The End

[Jethro H]

THE HON. GREG COMBET AM MP
Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science

SHAYNE NEUMANN MP
Federal Member for Blair

AMBERLEY TO RECEIVE A CARIBOU
A retired Caribou aircraft will become a permanent static display at RAAF Base Amberley in recognition of the Caribou’s 45 years of service to Australia and its long association with the local area.

Air Force Caribou has a long history of operational activity from Amberley and part of the fleet was based there until 2 years ago,” said Mr Neumann.

“Air Force Caribou were based at RAAF Amberley from 1992 until 2007. For 15 years, Amberley-based Caribou provided vital support to ADF operations and exercises across Australia, East Timor, PNG and the South Pacific.”

“The establishment of a static display is a fitting tribute to the thousands of people who proudly flew and maintained the Caribou in South-East Queensland.”

Australia received a total of 29 Caribou between 1964 and 1971. The light tactical transport aircraft were well known for their ability to operate from short and unprepared airstrips. Caribou conducted tasks across Australia, and in Vietnam, South East Asia, Kashmir and the South Pacific.

“In recent years, the ageing Caribou became increasingly labour intensive and costly to operate. It was a tribute to the aircrew and maintenance personnel that the Caribou was able to operate as long as it did,” said Mr Combet.

“In the interim, the Caribou will be replaced by the King Air, which will provide a modern and efficient transport capability for the Australian Defence Force. A long term replacement for the Caribou will be selected in consultation with Defence.”

“The Caribou’s lengthy and illustrious Air Force career has also been recognised with one aircraft being provided to the Australian War Memorial and another to the RAAF Museum at Point Cook, Victoria.”

Disposal of the remaining Caribou aircraft is being managed by the Defence Materiel Organisation.

Does anyone know what/where they will dispose the rest of the fleet to?

[Jethro H]

The End continues for another part of the fleet. This was sent out this week

As the end of the F-111 era draws to a close the long-range strike aircraft are still flexing their muscle as they take part in their final Exercise Pitch Black.
Four F-111s from No. 6 Squadron RAAF Amberley, Qld are taking part in the exercise which commenced on 16 July.
After 37 years, the iconic F-111s are the longest current serving aircraft in the Royal Australian Air Force's fleet.
Wing Commader Micka Gray, Commanding Officer No. 6 Squadron, said the F-111 has been very successful for a very long time.
"The F-111 was an aircraft ahead of its time. It was one of the first twin-engine swing-wing aircraft and has enormous flexibility for range and endurance".
It is affectionately known as the 'Pig' for its ability to hunt at night with its nose in the weeds, thanks to its terrain-following radar.
"No. 6 Squadron has a long and proud history," Wing Commander Gray said. "I am sure the end of 2010 will be an emotional time for many people when we say goodbye to the Pig. But for now we have F-111s to prepare, fly and fight".
The F-111 arrived at Amberley in 1973 and No. 6 Squadron has now flown the formidable strike jet for nearly four decades.
"The F-111 is just a magnificent aircraft. I first flew it 22 years ago as a young fella and I've flown a lot of hours in it. It touches you just to be part of the F-111 community whether you are flying it, maintaining it or supporting it".
The F-111 can strike day or night in any weather. Its Pave Tack targeting system can locate targets at night and in bad weather and provides laser designation for laser-guided weapons. The radar warning system detects incoming radar emissions and alerts the crew to potential surface or air attacks.
The F-111 remains a vital component of Australia's air combat capability in concert with the F/A-18 Classic and Super Hornets.
Exercise Pitch Black is a three week multi-national air combat exercise, conducted in the Northern Territory.
PB10 is the largest RAAF Field Training Exercise for 2010 and involves a combination of day and night flying from RAAF bases at Darwin and Tindal.
The exercise involves participants from the Australian Army and elements of the Singapore, New Zealand and Thailand air forces participating in the tasking, planning and execution of Offensive Counter Air and Offensive Air Support operations in a coalition environment.
The F-111s will return to Darwin for Exercises Kakadu and Singaroo later next month. The venerable aircraft will be duly farewelled from service at the end of the year.

Photo and info c/- Defence Media.

[Jethro H]

It will be interesting to see who will collect one.
It would be nice to see a couple preserved around the place....
From Defence:

Minister for Defence Materiel Jason Clare announced the release of the tender to dispose of retired Caribou aircraft.
Mr Clare said that two of the fleet will be reserved for sale to historical organisations that will preserve the aircraft as flying examples of military heritage.
A number of Caribou components will also be made available only to historical organisations and Returned Service Organisations, such as RSL’s.
“The Caribou has had a long and distinguished history with the Australian Defence Force,” Mr Clare said.
“It was first brought into service in Vietnam and has served with distinction for nearly half a century.
“The aircraft was famous for its ability to take off and land on short and unprepared runways.
“This unique ability allowed the Caribou to play a major role in relief operations both within Australia and internationally.
“Due to the historic significance of the aircraft, we have reserved a number of Caribou components for preservation at RSL’s and historical organisations.”
During service, the Caribou aircraft were based at RAAF Richmond NSW, RAAF Amberley QLD and RAAF Townsville QLD.
Two of the aircraft have already been presented to the RAAF Museum at Point Cook and the Australian War Memorial.
Interested parties should go to www.tenders.gov.au or contact the Defence Disposals Agency on (02) 9393 2914 for more information.
The closing date for tenders is 1 March 2011.
Imagery is available at: http://adfmedia.smugmug.com/Clare/20...82087671_JQ72h