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Image Gallery: April 2009

06 April 2009
Adelaide celebrations for RAAF's 88th anniversary

The Officers' Mess at RAAF Base Edinburgh hosted a cocktail party on 31 March 2009 to celebrate the 88th Anniversary of the formation of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).

The Royal Australian Air Force has marked 88 years of proud service to Australia. Throughout the decades, Air Force members have developed a reputation for courage and dedication to duty in conflict, peacekeeping and humanitarian tasks.

More than 500 Air Force personnel are currently playing an important role on operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, Sudan, Darfur, East Timor and the Solomon Islands, as well as at home conducting border protection duties in Australia’s maritime domain.

The Australian Air Force officially formed on 31 March 1921. Approval to use the ‘Royal’ prefix was granted later that year.

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Governor of South Australia, His Excellency Rear Admiral Kevin Scarce, AO CSC Royal Australian Navy Reserves (right), departs the ceremony with State President of the RAAF Association (SA Division), Mr Dave Hellman (left). They are escorted by Group Captain Christopher 'Reg' Carruthers (centre).

(Date taken: 31 March 2009)
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Squadron Leader Michael Durant lays a wreath and salutes at the Cross of Sacrifice.

(Date taken: 31 March 2009)
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Chaplains Flight Lieutenant (FLTLT) Darryl Mattner (left) and FLTLT Yogananda Juste-Constant (centre) deliver prayers for the ceremony. Corporal Daryl Totaro is resting on arms (right).

(Date taken: 31 March 2009)
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Group Captain Christopher 'Reg' Carruthers addresses attendees of the commemorative service. Chaplains Flight Lieutenant (FLTLT) Yogananda Juste-Constant (left) and FLTLT Darryl Mattner (centre) in background and Corporal Daryl Totaro (right) resting on arms in foreground.

(Date taken: 31 March 2009)
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Corporal Candice Grant resting on arms at the Cross of Sacrifice.

(Date taken: 31 March 2009)
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Royal Australian Air Force Catafalque party members rest on arms at the Cross of Sacrifice.

(Date taken: 31 March 2009)
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Wing Commander Margaret Hine (left) talks with the president of the War Widows Guild South Australia, Brenda Fergusson (right).

(Date taken: 31 March 2009)
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RAAF Flight Lieutenant Yogananda Juste-Constant sings with the Navy band, (L-R) Able Seaman Rory McKinnon and Leading Seaman Luke Townsend.

(Date taken: 31 March 2009)
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Squadron Leader John Grime of 10 Squadron (left) and Brian Tavener of 'The Flying Shovels' (right).

(Date taken: 31 March 2009)
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