Media Room: Defence Alert

RAAF BASE DARWIN OPEN DAY

 

What:             RAAF Base Darwin will host a Base Open Day to provide the public with an opportunity to see the personnel and aircraft involved in Exercise Pitch Black 08.

 

When:             Saturday 14^th June 2008 from 10.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m.

 

Where:           Royal Australian Air Force Base (RAAF) Darwin, Stuart Highway, Darwin.

 

Why:               To showcase the personnel and aircraft involved in Exercise Pitch Black 08.

 

Exercise PITCH BLACK 08 is the Royal Australian Air Force’s largest and most complex Air Exercise. It provides participants with high complexity Air Combat training opportunities. There are approximately 3000 personnel deployed to RAAF Bases Darwin and Tindal from 10 countries, operating approximately 60 aircraft.

 

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Darwin plays a vital role in Exercise PITCH BLACK 08 (PB08) providing the necessary support to ground and air operations for the duration of the Exercise.

 

RAAF Darwin Commanding Officer, Wing Commander Noel Hinschen, said opening up the Base would give the public a terrific opportunity to get a close look at the aircraft taking part in PB08 and a chance to talk with Australian and international ground crews and aircrews.

 

“It is also an opportunity for the Base to say a big thank you to the local community for their ongoing support,” Wing Commander Hinschen said.

 

The RAAF Base Darwin Open Day will include:

 

Royal Australian Air Force   F/A-18 Hornets; F-111, B707 Air to Air Refueller, Caribou

 

Royal Thai Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons;

 

Republic of Singapore Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons; E2-C Early Warning;

 

USMC F-18; and

 

French Air Force E3A

 

Hourly displays from the RAAF Military Working Dog Team,

 

Recruiting staff and the Australian Defence Force (ADF) recruiting van, and

 

Memorabilia stands.

 

Photography will be permitted in the designated areas during the Open Day.

 

PUBLIC NOTE:

The public can enter the Base via Bombing Road Gate (from Stuart Highway).

 

Parking marshals will direct traffic to assigned parking areas.

 

All visitors to RAAF Base Darwin will pass through an established Screening Point prior to accessing the hardstand areas displaying aircraft.

 

Food and drinks will be available for purchase from a locally contracted caterer.

 

While shade points will be provided, sun block, hats and water are strongly recommended. 

 

MEDIA NOTE:

Members of the media are asked to advise of their interest in attending by telephoning the Pitch Black public affairs toll free number: 1800 301 885.

Media will be asked to assemble at the front gate of the Base at 9:30am where a separate media shuttle service will be provided. Media are reminded to bring suitable ID for entry.

 

Further information:

For further information on Exercise Pitch Black 2008 please phone the 1800 301 885 number or visit the Exercise Pitch Black website at: www.defence.gov.au/pitchblack08