When Craftsman Habibu Mbwana was five, he told his father he wanted to join the ADF after seeing an Australian Navy ship on a peacekeeping mission in Somalia.
His father told him he couldn’t because they were Kenyan.
Young Mbwana watched in awe as soldiers disembarked from that ship.
“I saw these very smartly dressed soldiers,” he said.
Driven by his dream, he joined the Kenyan Air Force as an aircraft technician, hoping to one day transfer to the ADF.
Over the next decade, he maintained F5 fighter jets and participated in operations along the Kenya-Somalia border.
During his time in the Kenyan Air Force, he faced numerous challenges.
On one occasion, while on leave, a fighter jet was forced to make an emergency landing because of technical issues.
“I was the only technician available,” he said.
“My technical sergeant major called me and told me there was a situation at the airport.”
Arriving alone, he mobilised untrained personnel to assist, guiding them through repairs.
“We were able to repair the aircraft in less than an hour,” he said.
‘I knew starting over in the ADF would help me build a solid foundation and learn how the Australian military operates.’
On another occasion, his camp was attacked by a small group of militia.
“We were in our blocks when the attack sirens started going off,” he said.
“There were about six of them, but the security patrol dealt with them within an hour.”
Rising to the rank of senior sergeant in the Kenyan Air Force, equivalent to a staff sergeant in the ADF, he knew he would need to start afresh in Australia.
“I knew starting over in the ADF would help me build a solid foundation and learn how the Australian military operates,” he said.
Thirty years after first seeing that Navy ship, his childhood dream came true.
The transfer process was lengthy, taking three years, from expressing interest to arriving in Australia.
He even travelled to Australia at his own expense for an interview, uncertain of the outcome.
In July, he began his training at the RAAF School of Technical Training in Wagga Wagga.
Army aviation technical trades are falling short of the expected trainee numbers completing their initial employment training at the school.
‘I believe aircraft technicians exist because pilots need heroes too; we’re heroes to pilots and they know that.’
The Army Liaison Officer at the unit, Major Charles Rose, said Craftsman Mbwana’s overseas recruitment as an aircraft technician was an opportunity for him and for Army.
“Having someone like Craftsman Mbwama post to the school enhances our trainee numbers, while simultaneously strengthening Army Aviation via a member who brings a previous career of skills and experience,” he said.
Although an experienced F5 fighter jet technician, Craftsman Mbwana chose to join the Army to focus on helicopters, especially the Chinook.
“I’ve always had a strong interest in working with the Chinook, and since they’re operated solely by the Army, I knew I had to join,” he said.
As an Army aviation technician, Craftsman Mbwana plays a crucial role in ensuring readiness, safety and repairs.
“I believe aircraft technicians exist because pilots need heroes too; we’re heroes to pilots and they know that,” Craftsman Mbwana said, whose long-term goal is to become an expert aircraft technician.
“As human beings, we tend to focus on the end result and because it seems too far, we get overwhelmed.
“Just take the next step. As long as you don’t stop, you’ll eventually reach where you want to be.”
