The End

[Craig Murray]

Howdy,

Visited Oakey today for the fly-in and observed four Caribou now in open storage post withdrawl from active service with the Royal Australian Air Force.

In addition to A4-228 and A4-231 mentioned previously, A4-234 and A4-275 (all pictured below) are now also resident at the Army Aviation Centre.

[Gerard M]

Despite it being a great set of photos Craig, it is defiantly a sad sight to see. It may have been answered already but what happens to them now whilst in storage?

[Andrew Neil]

good question. Are they looking to get rid out them of let them rot away. Would love to see them in civilian aviation if someone had the cash

[Stephen B]

On the 17th of last month I visited Amberly and saw F-111 A8-145 which had made its last flight and been grounded the day before. The base is littered with stripped fuselages. That's going to be another very sad day with the F-111's are retired as well.

[Craig Murray]

A4-225 was seen at Oakey today confirming it has been retired from active RAAF service.

This brings the number of 'Bou in storage at Oakey to 5. An additional two parking positions have been prepared so I expect two more units to arrive in the near future.

[Mick F]

I was fortunate enough to have a look through the last Caribou to come through Mount Isa. They used to be a regular visitor to the town, but, the last one has departed. Sad sight.

On a flight to Townsville yesterday, noticed they had the formal Caribou farewell ceremony in the morning, with several parked on the Military Apron area.

Mick

[lloyd fox]

One landed at BNE about 30mins ago and the pilot told the controller this was his last flight.There may have been a water cannon salute as well.

I know i will miss them out of BNE and flying over my house.

[Mark Grima]

Originally Posted by Mick F

On a flight to Townsville yesterday, noticed they had the formal Caribou farewell ceremony in the morning, with several parked on the Military Apron area.

My other halves old man was invited to travel up to TSV for this do and from all reports it was a wonderful affair with one quote I heard for him being "I had tingles down my side" This coming from a bloke that usally has no emotion what so ever.

To be honest I am not 100% sure of his assiciation with the Bou, I don't even know how long he has been retired from the RAAF, decades maybe, I must find out. If i see any photos from the ceremony over the weekend I will be sure to share them.

Cheers

M

[Dave Parer]

The Caribous flew in formation for the last time yesterday over Townsville. Sad day. End of an era.....

http://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au...1_hpphoto.html

[Marty H]

Anyword if 152 and 140 have departed TSV today (23/11) for the trip down to Point Cook?