27/10/16 - Willytown & Newcastle

[Greg Hyde]

Warbirds Arrive For Centenary Celebrations
What:
Historic flight to mark the ‘Centenary of Australia’s first flying squadrons’ Numbers 1, 2, 3 and 4 Squadrons (1916 – 2016)

When:
3:30pm - 4:30pm, Thursday 27 October 2016

Where: Newcastle foreshore, NSW

Novocastrians will enjoy a rare sight as Royal Australian Air Force aircraft and historic warbirds join together for a formation flight over Newcastle to recognise the centenary of Australia’s first flying squadrons.

The aircraft will track at an altitude not below 500 feet along the Newcastle foreshore (near ANZAC Walk at Merewether) toward their final destination at RAAF Base Williamtown.

The warbirds and aircraft from Numbers 1, 2, 3 and 4 Squadrons will take part in the centenary celebrations to be held at RAAF Williamtown on Friday 28 October. The Governor-General, His Excellency General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retd), as Commander-In-Chief, will review the parade.

Noise management and environment impact are vital considerations in the planning and conduct of military flying. Air Force appreciates the support it receives from the Williamtown community.

[Bob C]

Hi guys

So the RAAF has celebrated the 100th anniversary of No 1, 2, 3 and 4 Squadrons with a special parade and flypast of current and older types at Williamtown ?

Congratulations to those units but Media coverage was very poor in Western Australia as I didn't see any mention on numerous news bulletins I watched nor has there been much on the Internet. A pity that this significant event did not have more exposure.

Several of the Squadrons added special markings to their current aircraft to celebrate the event but what was No 1 Sqn thinking when they flew A44-213 to Williamtown for the parade and flypast wearing the Boomerang tail markings (facing the wrong way !) of No 6 Squadron ? Surely they could have found a jet with the Kookaburra tail markings No 1 Squadron ?



Cheers

Bob

[Greg Hyde]

The day wasn't photographically friendly with overcast skies and heavy rain.

The RAAF Facebook site has some vision.

[Bob C]

Thanks Greg but I don't read the RAAF's FB page.

[Jaryd stock]

Bob all 24 Rhinos are now operated by 1SQN and tail markings are in the process of being changed at the moment. A44-201 conducted the aerial display, 213 with the 6SQN emblem was back up, as 201 being the CO's jet is the preferred aircraft to undertake the display.

[Bob C]

Hi Jaryd

Thanks ; I wasn't aware of that. Do you know when the changeover officially took place ?

And I presume it occurred because No 6 Sqn will be operating the F/A-18G from next year.

Cheers

Bob

[Mike_S]

Unfortunately the event was severely weather affected, not only did it rain on the parade but just about all the historic aircraft that had planned to attend couldn't make it. Apparently there was a group of warbirds sitting on the ramp at Temora waiting for the weather to clear to make the trip. Sadly it didn't happen. A lone Wirraway from nearby Maitland was the only warbird attendee.

From a 'special markings' perspective, this centennial year has also been rather disappointing really. A nose art from 2SQN seems to be all there is? (and even that was supposed to be a tail marking originally). 3SQN did at least have a go with their now infamous Desert Camo, but that effort appears to have 'crashed and burned' sadly.