Image Gallery: August 2009
28 August 2009
Exercise Arnhem Drifter
The Balloon went to Nhulunbuy Primary School to give students and teachers a first hand look and lecture on what the Balloon does and it's history.
The Air Force Balloons are operated by Central Flying School which is located at RAAF Base East Sale in Victoria. However the Balloons themselves are based in Canberra and lodge with No. 28 Squadron, is travelling through Arnhem Land as part of Exercise Arnhem Drifter from August 24 to September 4.
It is bringing the Air Force and all of its career possibilities to Indigenous and other Australians in Nhulunbuy, Yirrkala and Gapuwiyak.
Since 1990, the Air Force Balloon has provided opportunities for the Air Force to connect with local communities.
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Members of the public having a close look at the Balloon being inflated.
(Date taken: 28 August 2009)
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Air Force Balloon crew member, Warrant Officer Steve Mountstephen is setting up the Balloon's burners.
(Date taken: 28 August 2009)
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Children and teachers from Nhulunbuy High School watch the Balloon inflate.
(Date taken: 28 August 2009)
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Squadron Leader Michael Bannerman talking to Nhulunbuy High School children about the Balloon.
(Date taken: 28 August 2009)
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Sergeant Paul Thorpe with 13 year old Kurt Harrison leaning on the massive burners.
(Date taken: 28 August 2009)
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Sergeant Paul Thorpe with the tethered Balloon above him.
(Date taken: 28 August 2009)
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Nhulunbuy school students (left to right) Laura Haddock, 13, Ainslea Barnes, 13 and Ebonee Montgomery with their Air Force bags.
(Date taken: 28 August 2009)
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School children from Nhulunbuy Primary School shake the Balloon to get air into it.
(Date taken: 28 August 2009)
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Balloon pilot, Squadron Leader Michael Bannerman talks to the assembled Nhulunbuy Primary School about the Balloon and the history of Balloon flight.
(Date taken: 28 August 2009)
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Indigenous Affairs Liaison, Leading Aircraftwoman Deborah Booker talking to other indigenous children from the school. They are (left to right) Shandyn Moody, Nathan Yunipingu, Mali Martin, Juan Darr-Bourne and Justinal Barra Barra.
(Date taken: 28 August 2009)
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Indigenous Affairs Liaison, Leading Aircraftwoman Deborah Booker with school student Justinal Barra Barra.
(Date taken: 28 August 2009)
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Indigenous Affairs Liaison, Leading Aircraftwoman Deborah Booker with school student Justinal Barra Barra.
(Date taken: 28 August 2009)
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Indigenous Affairs Liaison, Leading Aircraftwoman Deborah Booker with school student Justinal Barra Barra.
(Date taken: 28 August 2009)
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Balloon pilot, Squadron Leader Michael Bannerman, firing up the burners for the school children.
(Date taken: 28 August 2009)
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