Promotion just one highlight of Guam deployment for Manawatū aviator

Although she knew the promotion was on the way, Corporal Lucinsky said she wasn’t expecting it on the day.

“It was an awesome experience being promoted surrounded by the New Zealand Defence Force Mobility Guardian contingent. The day of my promotion aligned with Guam Liberation Day which made it extra special as there was formation flying throughout the day and an evening of celebrations.”

The promotion comes after six busy years in the Air Force. Now 25, she joined at 19 and has completed a variety of courses and on-the-job training. She is now posted into the Materiel Support Wing at Ohakea. 

Corporal Lucinsky is “immensely happy” with her career choice.

“After finishing school at Horowhenua College I worked for 18 months as a teacher aide at my old primary school, Manakau, then joined the RNZAF because I was looking for a career that’s stimulating, keeps me physically active and gives me the chance to deploy overseas like on Ex Mobility Guardian in Guam.

“Also, I have always wanted to help people in need through humanitarian aid, and that’s something the Defence Force is often able to do alongside its military role.

“I was a very shy individual before joining the Air Force and wanted a role that would push me out of my comfort zone to help with personal development, which it certainly has done.”

Corporal Lucinsky has also acquired a range of qualifications along the way, including her forklift licence and qualifications in operating vehicles with wheels, tracks, and rollers; and in managing dangerous goods by air, road and sea.

“The deployment to Ex Mobility Guardian was a fantastic experience – the sort of thing you join for. I was deployed in an Air Movements role, so it was a unique opportunity to put the skills that I have learned into practice in a deployed environment. A lot of the freight that was being loaded on to the C-130J-30 Hercules was rolling stock - wheeled equipment. This meant I got a lot of physical practice with the process of marshalling and restraining the rolling stock on the aircraft.

“Other highlights included meeting new people, both fellow New Zealand service people and United States Air Force personnel, and building connections with them. 

“A memorable moment to end my last trip posted to Air Movements was getting the opportunity to be part of a formation flight with other militaries. I was lucky enough to sit in the back of the C-130J Hercules in a harness with the ramp open, looking at aircraft trailing behind us and at the unreal scenery of the islands and the bright blue water.”

Corporal Lucinsky says she highly recommends Air Force life.

“I have had many amazing experiences, like the overseas deployments and even getting the chance to go skydiving. Joining the RNZAF opens a door to building amazing friendships and facing challenges that will push you to grow, while needing to remain adaptable to change.  

“The Air Force is also currently supporting me in tertiary study which obviously will be a great boost to my career.”