Aden and maritime security.
The Australian deployment comprises about 1550 personnel in Afghanistan and a further 850 across the Middle East.