Aviator’s excellence in engineering celebrated

Born and raised in Tasmania, Group Captain Aleisha Broadhead has forged an impressive career as an engineer and a leader in the Royal Australian Air Force, with postings and deployments across Australia and around the world.

CAPTION: Royal Australian Air Force Officer Commanding Surveillance and Control Systems Program Office, Group Captain Aleisha Broadhead. Story by Flying Officer Alex DeValentin.

On Australia Day, Group Captain Broadhead was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for exceptional service to the Australian Defence Force.

The honour recognises her contribution to air combat capability on operations, the introduction to service of the F-35A Lightning II and the sustainment of air traffic management capabilities for Defence.

The award citation recognises Group Captain Broadhead’s professional excellence over an extended period, making the announcement a pleasant surprise for her.

“I’m humbled to receive this honour for doing what I love and owe much of my achievements to the great teams I’ve had the privilege to be part of,” she said.

An Australian Defence Force Academy graduate, Group Captain Broadhead has a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) from UNSW and a Master’s of Business Administration from the University of Melbourne.

“I enjoyed maths and science at school, so thought that engineering really suited my interests,” Group Captain Broadhead said.

It has proven to be a good choice for her work leading teams of logisticians and technicians, particularly in the introduction of the F-35A Lightning II.

“I was responsible for the transition of the F-35A into service, from the logistics, maintenance and engineering systems to maintenance training,” Group Captain Broadhead said.

“It was an extremely challenging role, with one operational squadron transitioning from Classic Hornet to F-35A each year for four years, but I had an amazing team that enabled us to achieve these critical milestones.”

Now Officer Commanding Surveillance and Control Systems Program Office, Group Captain Broadhead is currently serving in Williamtown, NSW, where she lives with husband Scott and their three children.

“Serving and moving around has had its challenges for both Scott and the kids, but overall has been a very positive experience for all of us,” she said.

“None of what I have been able to achieve would have been possible without the support of my family.”

Group Captain Broadhead joins 22 other Air Force members recognised in this year’s Australia Day honours list for their exceptional contribution to Defence and the nation. 

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