Image Gallery: August 2010
23 August 2010
Rare Double Colour Consecration Ceremony at RAAF Townsville
A rare double consecration ceremony was performed at RAAF Townsville this morning, in the presence of the Governor-General, Ms Quentin Bryce AC.
Her Excellency was the Reviewing Officer for the ceremonial parade at which the Number 1 Airfield Operations Support Squadron (1AOSS) Standard and Number 27 (City of Townsville) Squadron (27 SQN) Governor General’s Banner were consecrated by the Principal Air Chaplains.
A Squadron Standard is awarded to operational squadrons of the Royal Australian Air Force with more than 25 years service or combat distinction, while the Governor General’s Banner is awarded to a non-operational unit in recognition of more than 25 years distinguished service. It is very unusual for two units at the same base to receive such prestigious presentations on the same parade.
Wing Commander Paul Aggett, Commanding Officer of Number 27 Squadron, said the consecration ceremony was a moving experience for members of both squadrons.
“Units regard their banners and standards in the highest esteem, and to have our banners consecrated at a parade like this, then to have them presented to us by Her Excellency was a moment of great pride.”
The Executive Officer of 1 Airfield Operations Support Squadron, Squadron Leader Michelle Murphy, was Parade Commander.
“Our Squadron Standard is a visual representation of our proud history and the role we’ve played in supporting Air Force at home and on operations. Today’s ceremony marks the recognition of this significant achievement, and lets us celebrate it in the company of family and past Squadron members,” she said.
Following the consecration parade the banners were returned to the respective squadron headquarters and placed in locked glass display cases for safekeeping.
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The Reviewing Officer, Her Excellency, Ms Quentin Bryce, AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, reviews the parade at RAAF Base Townsville.
(Date taken: 22 August 2010)
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Wing Commander Paul Aggett (left), Commanding Officer, No. 27 Squadron, uncases the Governor General’s Banner and Wing Commander Steven Force, Commanding Officer, No. 1 Airfield Operations Support Squadron uncases the Squadron Standard during the Consecration Ceremony at RAAF Base Townsville.
(Date taken: 22 August 2010)
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Chaplain (Air Commodore) Murray Earl (right) blesses the Squadron Standard and Governor General’s Banner with Chaplain (Group Captain) Kevin Russell (left) and Chaplain (Air Commodore) Peter O’Keefe, during the double Consecration Ceremony at RAAF Base Townsville.
(Date taken: 22 August 2010)
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Her Excellency, Ms Quentin Bryce, AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, presents the No. 1 Airfield Operations Support Squadron Standard and No. 27 Squadron Governor General’s Banner at RAAF Base Townsville.
(Date taken: 22 August 2010)
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The Colour Party troop the No. 1 Airfield Operations Support Squadron Standard and No. 27 Squadron Governor General’s Banner during the double Consecration Ceremony at RAAF Base Townsville.
(Date taken: 22 August 2010)
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The Colour Party display the No. 1 Airfield Operations Support Squadron Standard and No. 27 Squadron Governor General’s Banner during the double Consecration Ceremony at RAAF Base Townsville.
(Date taken: 22 August 2010)
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From left, Chaplain (Group Captain) Kevin Russell, Chaplain-in-Chief Royal Air Force (Air Vice-Marshal) Ray Pentland, and Chaplain (Air Commodore) Murray Earl after the double Consecration Ceremony at RAAF Base Townsville.
(Date taken: 22 August 2010)
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From left, Wing Commander Paul Aggett, Commanding Officer, No. 27 Squadron, Wing Commander Steven Force, Commanding Officer, No. 1 Airfield Operations Support Squadron and Her Excellency, Ms Quentin Bryce, AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, enjoy the reception following the Consecration Ceremony at RAAF Base Townsville.
(Date taken: 22 August 2010)
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Her Excellency, Ms Quentin Bryce, AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia (left), enjoys the reception with the Parade Commander, Squadron Leader Michelle Murphy, Executive Officer, No. 1 Airfield Operations Support Squadron, following the Consecration Ceremony at RAAF Base Townsville.
(Date taken: 22 August 2010)
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From left, Air Vice-Marshal Mark Skidmore, Air Commander Australia, Her Excellency, Ms Quentin Bryce, AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia and Air Commodore Chris Sawade, Commander Combat Support Group, at the reception following the Consecration Ceremony at RAAF Base Townsville.
(Date taken: 22 August 2010)
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