New era begins with ACG

Commander ACG, AIRCDRE John Quaife, Governor-General Dr Peter Hollingworth, and CAF, AIRMSHL Angus Houston, watch over the recent ACG inauguration parade at RAAF Base Williamtown. ACG assets perform a fly past as members of the new fighting force stand proud. The Governor-General then has the honour of reviewing the parade. (Design by CPL Cindy Ipsen.)

RAAF Base Williamtown has celebrated in traditional Air Force style, the new Air Combat Group (ACG) - which, for the first time, combines Australian fast jet combat aircraft under the one command.

Over 300 RAAFies proudly marched on to the Base parade ground as distinguished guests, the Governor-General, Dr Peter Hollingworth, Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Angus Houston, and Commander of ACG, Air Commodore John Quaife, looked on.

'This new structure greatly enhances our ability to deploy composite air power in an effective manner, because it brings together the strengths of our individual combat platforms,' AIRMSHL Houston said.

'Also, by managing our air combat power through a single command structure, we will be able to ensure the correct balance between our resources, capabilities and tasks is maintained, both now and into the future.'

All combat fighter units under the command of ACG were represented in the parade, including No. 78, 81 and 82 Wings, which are comprised of 1, 3, 6, 75, 76, 77 and 79 Squadrons, No. 2 Operational Conversion Unit and the Forward Air Control Development Unit.

The ethos of the new ACG, 'Defend and Strike', is emblazoned under its new crest of a Grey Goshawk, Astral Crown and the Southern Cross.

The striking image heralds the new era for Australia's air combat force.

By Amber McKinnon