Image Gallery: October 2010
03 December 2010
F-111s farewelled after 37 years of service
The retirement of the F-111 fleet marks a significant milestone in the history of Australian military aviation. The long range strike bombers have supported Australia’s national security by providing a potent strategic deterrent.
Since their introduction in 1973, the F-111s have undergone numerous airframe, engine, weapons and avionics upgrades. The aircraft could fly at two and a half times the speed of sound at high altitude, or at supersonic speeds at low levels, using its terrain-following capabilities to avoid detection.
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Flight Lieutenant Mikolaj Romanowski (left) and Flight Lieutenant Anthony McGrath stand proud in front of their F-111 before their final flight.
(Date taken: 03 December 2010)
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No. 6 Squadron Commanding Officer, Wing Commander Michael (Micka) Gray (left) and Flight Lieutenant Andrew Kloden stand proud in front of their F-111 before their final flight.
(Date taken: 03 December 2010)
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A8-126 performs the last dump and burn in history on the final day of flying the F-111.
(Date taken: 03 December 2010)
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A8-126 performs the last dump and burn in history on the final day of flying the F-111.
(Date taken: 03 December 2010)
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F-111 aircraft are visible over the skies of RAAF Base Amberley for the final time during the 'End of Era' activities.
(Date taken: 03 December 2010)
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The last F-111s to take to the skies in return safely after completing their flight over the skies at RAAF Base Amberley.
(Date taken: 03 December 2010)
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No.6 Squadron Air Combat Officer Flight Lieutenant Leon Izatt is warmly welcomed and congratulated by his wife and five month old son Ethan moments after returning safely from his final F-111 flying mission.
(Date taken: 03 December 2010)
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A large crowd attended RAAF Base Amberley to farewell the ever popular F-111 aircraft as it is retired.
(Date taken: 03 December 2010)
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Six F-111s from No. 6 Squadron flew past in formation to signify the final flight of the F-111 aircraft.
(Date taken: 03 December 2010)
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The crowds gather around the six F-111s shortly after landing at RAAF Base Amberley for the final time.
(Date taken: 03 December 2010)
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No. 6 Squadron's F-111 A8-109 commences its final take off at RAAF Base Amberley.
(Date taken: 03 December 2010)
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The final crews of the last F-111 flights in the world enjoy themselves at the F-111 End of Era Celebrations, RAAF Base Amberley.
(Date taken: 03 December 2010)
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Former Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal (retired), Geoff Shepherd, a former F-111 pilot, delivers the farewell speech and official toast to the F-111s at the F-111 End of Era Celebrations, RAAF Base Amberley.
(Date taken: 03 December 2010)
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From left, Flight Lieutenant James Hutchins, Air Combat Officer (Navigator) No. 6 Squadron, and Flight Lieutenant Vladislav Bismarck, Pilot No. 6 Squadron, in front of the F-111 before their final flight.
(Date taken: 03 December 2010)
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The final F-111 takes off from the runway at RAAF Base Amberley.
(Date taken: 03 December 2010)
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The crowd looks up at the F-111 multi-ship formation fly over during the End of Era celebrations.
(Date taken: 03 December 2010)
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F-111 A8-125 is taxied in for the final time by Air Combat Officer (Navigator), Wing Commander Michael Gray, Commanding Officer No. 6 Squadron, and No. 6 Squadron pilot, Flight Lieutenant Andrew Kloeden.
(Date taken: 03 December 2010)
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The crowd get a closer look at the F-111s as they line up after their final flight.
(Date taken: 03 December 2010)
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Children from the ‘F-111 School House’ team from Amberley District High School in front of an F-111.
(Date taken: 03 December 2010)
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