Over 19 seasons Aaron Read has made an exceptional contribution to the Australian Antarctic Program.
His work has changed the way that the Australian Antarctic Division moves personnel and cargo in and out of East Antarctica.
Aaron was responsible for surveying, designing, building and certifying the Wilkins Ice Runway Aerodrome in East Antarctica, located 70 km from Casey Station. The runway was first opened in 2010, and has made a lasting impact on Australian operations in the Antarctic.
Seven years ago Aaron established the current system of remote opening of Wilkins during the winter months, including training of winter staff in basic survey capture.
He has delivered an outstanding safety record for the Australian Antarctic Program and its people. Without Aaron's complete dedication and focus to the Wilkins Aerodrome task, Australia would not be in its current position of conducting up to 25 regular RAAF C17 and Airbus A319 movements to East Antarctica every summer.