Media Room: Media Releases

AIR FORCE STATIC DISPLAY

AT RAAF DARWIN

What:         RAAF Base Darwin will host an Exercise Pitch Black 06 static display.

When:        Saturday 5^th August 2006 from 10.00AM to 2.00PM.

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

Why:          To provide the opportunity for the public to view base operational activities.

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Darwin continues to play an important role in Exercise PITCH BLACK 06 (PB06) which is a multinational exercise currently being conducted in Northern Australia. 

RAAF Base Darwin’s main role in PB06 is to assist flying operations for the duration of the exercise.

RAAF Darwin Base Commander, Wing Commander Janez Marinic, said static display will allow the local community to experience the professionalism and dedication of RAAF personnel first hand.

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

The local community is encouraged to take advantage of the display and be able to get up close to a range of aircraft involved in Exercise Pitch Black including:

Royal Australian Air Force

F/A-18 Hornets; a F-111; PC9s and a Boeing 707 tanker

Royal Thai Air Force

F-16 Fighting Falcons

Royal Singapore Air Force

F-16 Fighting Falcons; E-2C Hawkeye Airborne Early Warning System aircraft; KC-135R air-to-air refuelling aircraft.

Royal Air Force

E-3D Airborne Early Warning System aircraft

The taking of photographs will be permitted in designated areas during the four-hour public display. There also may be opportunities to view some of the larger aircraft from the inside.

Local Air Force Cadets will be providing a sausage sizzle.

PUBLIC NOTE:

There will be no private vehicle or pedestrian access to the Base. Members of the public are asked to park at the Darwin showgrounds where there will be a continuous shuttle bus service into and out of the Base.

The shuttle bus service will be free. The first bus to leave the showgrounds for the Base at  9.45am with the last bus departing at 1pm.

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 2006 please phone the 1800 301 885 or visit the Exercise Pitch Black website at: www.defence.gov.au/pitchblack06