For RAF refueller Air Specialist (Class 1) Deryn, Exercise Pitch Black 2026 provides more than his first opportunity to visit Australia. It is his first major international exercise, working alongside air forces from around the world in one of the most complex flying environments.
More than 20 nations and over 100 aircraft are taking part in Pitch Black, providing an opportunity for personnel from every trade to work together, strengthen interoperability and learn from one another. While the aircraft always attract attention, the exercise depends just as much on the people keeping them flying.
For AS1 Deryn whose day job at RAF Lossiemouth is to support Typhoon and P-8A Poseidon operations alongside a busy programme of aircraft movements and maintenance, the scale of Pitch Black has been a step beyond anything he has experienced before.
“It’s definitely been eye-opening to see how the Australians do the same job that we do, but with different processes and procedures,” he said.
AS1 Deryn has previously deployed overseas, but this is the first time he has been embedded on an exercise of this size.
“The exercise allows me to develop professionally, build confidence and learn different ways of working with both the equipment and the people. You’re working with different chains of command and different countries that you wouldn’t normally meet.”
Air Specialist (Class 1) Deryn
Logistics Driver
As an RAF refueller, AS1 Deryn’s role is fundamental to keeping aircraft moving. Throughout the exercise he will help refuel a wide variety of multinational aircraft, with responsibilities extending beyond the aircraft types he would typically encounter in Scotland.
“We get a good variety at Lossiemouth, but nothing compared to this. Seeing different aircraft and working on different platforms expands your knowledge.”
That exposure is one of the greatest strengths of Pitch Black. Personnel not only develop technical expertise but also gain experience working alongside international partners, building professional relationships that improve cooperation whenever nations operate together.
Trust is earned long before it’s needed. Exercises such as Pitch Black allow allies and partners to understand each other, alongside nuanced procedures and ways of working long before they may ever need to operate together.
Away from the base, AS1 Deryn has also been making the most of his first trip to Australia’s Northern Territory.
He has explored Darwin’s waterfront, visited local attractions and settled into life at the Defence accommodation precinct, while adapting to the tropical climate that feels a world away from northern Scotland.
His family were quick to remind him how fortunate he is.
“They were quite jealous when I told them I was coming. It’s such a good opportunity that I had to take it. They’ve always wanted to travel, so they’re jealous that I get to do it for work.”
Despite arriving with warnings about snakes, crocodiles and spiders, the wildlife has remained elusive so far.
“I’m probably more at ease seeing a Highland cow than a snake,” he laughed.
Like many deployed personnel, AS1 Deryn says the experience extends far beyond the job itself. Working with partner nations, operating in a new environment and representing the RAF overseas are all part of what makes the deployment memorable.
For those supporting the flying programme every day, Pitch Black is not simply about aircraft in the air. It is about developing people, sharing expertise and strengthening the partnerships that enable allied air forces to operate together whenever they are called upon.
If you’re interested in becoming a Logistics Driver, check out the page on RAF Recruitment.
