Australia's Federation Guard took part in the 2002 Twilight Spectacular at Point Cook. An Air Force birthday celebration, the Spectacular paid tribute to personnel who have contributed to peacekeeping operations around the globe.

A record crowd, ideal weather and entertainment of the highest calibre helped make this year's annual RAAF Williams Twilight Spectacular the most successful ever.

The 2002 Twilight Spectacular, held at Point Cook last month, was the major 81st birthday celebration for the Air Force.

It also paid tribute to personnel who have contributed to peacekeeping operations around the globe.

The event, which began as the Beating of the Retreat, has grown in popularity since its inception, attracting thousands of people each year.

In perfect balmy, cloudless conditions, 12,500 people descended on Point Cook to witness a variety of displays and performances.

Commando skydivers kicked off the event, followed by a flypast and aerobatic display by historic aircraft from Point Cook's RAAF Museum.

In keeping with the peacekeeping theme, a No. 38 Squadron Caribou handling demonstration represented the Air Force's peacekeeping contribution - a message not lost on the numerous RAAF Williams personnel from No. 6 Hospital, who had just returned home from six months in East Timor.

Not surprisingly, the Air Force's Roulettes and the Air Force balloon proved popular with young and old alike, as did the Victoria Police Pipes and Drums.

The evening concluded with a concert by the RAAF Central Band, accompanied by two local school choirs from Westbourne Grammar and Laverton Secondary College, and well-known songstress Rhonda Burchmore.

The event was attended by Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Angus Houston, who was also a guest at a cocktail party held later that evening at Point Cook.

AIRMSHL Houston sang the praises of RAAF Base Williams personnel and said the event was 'the best military Twilight Spectacular' he'd ever seen.

'Everything went like clockwork,' event coordinator, Squadron Leader Cliff Winnett said. 'Everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves.'

SQNLDR Winnett thanked RAAF Williams Base Commander, Wing Commander Con Nannery, a 'driving force' behind this year's Twilight Spectacular.

Meanwhile, this week at Fairbairn, CAF held a cocktail party to mark the Air Force's birthday. The evening also saw AIRMSHL Houston announce this year's Air Force awards, which will be presented in May.

The Australian Air Force was formed on 31 March 1921, with the Governor-General notified of approval to use the 'Royal' prefix on 11 May 1921.

Initially the RAAF comprised 21 officers, 128 airmen and 153 aircraft - including 127 of 128 'gift' aircraft from the British Government.

By 1939, the Australian Air Force boasted 310 officers, 3179 airmen and 246 aircraft.

From a lone base at Point Cook, facilities made available to this new Service had expanded with the acquisition of Laverton Victoria in 1921, Richmond New South Wales in 1923, Pearce Western Australia in 1934, Darwin Northern Territory, Archerfield Queensland and Rathmines New South Wales in 1939.

Story by Ben Caddaye and Teena Cardillo
Photograph by SGT Troy Rodgers